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 Calipatria State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Calipatria 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 Calipatria State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Calipatria State Prison
   7018 Blair Rd
   Calipatria, CA 92233
   Phone: (760) 348-7000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 2:45 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Calipatria 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 (760) 348-7000 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 Calipatria 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 Calipatria State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth and transformation form the cornerstone of service delivery at Calipatria State Prison, where inmates have access to various opportunities designed to address individual needs and foster meaningful change. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, recognizing that lasting transformation often requires addressing multiple aspects of an inmate's life simultaneously. Through structured services and consistent support, participants may develop essential skills while working toward successful community reintegration.

Educational initiatives serve as a fundamental component of the facility's offerings, providing inmates with opportunities to pursue academic advancement and skill development. The facility may provide basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and various educational courses that help participants build foundational knowledge. In addition to this academic focus, vocational training services often include practical skill development in areas that align with employment opportunities upon release. These hands-on programs typically emphasize marketable skills that can support long-term stability and economic independence.

Support services extend beyond traditional educational offerings to address specific rehabilitation needs within the population. The facility may provide specialized therapeutic services, including sex offender treatment programs designed to address underlying behavioral patterns and promote accountability. Rehabilitation programs often encompass various group and individual interventions that focus on personal responsibility and positive decision-making. Additionally, practical services such as barbering and cosmetology training may offer inmates opportunities to develop professional skills while contributing to the facility's daily operations, creating a structured environment that promotes both personal development and community responsibility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The desert heat of California's Imperial Valley shapes every aspect of life within the concrete walls and razor wire that define the living environment at Calipatria State Prison. Inmates consistently adapt to a highly structured daily routine that begins before dawn and extends through evening hours. Today, as every day, the rhythm of institutional life revolves around scheduled counts, meal times, and supervised activities that provide essential structure to each 24-hour period.

Housing units typically accommodate inmates in double-occupancy cells, where personal space remains limited and privacy becomes a valuable commodity. The living accommodations generally include basic furnishings such as bunks, a small desk area, and storage space for approved personal property. Meals are served in designated dining areas according to housing unit schedules, with inmates typically receiving three meals daily that meet basic nutritional requirements. Despite this structured environment, many inmates develop personal routines and coping strategies that help them maintain a sense of individual identity within the institutional setting.

In addition to this basic framework, the facility may offer various recreational opportunities including outdoor exercise periods, library access, and educational programming that inmates can participate in based on their security classification and behavior record. Work assignments often provide inmates with purposeful daily activities, ranging from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks throughout the facility. Visitation policies generally allow approved family members and friends to maintain contact through scheduled visits, while telephone privileges and correspondence help inmates preserve important relationships with their support systems on the outside. These connections often prove essential for successful adaptation to institutional life and eventual reintegration into the community.