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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Butte Pre-Release Center Inc 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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc.

Frequently asked questions about Butte Pre-Release Center Inc

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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Butte Pre-Release Center Inc?

   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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc?

   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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc. 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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc. 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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc?

   Mailing address:

   Butte Pre-Release Center Inc
   62 W Broadway St
   Butte, MT 59701
   Phone: (406) 782-2316

5. What are the visiting hours at Butte Pre-Release Center Inc?

   Visiting hours at Butte Pre-Release Center Inc 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 (406) 782-2316 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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc?

   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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Butte Pre-Release Center Inc?

   You can send money to an inmate at Butte Pre-Release Center Inc 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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Butte Pre-Release Center Inc, 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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc?

   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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc 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 Butte Pre-Release Center Inc, 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 commissary program at Butte-Silver Bow Detention Facility serves as more than just a purchasing system—it directly supports inmate welfare through revenue generation that funds essential items and services. Proceeds from commissary sales are reinvested to purchase televisions, cable programming, newspapers, board games, and indigent supplies for those who cannot afford basic necessities. This self-sustaining approach ensures that individuals in custody have access to recreational materials and essential items regardless of their financial situation.

Communication and financial support systems are structured to maintain family connections while ensuring security protocols. The facility accepts packages exclusively from manufacturers or established companies like Amazon, requiring proper identification and return address information. Inmates can receive funds through cash or cashier’s check deposits, with booking fees and medical copay obligations satisfied established before commissary purchases become available. These financial processes may be supplemented by online payment options for family convenience.

Beyond the documented commissary and communication services, the facility likely provides additional programming typical of Montana correctional institutions. These may include basic educational services, substance abuse counseling, religious programming, and limited vocational training opportunities. Mental health services and medical care are typically available, along with recreational activities and library access. Work programs within the facility may offer inmates opportunities to develop job skills while contributing to facility operations, though specific details of these programs would require direct confirmation from facility administration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with the outside world forms a cornerstone of the inmate experience at Butte-Silver Bow Detention Facility, where residents can maintain vital connections through carefully regulated mail and phone systems. Located at 155 W. Quartz Street, the facility processes all incoming packages through direct manufacturer or retailer shipping, requiring proper identification of both sender and recipient. This system ensures security while allowing families to send essential items and small comforts to their incarcerated loved ones.

The commissary system plays a central role in daily routines, offering inmates the opportunity to purchase candy, snacks, beverages, and other items when funds are available on their accounts. Before any commissary purchases can be made, however, booking fees and medical copay obligations must established be satisfied from deposited funds. Families can contribute to these accounts by mailing cash or cashier’s checks directly to the facility, though personal letters cannot accompany these financial deposits and will be destroyed if included. The revenue generated through commissary sales typically benefits the entire inmate population, funding shared amenities such as televisions, cable service, newspapers, board games, and supplies for those who cannot afford their own necessities.

Throughout their stay, inmates generally follow structured daily schedules that may include meal times, recreational periods, and opportunities to use communication services. The facility’s approach to inmate welfare appears to balance security requirements with recognition that maintaining family connections and access to small comforts can support successful reintegration. While specific programming details aren’t outlined in available information, Montana detention facilities often provide educational opportunities, work programs, and counseling services as part of their daily operations.