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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson 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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson.

Frequently asked questions about Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson

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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson?

   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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson?

   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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson. 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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson. 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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson?

   Mailing address:

   Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson
   10000 S Wilmot Rd
   Tucson, AZ 85756
   Phone: (520) 574-0024

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson?

   Visiting hours at Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson 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 (520) 574-0024 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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson?

   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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson?

   You can send money to an inmate at Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson 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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson, 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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson?

   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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson 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 Catalina Unit Visitation - Arizona State Prison Complex Tucson, 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

Within the structured environment of incarceration, opportunities for personal transformation and skill development create pathways toward meaningful change. Those incarcerated at ASPC Tucson, Catalina Unit typically encounter a comprehensive framework of offerings designed to address multiple dimensions of rehabilitation and growth. The facility's approach emphasizes structured learning environments where participants can develop both practical competencies and essential life skills that may serve them well beyond their period of confinement.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's developmental offerings, with programming that often includes foundational literacy support and GED preparation coursework. These academic pursuits may furnish participants with credentials that enhance their prospects for future employment and continued learning. The structured nature of educational programming typically provides a disciplined environment where those incarcerated can rebuild study habits and academic confidence while working toward meaningful educational milestones.

Work programs within the facility often encompass janitorial services and other institutional maintenance responsibilities, allowing participants to develop workplace skills and contribute to the facility's daily operations. Also available are substance abuse treatment offerings that may address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior through structured therapeutic interventions. These comprehensive support services typically operate within a secure framework that prioritizes safety while creating opportunities for those incarcerated to engage in constructive activities that promote personal accountability and positive behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at ASPC Tucson, Catalina Unit, where structured daily routines are actively designed to balance security requirements with opportunities for meaningful interaction. At present, residents typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or educational programming that often brings together individuals from different housing areas. The facility's schedule generally includes designated periods for recreation, meals in communal dining areas, and evening activities that may furnish opportunities for group participation and peer support.

Also significant to daily life are the living accommodations, which typically consist of dormitory-style housing units where residents share common areas and develop informal support networks among their peers. These housing arrangements generally provide basic amenities including individual storage space for personal belongings, access to shower facilities, and common rooms where social interaction naturally occurs during designated free time. However, the structured nature of facility operations means that movement between areas requires appropriate authorization and adherence to established security protocols.

Programs and activities furnish additional structure to the weekly routine, with educational classes, vocational training, and recreational opportunities typically scheduled throughout the week to accommodate various custody levels and work assignments. Family connections are actively maintained through scheduled visitation periods, telephone access during designated hours, and correspondence privileges that allow those incarcerated to stay connected with their support systems. The facility may also offer religious services and group programming that helps residents build positive relationships with both peers and staff, creating a sense of community within the institutional environment while preparing for eventual reintegration into society.