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 Butler County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Butler County Prison 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 Butler County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Butler County Prison

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 Butler County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Butler County Prison?

   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 Butler County Prison?

   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 Butler County Prison. 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 Butler County Prison. 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 Butler County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Butler County Prison
   202 S Washington St
   Butler, PA 16001
   Phone: (724) 284-5256

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Butler County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Butler County Prison 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 (724) 284-5256 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 Butler County Prison?

   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 Butler County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Butler County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Butler County Prison 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 Butler County Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Butler County Prison, 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 Butler County Prison?

   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 Butler County Prison 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 Butler County Prison, 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

Communication and legal access form cornerstone services at Butler County Prison, with comprehensive mail processing systems that support both personal correspondence and legal communications. The facility maintains separate addressing protocols for different types of mail, ensuring that legal correspondence reaches inmates through direct delivery to the Washington Street facility, while general mail is processed through a specialized scanning system that inspects all items for contraband while preserving important connections with family and friends.

Educational and recreational programs typically complement the communication services, with the facility often providing access to publications including paperback books, magazines, and newspapers that must come directly from publishers. These reading materials may support literacy programs and educational initiatives that are commonly found in Pennsylvania correctional facilities. Butler County Prison may also offer vocational training opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services designed to address the diverse needs of the inmate population.

Support services likely extend to areas such as medical care, religious programming, and reentry preparation assistance. The facility may provide access to educational classes, job readiness training, and counseling programs that help prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. These comprehensive services typically work together to create a structured environment focused on rehabilitation and personal development, though specific program availability may vary based on facility resources and individual eligibility requirements.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with family and friends forms a cornerstone of the inmate experience at Butler County Prison in Pennsylvania. All incoming mail undergoes thorough scanning and inspection for contraband before reaching inmates, with correspondence requiring a complete return address on the envelope. The facility maintains strict policies prohibiting cash, stamps, stickers, and personal checks in regular mail, though legal correspondence follows separate protocols and is addressed directly to the prison's Washington Street location.

Inmates typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or recreational activities depending on their classification level. The structured environment may include opportunities for vocational training, substance abuse counseling, and religious services throughout the week. Reading materials play an important role in daily routines, though the prison requires that paperback books, magazines, and newspapers come directly from publishers rather than personal sources to maintain security protocols.

Family connections remain vital during incarceration, with the facility's mail system serving as a primary means of maintaining relationships. The prison's location on South Washington Street in Butler provides a central point for both legal and personal correspondence, while the separate Florida mailing address handles general inmate mail processing. Daily life often revolves around scheduled activities, meals, and the anticipation of mail delivery, which can provide crucial emotional support and connection to the outside world for those serving their sentences.