How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Bedford Hills Correctional Facility

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
   247 Harris Rd
   Bedford Hills, NY 10507
   Phone: (914) 241-3100

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (914) 241-3100 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Educational and vocational programs form a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, working alongside comprehensive substance abuse treatment and counseling services to support women during their incarceration. The facility provides alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs, anger management courses, and trauma programs that address the complex needs of the female population. Educational opportunities may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and potentially college-level coursework, while vocational training programs typically focus on developing marketable skills that can support successful reintegration into the community.

Family development programs play a particularly important role at the facility, recognizing the comprehensive challenges faced by incarcerated mothers and their children. These services often include parenting classes, family counseling, and support groups that help maintain and strengthen family bonds during incarceration. The facility also offers guidance and counseling services, religious programming, and recreational activities that promote personal growth and healthy coping strategies. Library and law library services provide access to educational resources and legal materials, supporting both personal development and legal needs.

Specialized programs may include sex offender treatment for those who require it, veterans services for formerly enlisted women, and temporary release programs that allow eligible individuals to participate in work or educational opportunities in the community. Transitional services programs typically focus on pre-release planning, helping women prepare for reentry through job placement assistance, housing support, and connections to community resources. Volunteer services and programs often supplement these offerings, bringing additional educational, spiritual, and support services into the facility through community partnerships and individual volunteers.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visiting hours at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility run from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM daily, with the latest arrival time at 3:00 PM, providing families with extended opportunities to maintain connections with their loved ones. This maximum security facility for women in Westchester County operates under the supervision of Superintendent Eileen Russell, offering a structured environment where incarcerated individuals can access various rehabilitative programs while serving their sentences.

The facility typically maintains a regimented daily schedule that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal growth and family connection. Women housed at Bedford Hills may participate in educational and vocational programs, religious services, and recreational activities as part of their daily routine. The facility often provides access to library services, including legal research materials, allowing residents to work on their cases or pursue educational goals during designated hours throughout the week.

Program participation frequently forms a central part of daily life, with offerings that may include alcohol and substance abuse treatment, anger management, trauma programs, and transitional services designed to prepare individuals for eventual reintegration. Family development programs and guidance services are typically integrated into the weekly schedule, supporting both personal rehabilitation and family relationships. Weekend visitation follows an alphabetical schedule by last name, helping families plan their visits while maintaining the facility’s security protocols and operational efficiency.