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 Carson City Correctional.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Carson City Correctional 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 Carson City Correctional.

Frequently asked questions about Carson City Correctional

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 Carson City Correctional.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Carson City Correctional?

   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 Carson City Correctional?

   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 Carson City Correctional. 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 Carson City Correctional. 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 Carson City Correctional?

   Mailing address:

   Carson City Correctional
   10599 E Boyer Rd
   Carson City, MI 48811
   Phone: (989) 584-3941

5. What are the visiting hours at Carson City Correctional?

   Visiting hours at Carson City Correctional 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 (989) 584-3941 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 Carson City Correctional?

   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 Carson City Correctional for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Carson City Correctional?

   You can send money to an inmate at Carson City Correctional 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 Carson City Correctional?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Carson City Correctional, 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 Carson City Correctional?

   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 Carson City Correctional 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 Carson City Correctional, 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 rehabilitation form the cornerstone of service delivery at Carson City Correctional Facility, where inmates have access to comprehensive programming designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to development, recognizing that successful rehabilitation requires addressing educational deficits, developing practical skills, and providing emotional and spiritual support. Through structured programming, inmates may work toward building the foundation necessary for productive lives upon release.

Educational and vocational services often serve as primary pathways for personal development within the facility. Vocational education programs may provide hands-on training in various trades, allowing inmates to develop marketable skills that can lead to employment opportunities after incarceration. In addition to this practical training, education programs typically offer academic instruction ranging from basic literacy to high school equivalency preparation. These educational services often focus on building both technical competencies and critical thinking skills that inmates can apply throughout their lives.

Support services complement the educational offerings by addressing the complex challenges inmates face during incarceration and reentry. The prisoner reentry initiative may provide comprehensive planning and resources to help inmates transition successfully back into their communities. Veteran services typically offer specialized support for those who have served in the military, while identification document assistance helps ensure inmates have necessary paperwork for employment and housing upon release. Peer support groups often create opportunities for inmates to share experiences and develop healthy coping strategies, and chaplaincy programs may provide spiritual guidance and counseling services that support personal reflection and growth.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure perimeter of Carson City Correctional Facility, inmates navigate a highly structured environment where concrete walls and steel doors define their daily boundaries. Today's routine begins early with wake-up calls echoing through housing units, followed by count procedures that consistently mark the rhythm of institutional life. Inmates typically move through their day according to predetermined schedules that generally include meals, work assignments, and programming activities.

Living accommodations at the facility vary depending on security classification and housing assignments. Inmates may be housed in traditional cell blocks or dormitory-style units, with each space providing basic necessities including a bed, storage area, and shared bathroom facilities. Despite this controlled environment, inmates often adapt by personalizing their living spaces within allowed guidelines, creating routines that provide structure and familiarity. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates moving in organized groups under staff supervision.

In addition to this structured daily routine, the facility generally offers various programs and activities designed to provide productive use of time. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that help inmates develop skills while contributing to institutional functioning. Recreation opportunities typically include access to exercise areas, television viewing, and organized activities. Visitation policies usually allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors, while communication options may include telephone access and correspondence. These connections often provide crucial support systems that help inmates maintain relationships and prepare for eventual reintegration into their communities.