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 Bent County Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bent County 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 Bent County Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Bent County 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 Bent County Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bent County 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 Bent County 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 Bent County 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 Bent County 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 Bent County Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Bent County Correctional Facility
   11560 County Road Ff 75
   Las Animas, CO 81054
   Phone: (719) 456-2610

5. What are the visiting hours at Bent County Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Bent County 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 (719) 456-2610 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 Bent County 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 Bent County Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bent County Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bent County 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 Bent County Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bent County 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 Bent County 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 Bent County 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 Bent County 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 Rehabilitation Programs

The facility’s comprehensive programming approach centers on basic education, vocational training, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and reentry preparation. These core program areas work together to address the diverse needs of the medium custody population, providing inmates with essential skills and support systems necessary for successful community reintegration.

Educational opportunities typically include GED preparation and adult basic education classes, helping inmates achieve fundamental academic credentials. Vocational training programs may offer instruction in trades such as construction, maintenance, food service, or other marketable skills that align with local employment opportunities. The facility’s substance abuse programs often incorporate both individual and group counseling sessions, addressing addiction issues through evidence-based treatment approaches and relapse prevention strategies.

Mental health services may include individual counseling, crisis intervention, and psychiatric care as needed, while reentry programs typically focus on practical life skills such as job search techniques, financial literacy, and community resource navigation. Additional support services often available at Colorado correctional facilities may include library access, recreational activities, religious services, and family communication programs. The facility’s visiting schedule accommodates family connections with sessions on Friday through Sunday, recognizing the importance of maintaining supportive relationships during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visiting hours at Bent County Correctional Facility follow a structured weekend schedule, with family members and friends welcomed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:50 pm. The facility begins processing visitors at 9:30 am, with a midday break that resumes processing around noon. Those arriving at or after 2:00 pm cannot visit that day, and once visitors leave the premises, they may not return during the same visit period. This medium-security facility, operated by CoreCivic since 1996, houses inmates in a Level III environment located in Las Animas, about 85 miles east of Pueblo.

Throughout the week, residents at BCCF typically participate in various structured programs designed to support rehabilitation and preparation for reentry into the community. The facility offers basic education classes for those working toward their GED or improving literacy skills, alongside vocational training programs that may teach practical job skills. Mental health services and substance abuse treatment programs are also available to address individual needs. These programs often operate during regular daytime hours, with inmates following scheduled routines that may include work assignments, educational activities, meals, and recreation time.

The facility’s visiting policies reflect both security considerations and family connection priorities, allowing advance scheduling through email for up to 14 days for in-state visitors, with potential exceptions for out-of-state family members who may need additional flexibility. Communication with loved ones typically includes phone calls and mail correspondence, following standard correctional facility guidelines. The structured environment balances security requirements with opportunities for personal growth through programming, family contact, and preparation for eventual release back into the community.