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 Brooklyn Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Brooklyn Correctional Institution
   59 Hartford Rd
   Brooklyn, CT 06234
   Phone: (860) 779-4500

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Brooklyn 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 (860) 779-4500 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 Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Brooklyn Correctional Institution emphasizes accountability while providing developmental opportunities through comprehensive educational, vocational, and cognitive programming designed to support offender rehabilitation. As a Level 3 security facility, the institution typically focuses on preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their communities through structured programming approaches.

Educational services at the facility may include adult basic education, GED preparation programs, and literacy courses to help individuals develop fundamental academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often encompass various trade programs that provide practical job skills, potentially including areas such as maintenance, food service, or other industry-relevant certifications. The cognitive programming component likely addresses behavioral modification, substance abuse treatment, and life skills development to help individuals make positive changes in their thinking patterns and decision-making processes.

The facility maintains structured visitation policies that support family connections, allowing up to three in-person visits and one virtual visit per week as of January 2025. Support services may include mental health counseling, religious programs, recreational activities, and reentry planning assistance. These comprehensive services work together to create an environment focused on personal development and preparation for successful community reintegration, aligning with the institution's mission to balance accountability with meaningful opportunities for growth and change.

Daily Life & Visitation

Brooklyn Correctional Institution operates as a Level 3 security facility where incarcerated individuals can maintain meaningful connections with their families through a structured visitation program. Located at 59 Hartford Road in Brooklyn, Connecticut, the facility allows up to three in-person visits and one virtual visit per week as of January 2025. The visiting room accommodates a maximum of 24 incarcerated individuals at one time, with visits limited to either 2 adults or 1 adult and 2 children per session. Video visits must be scheduled 72 hours in advance and require confirmation from the facility, with scheduling tied to the individual's current housing location within the institution.

The institution focuses on accountability while providing developmental opportunities through educational, vocational, and cognitive programming. Residents typically follow structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational classes, and recreational activities designed to support rehabilitation goals. The facility's programming approach emphasizes skill-building and personal development, which often forms a significant part of the daily routine for those housed there.

Communication with the outside world extends beyond visitation, as residents can typically access phone services and correspondence according to facility guidelines. Under the supervision of administrative staff, the institution maintains security protocols while working to provide an environment that supports both safety and personal growth. Family members and visitors can contact the facility at (860) 779-4500 for specific information about policies and procedures that may affect their loved one's daily experience.