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 Buena Vista Correctional Complex.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista Correctional Complex.

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

   Mailing address:

   Buena Vista Correctional Complex
   15125 US-24
   Buena Vista, CO 81211
   Phone: (719) 395-2404

5. What are the visiting hours at Buena Vista Correctional Complex?

   Visiting hours at Buena Vista 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 (719) 395-2404 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista Correctional Complex for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista Correctional Complex?

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

The Buena Vista Correctional Complex operates as a dual-facility system, with the main correctional facility tracing its origins back to 1892 when it established opened as the Colorado State Reformatory, alongside the newer minimum security center established in 1999. This historical foundation typically supports a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that may include educational programming, vocational training opportunities, and various therapeutic services designed to prepare residents for successful community reintegration.

Educational services at the complex often encompass basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and potentially post-secondary educational opportunities through correspondence or distance learning programs. Vocational training may include trades such as maintenance, food service, landscaping, and other skills that align with local employment opportunities in the Buena Vista area. The facility typically offers substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling services, and cognitive behavioral interventions to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Support services commonly available may include library access, recreational activities, religious programming, and family reunification services that work in conjunction with the established visiting schedule. The complex’s structure, with both medium and minimum security components, often allows for progressive programming where residents can advance through different security levels while participating in increasingly community-oriented programs. Case management services typically coordinate these various programs to create individualized treatment plans that address each resident’s specific needs and prepare them for successful reentry into Colorado communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Buena Vista Correctional Complex operates with structured visitation schedules that help maintain connections between incarcerated individuals and their families. At the main facility (BVCF), visitors can meet with their loved ones on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, while those housed at the Minimum Center (BVMC) typically receive visits on Sundays and Mondays during the same hours. This scheduling system allows the complex to manage the flow of visitors across both facilities while ensuring regular contact opportunities for residents.

The facility complex, which includes both medium and minimum security housing, likely follows standard correctional routines with structured meal times, work assignments, and recreational periods throughout the day. Residents at the minimum center may have access to expanded programming and potentially more flexible movement within their housing areas, reflecting the different security levels between the two facilities. The complex’s location in Buena Vista provides a mountain setting that may offer outdoor work opportunities and recreational activities when weather permits.

Communication with family members extends beyond in-person visits, as the facility typically provides phone access and mail services to help residents maintain important relationships. Those wishing to visit must complete an application process through the facility’s visiting department, with applications available online or by mail to the complex’s central address. The structured environment aims to balance security requirements with opportunities for personal growth, family connection, and preparation for eventual reintegration into the community.