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 Calcasieu Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Calcasieu Correctional Center
   5410 Broad St
   Lake Charles, LA 70615
   Phone: (337) 491-3800

5. What are the visiting hours at Calcasieu Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Calcasieu Correctional 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 (337) 491-3800 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 Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Calcasieu Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Correctional 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 Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center encompasses a wide spectrum of opportunities designed to address the diverse needs and aspirations of those in custody. Rather than viewing incarceration solely through a punitive lens, the facility typically emphasizes rehabilitation through comprehensive programming that recognizes each person’s potential for growth and transformation. This holistic philosophy often manifests in carefully structured opportunities that may address educational deficits, develop marketable skills, and foster personal development across multiple dimensions of human experience.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility’s offerings, with programs that often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and various academic enrichment opportunities. Tutoring programs may provide individualized support for those seeking to strengthen foundational skills or pursue advanced learning objectives. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training opportunities typically encompass practical skill development in areas such as automotive repair, which may prepare individuals for employment upon release while providing valuable hands-on experience in high-demand technical fields.

The facility’s commitment to comprehensive development often extends to support services that address the emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal aspects of rehabilitation. Faith-based services may offer spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking such support, while conflict resolution programming typically focuses on developing essential life skills for managing disputes and building healthier relationships. These therapeutic and support opportunities often work in conjunction with educational and vocational components to create a well-rounded approach to personal development that may significantly enhance an individual’s prospects for successful reintegration into the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of keys jingling against metal echoes through the corridors as another day begins, marking the rhythm that governs nearly every aspect of life within these walls. At present, individuals housed at Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center navigate a carefully structured environment where routine provides both predictability and purpose, with daily schedules that actively incorporate security counts, meal times, and various programming opportunities. The facility typically operates on a regimented timeline that begins with early morning wake-up calls, followed by breakfast service, work assignments or educational programming, and recreational periods that offer individuals opportunities to maintain physical fitness and social connections.

Living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units and individual cells, depending on classification levels and security requirements, with each space designed to house personal belongings within approved limits. In addition to this basic housing structure, individuals typically have access to commissary services where they may purchase approved items to supplement their daily needs, from hygiene products to snack foods that provide comfort beyond standard meal offerings. The dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in common areas, where individuals gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that aim to meet basic nutritional requirements while accommodating dietary restrictions and medical needs when possible.

Despite this structured environment, the facility often provides various recreational activities and programming opportunities that may include educational classes, vocational training, and religious services designed to support personal development and rehabilitation goals. Family connections remain vital through visitation programs that typically allow scheduled visits with loved ones, along with telephone privileges and mail correspondence that help individuals maintain important relationships with the outside community. Work assignments within the facility usually offer individuals the chance to contribute to daily operations while potentially learning job skills, with positions that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and cleaning responsibilities that provide structure and purpose to daily routines.