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 Bridgeport Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Bridgeport Correctional Center
   1106 North Ave
   Bridgeport, CT 06604
   Phone: (475) 225-8000

5. What are the visiting hours at Bridgeport Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Bridgeport 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 (475) 225-8000 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport 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

I notice there's a discrepancy in your request. The website information you've provided is about Cheshire Correctional Institution, not Bridgeport Corrections. The content shows details for Cheshire CI located at 900 Highland Avenue in Cheshire, CT.

Based on the provided information about Cheshire Correctional Institution, I can write about their services:

Cheshire Correctional Institution operates as a Level 4 security facility that confines both sentenced and unsentenced adult offenders while maintaining several specialized housing units designed to address diverse rehabilitation needs. The facility prioritizes maintaining family connections through comprehensive visiting programs, offering both in-person and video visitation options. Inmates may participate in up to three in-person visits per week, with video visits also available for approved visitors who complete the pre-scheduling process.

The specialized housing units at Cheshire CI typically support various rehabilitation programs that may include substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and educational opportunities. Like many Connecticut Department of Correction facilities, the institution likely offers vocational training programs, GED preparation courses, and life skills development to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration. The facility's approach often emphasizes structured programming that addresses the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior while building practical skills for post-release success.

Would you like me to write about Bridgeport-area correctional facilities instead, or would you prefer information about Cheshire Correctional Institution based on the website content you provided?

Daily Life & Visitation

The Cheshire Correctional Institution operates with a structured visiting system that allows incarcerated individuals up to three in-person visits per week, plus one video visit when pre-scheduled through approved visitors. Located at 900 Highland Avenue in Cheshire, this Level 4 security facility maintains regular contact opportunities for families, though all visitors must be pre-approved and video visits require confirmation before they're considered scheduled. The facility serves both sentenced and unsentenced adult offenders while operating several specialized housing units to address different custody and programming needs.

Within this structured environment, residents typically follow established daily routines that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods. The facility's operations are overseen by administrative staff who coordinate various aspects of institutional life, from meal services to medical care. Like other Connecticut Department of Correction facilities, Cheshire CI likely provides access to basic amenities such as commissary services, library resources, and religious services, though specific program availability may vary based on security level and individual custody status.

The institution's visiting policies reflect both security requirements and family connection priorities, with specific dress codes required for all visits and strict timing requirements for video sessions. Families planning visits should review the detailed visiting information and inmate rules available through the Connecticut DOC portal, as policies can change and proper preparation helps ensure successful visits. The facility's location in Cheshire provides reasonable access for families throughout central Connecticut, though visitors should always confirm current schedules and requirements before traveling to the institution.