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 Bertie Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bertie Correctional Institution 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 Bertie Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Bertie Correctional Institution

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 Bertie Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bertie Correctional Institution?

   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 Bertie Correctional Institution?

   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 Bertie Correctional Institution. 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 Bertie Correctional Institution. 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 Bertie Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Bertie Correctional Institution
   218 Cooper Hill Rd
   Windsor, NC 27983
   Phone: (252) 794-8600

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Bertie Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Bertie Correctional Institution 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 (252) 794-8600 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 Bertie Correctional Institution?

   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 Bertie Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bertie Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bertie Correctional Institution 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 Bertie Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bertie Correctional Institution, 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 Bertie Correctional Institution?

   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 Bertie Correctional Institution 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 Bertie Correctional Institution, 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

Through partnerships with Martin Community College and East Carolina University, Bertie Correctional Institution provides educational and vocational training opportunities designed to prepare residents for successful reintegration. The facility's case management team coordinates a comprehensive array of programming including substance abuse treatment through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups, cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI), anger management courses, and specialized programs addressing domestic violence and fatherhood parenting skills. Community volunteers play a vital role in supporting religious services and transitional programming, helping residents build connections that may continue beyond their incarceration.

The institution operates under a unit management system that allows for targeted programming across its various housing units. Case managers facilitate the offender service club, in-cell studies programs, and the "breaking the cycle" initiative, which typically focuses on helping residents identify and change patterns of criminal behavior. The facility may also offer additional counseling services, life skills training, and pre-release preparation programs to support residents as they work toward rehabilitation goals.

Healthcare services are provided by registered nurses, physicians, dentists, and mental health providers who address both routine medical needs and specialized treatment requirements. The facility's commitment to progressive corrections practices is evidenced by its reduction of restrictive housing cells from 269 to 128 beds in 2016, reflecting an emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment. Additional support services may include library access, recreational activities, and family visitation programs that help maintain important community connections during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured environment at Bertie Correctional Institution varies significantly between its two distinct housing units, with close custody residents living in single cells while medium custody individuals share open dormitory-style accommodations. The facility's unit management system divides the close custody population across four color-coded units - Gray, Red, Blue, and Green - with the Gray Unit specifically designated for those in restrictive housing. Medium custody residents are housed in the Tan 1 and Tan 2 units, which typically offer more freedom of movement and social interaction throughout the day.

Educational opportunities form a central part of the daily routine, with classes provided through partnerships with Martin Community College and East Carolina University. Case managers facilitate various programs including substance abuse support groups, anger management sessions, parenting classes, and in-cell study programs that allow residents to work on personal development during designated hours. The facility's community volunteer program brings additional support for religious services and transitional planning, creating structured activities that break up the daily schedule and provide meaningful engagement opportunities.

Communication with family and friends remains an important aspect of daily life, though specific visitation schedules and phone policies may vary based on custody level and housing assignment. The facility's location in Windsor, North Carolina, at 218 Cooper Hill Road, serves as the connection point for families maintaining contact with their loved ones. With a total capacity of 1,504 male residents across both custody levels, the institution maintains structured daily routines that balance security requirements with rehabilitation programming and personal time.