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 Calhoun State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Calhoun State 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 Calhoun State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Calhoun State 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 Calhoun State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Calhoun State 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 Calhoun State 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 Calhoun State 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 Calhoun State 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 Calhoun State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Calhoun State Prison
   27823 W Main St
   Morgan, GA 39866
   Phone: (229) 849-5000

5. What are the visiting hours at Calhoun State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Calhoun State 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 (229) 849-5000 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 Calhoun State 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 Calhoun State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Calhoun State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Calhoun State 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 Calhoun State Prison?

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

The facility operates under a comprehensive mission targeting criminal thinking patterns, substance abuse issues, educational deficits, and employment readiness through evidence-based intervention principles. Calhoun State Prison's programming structure addresses these core areas through specialized academic offerings including General Education Diploma preparation, Adult Basic Education, literacy remediation, and English as a Second Language instruction for non-native speakers. Correspondence courses may provide additional educational flexibility for residents seeking to advance their learning.

Vocational and on-the-job training opportunities encompass practical skills development in areas such as forklift operation, food service, horticulture, building maintenance, and barbering. These programs typically prepare residents for employment upon release while providing valuable work experience within the facility through positions like education aide, library aide, and office clerk roles. The facility's work details extend beyond the prison walls, involving partnerships with local entities for outside maintenance, warehouse operations, and grounds keeping activities.

Counseling and therapeutic programming addresses behavioral change through evidence-based interventions including Thinking for a Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, and specialized programs for family violence and substance abuse recovery. The Matrix Relapse Prevention and Matrix Early Recovery programs likely focus on addiction treatment, while the Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program serves a specific population's treatment needs. Religious and faith-based programming includes various worship services and character development initiatives, with recreational activities supporting overall wellness and positive social interaction among the resident population.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Calhoun State Prison, weekends and state holidays bring the opportunity for family connections, with visitation hours running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and designated holidays. This medium-security facility, which opened in 1994 and underwent renovations in 2008, houses inmates across various living arrangements including nine housing units with both double and triple-bunked cells, as well as eight open dormitories that accommodate a total of 480 residents.

The structured environment at this Georgia Department of Corrections facility centers around rehabilitation and skill development. Inmates typically participate in educational programs ranging from Adult Basic Education to General Education Diploma courses, while others may engage in vocational training such as forklift operation, horticulture, or food service work. The facility's work details often extend beyond the prison walls, with inmates contributing to community services through partnerships with Calhoun County and Georgia State Patrol operations, as well as maintaining outside grounds and warehouse facilities.

Counseling and personal development programs form a significant part of the weekly routine, with offerings that may include Thinking for a Change sessions, substance abuse treatment through Matrix programs, and various faith-based initiatives. Recreation time and religious services provide additional structure to inmates' schedules, while the facility's emphasis on the Principles of Effective Intervention ensures that programming addresses individual criminogenic needs. The presence of specialized housing options, including a faith-based dormitory, allows for tailored living environments that support different paths toward rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into the community.