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 Centre County Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Centre County 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 Centre County Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Centre County 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 Centre County Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Centre County 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 Centre County 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 Centre County 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 Centre County 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 Centre County Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Centre County Correctional Facility
   700 Rishel Hill Rd
   Bellefonte, PA 16823
   Phone: (814) 355-6794

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Centre County Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Centre County 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 (814) 355-6794 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 Centre County 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 Centre County Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Centre County Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Centre County 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 Centre County Correctional Facility?

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

The Centre County Correctional Facility operates with a clear mission centered on effective programming and education designed to prepare inmates for successful reentry into the community. With an emphasis on innovative rehabilitation to reduce recidivism, the facility typically structures its services around core values of professionalism, responsibility, integrity, and dependability that guide both staff interactions and program delivery.

Educational and vocational programs often form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at the facility, which may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and skills-based training opportunities. Counseling services typically address substance abuse issues, mental health support, and behavioral modification programs designed to help inmates develop problem-solving skills and prepare for community reintegration. The facility's focus on humane treatment and professional correctional leadership suggests that programs are delivered in an environment that emphasizes respect and personal growth.

Support services at Centre County Correctional Facility may also include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and pre-release planning assistance. Given the facility's commitment to reducing recidivism through innovative rehabilitation, inmates often have access to programs that address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior, such as anger management, life skills training, and job readiness preparation. These comprehensive programming efforts reflect the facility's dedication to public safety through effective inmate preparation for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Centre County Correctional Facility operates with a mission centered on preparing individuals for successful reentry into the community through effective programming and education. This rehabilitation-focused approach typically shapes the daily structure, with inmates participating in various educational and vocational programs designed to reduce recidivism. The facility's emphasis on innovative rehabilitation often means that daily schedules may include classroom instruction, job training opportunities, and counseling sessions alongside standard correctional routines such as meals, recreation periods, and housing unit activities.

Visitation and communication policies at Centre County facilities generally follow Pennsylvania Department of Corrections guidelines, which may include scheduled visiting hours on weekends and select weekdays. Family members and approved visitors typically need to complete a visitor application process and follow specific dress codes and identification requirements. Phone calls are often available during designated hours, with inmates usually having access to collect calls or prepaid calling systems. Mail correspondence is generally permitted, though all incoming and outgoing mail may be subject to inspection for security purposes.

The facility's core values of professionalism, responsibility, integrity, and dependability guide staff interactions with inmates throughout daily operations. Living conditions typically include shared housing units with basic amenities, scheduled meal times in dining areas or housing units, and access to recreational activities during designated periods. Medical services, library access, and religious programming are commonly available as part of the daily routine. The facility's focus on humane treatment and preparation for reentry often means that inmates have opportunities to participate in work assignments, educational classes, or treatment programs that help structure their daily activities while building skills for their eventual return to the community.