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 Cheshire Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Cheshire Correctional Institution 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 Cheshire Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Cheshire Correctional Institution

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 Cheshire Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Cheshire Correctional Institution?

   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 Cheshire Correctional Institution?

   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 Cheshire Correctional Institution. 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 Cheshire Correctional Institution. 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 Cheshire Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Cheshire Correctional Institution
   900 Highland Ave
   Cheshire, CT 06410
   Phone: (203) 651-6100

5. What are the visiting hours at Cheshire Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Cheshire Correctional Institution 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 (203) 651-6100 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 Cheshire Correctional Institution?

   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 Cheshire Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Cheshire Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Cheshire Correctional Institution 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 Cheshire Correctional Institution?

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

   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 Cheshire Correctional Institution 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 Cheshire Correctional Institution, 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 Cheshire Correctional Institution operates specialized housing units designed to address the diverse needs of its adult sentenced and unsentenced population. As a Level 4 security facility, the institution typically provides comprehensive programming that focuses on rehabilitation and successful community reintegration. The facility's approach often emphasizes structured programming that may include educational opportunities, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions tailored to support individuals throughout their incarceration.

Educational services at the facility may offer basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and adult basic education courses to help individuals develop essential academic skills. Vocational training programs typically include opportunities in areas such as building maintenance, food service, and other practical trades that can provide valuable job skills upon release. The institution may also provide substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling services, and cognitive behavioral interventions to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services often include religious and spiritual programs, library access, and recreational activities that promote positive social interaction and personal development. The facility maintains a structured visiting program with both in-person and video visitation options, allowing up to three in-person visits per week and one video visit per week for approved visitors. Additional programs may include life skills training, anger management courses, and pre-release planning services designed to help individuals prepare for their eventual return to the community and reduce recidivism rates.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Cheshire Correctional Institution, a Level 4 security facility located at 900 Highland Avenue in Cheshire, Connecticut, residents navigate a structured environment that balances security requirements with opportunities for family connection and personal development. The facility houses both sentenced and unsentenced adult offenders within specialized housing units designed to meet varying custody and programming needs. As a higher-security institution, the daily routine typically involves controlled movement between housing areas, dining facilities, work assignments, and program spaces, with staff maintaining close supervision throughout all activities.

Family connections remain a vital part of life at Cheshire CI, with the facility offering both in-person and video visiting options to accommodate different needs and circumstances. Residents may receive up to three in-person visits per week on an unscheduled basis, while video visits—limited to one per week—require advance scheduling and confirmation. The video visiting system allows up to three approved adult visitors to participate simultaneously, with household minors not counting toward this limit. All visitors must be pre-approved and follow specific guidelines, including proper attire requirements and punctuality, as video visits are forfeited if not begun within five minutes of the scheduled time.

Throughout their stay, residents typically participate in various daily activities that may include work assignments, educational programs, recreational periods, and meals served at designated times. The facility's specialized housing units often provide targeted programming based on individual needs and security classifications. Communication with the outside world extends beyond visits to include phone calls and correspondence, all conducted within the facility's security protocols. While the structured environment maintains necessary security measures, staff work to ensure that residents have access to services and programs that support their well-being and potential rehabilitation goals.