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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility 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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Cape Vincent Correctional Facility

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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Cape Vincent Correctional Facility?

   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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility?

   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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility. 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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility. 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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Cape Vincent Correctional Facility
   36560 NY-12E
   Cape Vincent, NY 13618
   Phone: (315) 654-4100

5. What are the visiting hours at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility 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 (315) 654-4100 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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility?

   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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility 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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Cape Vincent Correctional Facility, 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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility?

   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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility 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 Cape Vincent Correctional Facility, 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

Educational and vocational programs form a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility, working alongside comprehensive substance abuse treatment and anger management services to address the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals. The facility provides alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs designed to help individuals overcome addiction challenges, while anger management programs focus on developing healthy coping strategies and conflict resolution skills. Educational opportunities typically include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and vocational training programs that may encompass trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, or food service, preparing individuals for employment upon release.

The facility’s support services extend beyond traditional programming to include guidance and counseling services, family development programs, and specialized trauma treatment programs. Religious services provide spiritual support and community connection, while library and law library services offer educational resources and legal research opportunities. Cape Vincent may also offer transitional services programs designed to ease the reentry process, veterans services for those who have served in the military, and temporary release programs that allow eligible individuals to maintain community ties through work or educational opportunities.

Recreational programs and volunteer services round out the facility’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, providing structured activities and community engagement opportunities. Sex offender treatment programs address specific therapeutic needs, while volunteer services and programs may bring community members into the facility to support various educational, recreational, or counseling initiatives. These diverse programming options work together to create a structured environment focused on personal development, skill building, and successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekend visitation at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility begins at 7:30 AM and continues until 2:15 PM, with visitors needing to arrive by 1:30 PM to ensure adequate visit time. Located along State Route 12E in Jefferson County, this medium-security facility for males maintains a structured weekend and holiday visitation schedule that allows up to four visitors per visit with unlimited daily visits, though space considerations may lead to voluntary or mandatory visit terminations after three hours for local visitors within 100 miles of the facility.

The facility typically operates on a regimented daily schedule common to New York correctional institutions, with structured meal times, work assignments, and program participation. Incarcerated individuals may participate in various rehabilitative programs including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, anger management, and religious services. The facility often provides library access, recreational activities, and counseling services as part of its comprehensive programming approach. Those in the Special Housing Unit receive modified privileges, including one non-legal visit per seven-day period during regular visitation hours.

Communication with family members generally follows standard New York Department of Corrections policies, which may include monitored phone calls during designated hours and correspondence subject to facility mail procedures. The facility’s location in Cape Vincent provides a rural setting along the St. Lawrence River region, and family members traveling for visits can typically find the facility using the provided address at 36560 State Route 12E. Various support services, including family development programs and transitional services, are commonly available to help maintain family connections and prepare individuals for eventual reintegration into their communities.