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 Central Michigan Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Central Michigan Correctional Facility
   320 Hubbard St
   St. Louis, MI 48880
   Phone: (989) 681-6668

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Central Michigan Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Central Michigan 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 (989) 681-6668 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 Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Central Michigan Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Central Michigan 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 Central Michigan Correctional Facility?

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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts, with inmates participating in comprehensive services designed to address both immediate needs and long-term success. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to personal development, recognizing that meaningful change occurs through consistent engagement with educational opportunities, vocational training, and supportive counseling. This philosophy centers on empowering individuals to build practical skills while developing the personal tools necessary for successful community reintegration.

Educational and vocational services often include structured education programs that may provide opportunities for inmates to complete their high school equivalency or pursue additional academic credentials. Vocational education services typically focus on developing marketable job skills through hands-on training in various trades and technical fields. These educational initiatives are often complemented by barbering and cosmetology training, which may offer inmates the chance to develop specialized skills in personal care services. Prison industries services frequently provide real-world work experience, allowing participants to develop both technical abilities and workplace habits that support future employment opportunities.

In addition to these educational components, support services typically encompass time management training that helps inmates develop essential organizational and planning skills for daily life. The prisoner reentry initiative may provide comprehensive preparation for community transition, often including job search assistance, housing resources, and connections to community support networks. These support services are frequently integrated with therapeutic services that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior, creating a comprehensive framework for personal development and successful rehabilitation.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure perimeter of Central Michigan Correctional Facility, inmates navigate a highly structured environment where concrete walls and controlled access points define their daily boundaries. At present, residents actively participate in a regimented schedule that typically begins before dawn with mandatory counts and continues through evening lockdown procedures. The routine generally includes designated periods for meals, work assignments, educational programming, and limited recreational activities, all coordinated around security protocols that ensure facility safety.

Living accommodations at the facility usually consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates may be assigned based on factors such as security classification and behavioral history. Personal space remains minimal, with residents typically allowed basic personal items and commissary purchases within established guidelines. In addition to this structured living arrangement, the dining experience involves scheduled meal times in common areas, where inmates receive nutritionally planned meals that often reflect institutional standards and dietary requirements.

Despite this controlled environment, the facility generally provides various programming opportunities that may include vocational training, educational classes, and structured recreational periods. Work assignments often encompass facility maintenance, kitchen duties, and other institutional operations that provide inmates with daily structure and potential skill development. Family connections typically remain possible through scheduled visitation periods and monitored communication systems, including phone calls and correspondence, which help maintain important support networks during incarceration.