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 Chippewa Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Chippewa 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 Chippewa Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Chippewa Correctional Facility
   4269 M-80
   Kinross Charter Twp, MI 49788
   Phone: (906) 495-2275

5. What are the visiting hours at Chippewa Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Chippewa 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 (906) 495-2275 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 Chippewa 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 Chippewa Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Chippewa 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 Chippewa Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Chippewa 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 Chippewa 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 Chippewa 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 Chippewa 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 transformation lies at the heart of the comprehensive service delivery system at Chippewa Correctional Facility, where inmates encounter structured opportunities designed to foster meaningful growth and prepare them for successful community reintegration. The facility’s approach typically emphasizes skill-building and self-improvement through evidence-based interventions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. This multifaceted framework often includes services that challenge participants to develop new competencies while addressing underlying factors that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational and vocational services form the cornerstone of the facility’s development-focused initiatives, providing inmates with pathways to acquire marketable skills and academic credentials. The education programs may offer literacy instruction, GED preparation, and post-secondary coursework that enables participants to advance their intellectual capabilities and career prospects. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational education services typically include specialized training in carpentry and HVAC certification, equipping inmates with technical expertise that directly translates to employment opportunities upon release. These hands-on learning experiences often emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing participants to develop confidence alongside their professional competencies.

Support services and therapeutic interventions complement the educational framework by addressing the broader spectrum of reentry challenges that inmates may face. The prisoner reentry initiative typically provides comprehensive case management and transition planning that helps participants navigate the complex process of returning to their communities. These services often include employment assistance, housing resources, and ongoing support networks that extend beyond the facility walls. Therapeutic services may encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and behavioral interventions designed to promote lasting personal change and reduce recidivism risk.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel fixtures of the housing units at Chippewa Correctional Facility create a controlled environment where inmates must navigate carefully structured days within Michigan’s correctional system. Today’s routine consistently begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service in the dining halls where inmates gather at designated tables under staff supervision. The rhythm of institutional life typically includes work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods that provide structure throughout the daylight hours, with inmates generally adapting to the predictable schedule that governs movement between different areas of the facility.

In addition to this structured routine, living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where inmates store their limited personal belongings and maintain their assigned living spaces according to facility standards. The dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in common areas, where inmates may have opportunities for social interaction while following established protocols for movement and behavior. Personal property is generally restricted to approved items that can be purchased through the commissary system or received through approved channels, requiring inmates to adapt to a minimalist lifestyle within the confines of their assigned living quarters.

Despite this controlled environment, various programs and activities provide inmates with opportunities for personal development and skill-building through educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities that may include access to library services, fitness facilities, and outdoor recreation areas when weather and security conditions permit. Visitation policies typically allow for scheduled visits with approved family members and friends, while communication options usually include monitored telephone calls and correspondence that help inmates maintain connections with their support systems outside the facility. These elements of daily life, combined with work assignments in areas such as food service, maintenance, or facility operations, create a framework that inmates generally adapt to while serving their sentences within Michigan’s correctional system.