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 Blackburn Correctional Complex.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Blackburn Correctional Complex 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 Blackburn Correctional Complex.

Frequently asked questions about Blackburn Correctional Complex

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 Blackburn Correctional Complex.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Blackburn Correctional Complex?

   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 Blackburn Correctional Complex?

   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 Blackburn Correctional Complex. 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 Blackburn Correctional Complex. 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 Blackburn Correctional Complex?

   Mailing address:

   Blackburn Correctional Complex
   3111 Spurr Rd
   Lexington, KY 40511
   Phone: (859) 246-2366

5. What are the visiting hours at Blackburn Correctional Complex?

   Visiting hours at Blackburn Correctional Complex 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 (859) 246-2366 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 Blackburn Correctional Complex?

   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 Blackburn Correctional Complex for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Blackburn Correctional Complex?

   You can send money to an inmate at Blackburn Correctional Complex 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 Blackburn Correctional Complex?

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

   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 Blackburn Correctional Complex 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 Blackburn Correctional Complex, 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

Within the structured environment of Blackburn Corrections Complex, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive framework of opportunities designed to foster personal transformation and prepare them for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes skill development and behavioral modification through carefully structured offerings that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. This multifaceted system typically operates within a secure setting that prioritizes safety while encouraging meaningful participation in growth-oriented activities.

Educational services form the cornerstone of developmental opportunities, often including literacy programs, GED preparation, and continuing education pathways that allow participants to advance their academic credentials. Also available are vocational offerings, with carpentry training frequently serving as a practical skill-building component that may furnish those incarcerated with marketable abilities upon release. These hands-on learning experiences typically emphasize both technical proficiency and workplace readiness, creating a foundation for future employment opportunities.

The facility's support infrastructure often includes comprehensive vocational programs that extend beyond basic training to encompass job placement assistance, helping participants transition their newly acquired skills into meaningful employment. Also integral to the rehabilitative process are substance abuse treatment services, which may provide therapeutic intervention for those addressing addiction-related challenges. Additional supportive offerings typically feature restorative justice components that encourage accountability and healing, while recreational activities such as intramural sports may furnish healthy outlets for physical activity and social interaction within the secure environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at Blackburn Corrections Complex, where maintaining relationships with loved ones serves as a cornerstone of daily life. At present, residents actively participate in structured routines that begin with early morning counts and continue through various programming activities, work assignments, and recreational periods. The facility typically operates on a schedule that furnishes stability and purpose, with those incarcerated moving between housing units, dining areas, and program spaces throughout the day under appropriate supervision.

Living accommodations generally consist of housing units that may include dormitory-style arrangements or smaller residential areas, where those incarcerated share common spaces and develop social connections with their peers. Meals are typically served in centralized dining facilities at designated times, providing opportunities for social interaction and community building among residents. Also, the dining experience often includes access to commissary items that those incarcerated can purchase to supplement their meals and share with others in their housing units.

Recreation and exercise opportunities usually furnish important outlets for physical activity and social engagement, with facilities that may offer outdoor recreation areas, indoor exercise equipment, and organized sports activities. However, maintaining connections with family and friends outside the facility remains equally important, with visitation policies that typically allow for regular contact with approved visitors and communication options that may include telephone access and correspondence. Work assignments within the facility often provide those incarcerated with opportunities to develop skills while contributing to the facility's operations, and structured programming schedules generally include educational classes, counseling sessions, and other activities designed to support personal development and successful community reintegration.