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 Big Spring Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Big Spring Correctional Center 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 Big Spring Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Big Spring Correctional Center

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 Big Spring Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Big Spring Correctional Center?

   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 Big Spring Correctional Center?

   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 Big Spring Correctional Center. 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 Big Spring Correctional Center. 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 Big Spring Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Big Spring Correctional Center
   1701 Apron Dr
   Big Spring, TX 79720
   Phone: (432) 264-0060

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Big Spring Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Big Spring Correctional Center 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 (432) 264-0060 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 Big Spring Correctional Center?

   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 Big Spring Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Big Spring Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Big Spring Correctional Center 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 Big Spring Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Big Spring Correctional Center, 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 Big Spring Correctional Center?

   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 Big Spring Correctional Center 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 Big Spring Correctional Center, 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

Personal transformation begins through structured opportunities that allow those incarcerated at Big Spring Correctional Institution to develop essential life skills and build foundations for successful reintegration. The facility’s comprehensive approach emphasizes practical skill development alongside personal growth, creating pathways that extend far beyond the correctional environment. Through carefully designed offerings, participants can engage in meaningful work that builds both competence and confidence.

Educational and vocational training opportunities typically form the cornerstone of personal development at the institution. Those incarcerated may access vocational training programs that focus on marketable skills relevant to today’s workforce. Work programs often provide hands-on experience in various operational areas of the facility, allowing participants to develop professional habits and technical abilities. In addition to this, specialized training in barbering and cosmetology may furnish participants with certification-ready skills that translate directly into employment opportunities upon release.

Support services and therapeutic offerings create additional layers of personal growth through diverse programming approaches. Faith-based initiatives often provide spiritual guidance and community connections that many participants find meaningful during their incarceration. Animal care programs may offer comprehensive opportunities for those incarcerated to develop responsibility and empathy while caring for facility animals. Veteran services typically address the specific needs of those who have served in the military, providing targeted support that acknowledges their comprehensive experiences and challenges.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family and maintaining relationships with the outside world remains a central focus for those incarcerated at Big Spring Correctional Institution. The facility currently operates on a structured schedule that continues to emphasize both individual accountability and community interaction throughout each day. Those incarcerated typically begin their mornings with count procedures, followed by meals and work assignments that furnish opportunities for social interaction and skill development.

Living arrangements generally consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop daily routines alongside their peers. The dining areas serve as important gathering spaces where residents can interact during scheduled meal times, often fostering informal support networks. In addition to this, recreational activities and exercise periods provide structured opportunities for physical fitness and social engagement, helping to maintain both mental and physical well-being during incarceration.

Programming schedules typically include educational opportunities, vocational training, and counseling sessions that encourage personal growth while building community connections. Despite this structured environment, the facility generally maintains policies that support family contact through scheduled visitation periods and telephone access. Those incarcerated may also utilize commissary services to purchase personal items and often participate in letter-writing and other forms of communication to stay connected with their support systems outside the facility walls.