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 Broward Transitional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Broward Transitional 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 Broward Transitional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Broward Transitional 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 Broward Transitional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Broward Transitional 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 Broward Transitional 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 Broward Transitional 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 Broward Transitional 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 Broward Transitional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Broward Transitional Center
   3900 N Powerline Rd
   Pompano Beach, FL 33073
   Phone: (954) 973-4485

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Broward Transitional Center?

   Visiting hours at Broward Transitional 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 (954) 973-4485 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 Broward Transitional 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 Broward Transitional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Broward Transitional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Broward Transitional 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 Broward Transitional Center?

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

The multifaceted approach to individual development at Broward Transitional Center encompasses a broad spectrum of opportunities designed to address the diverse needs of participants as they prepare for successful community reintegration. This comprehensive framework recognizes that meaningful transformation requires attention to educational advancement, therapeutic healing, and practical skill development. Through carefully structured programming, individuals may access resources that foster personal growth while building the foundational competencies necessary for sustained success beyond the facility's walls.

Educational opportunities typically form the cornerstone of the center's developmental offerings, providing individuals with pathways to academic achievement and professional readiness. These education programs often include basic literacy instruction, high school equivalency preparation, and various vocational training initiatives that align with regional employment demands. The educational framework may also incorporate computer literacy courses and career counseling services, enabling participants to develop both technical skills and strategic planning capabilities for their future endeavors.

Moreover, the facility's therapeutic and support services create a robust network of assistance that addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability goals. Substance abuse treatment programs typically offer evidence-based interventions, while individual counseling provides personalized support for addressing underlying behavioral patterns and mental health concerns. The center may also facilitate work release opportunities and housing assistance programs, alongside practical services such as janitorial training and recycling programs that develop employable skills while contributing to facility operations and environmental stewardship.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of morning announcements now signals the beginning of each day for individuals housed at the Broward Transitional Center, where structured routines provide a framework that many residents find both challenging and stabilizing. Daily schedules typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include facility maintenance, food service, or administrative support roles. Throughout the day, individuals regularly participate in various programming activities that often include educational classes, vocational training sessions, and counseling groups designed to support their transition back into the community.

Living accommodations at the facility generally consist of dormitory-style housing units where individuals share sleeping quarters with multiple roommates, creating an environment that requires adaptation and cooperation among residents. The dining arrangements typically involve scheduled meal times in a common cafeteria area, where individuals receive prepared meals that meet basic nutritional standards, though the quality and variety may differ significantly from what they experienced in their previous living situations. Personal property allowances are usually limited, and individuals often rely on commissary purchases to supplement their basic needs and maintain some personal preferences in their daily routines.

Moreover, the facility typically offers recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise periods, television viewing in common areas, and organized activities, though these amenities are generally more restricted than what individuals might expect in community-based programs. Whereas some correctional facilities limit family contact significantly, transitional centers usually provide more liberal visitation policies and communication options, allowing individuals to maintain important relationships through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence. Work assignments and structured programming schedules often consume the majority of each day, creating an environment where individuals must balance compliance with facility rules, participation in required activities, and preparation for their eventual release back into the community.