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 Cleveland Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Cleveland Correctional Center 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 Cleveland Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Cleveland Correctional Center

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 Cleveland Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Cleveland Correctional Center?

   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 Cleveland Correctional Center?

   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 Cleveland Correctional Center. 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 Cleveland Correctional Center. 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 Cleveland Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Cleveland Correctional Center
   901 E 5th St
   Cleveland, TX 77327
   Phone: (281) 592-9559

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:15 AM – 7:15 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
   • Sunday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Cleveland Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Cleveland Correctional Center 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 (281) 592-9559 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 Cleveland Correctional Center?

   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 Cleveland Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Cleveland Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Cleveland Correctional Center 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 Cleveland Correctional Center?

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

   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 Cleveland Correctional Center 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 Cleveland Correctional Center, 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 begins with structured opportunities that address both practical skills and individual growth needs. Cleveland Unit typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, recognizing that meaningful change requires addressing multiple aspects of an inmate's development. The facility's service delivery model often focuses on building foundational skills while fostering personal responsibility and community connections that support successful reintegration.

Educational and vocational services form a cornerstone of the facility's rehabilitation efforts. Inmates may participate in vocational training programs that teach marketable skills in various trades, preparing them for employment opportunities upon release. Job readiness training typically complements these technical programs by focusing on workplace behaviors, interview skills, and professional communication. These educational initiatives often include basic literacy and GED preparation services, ensuring participants have the academic foundation necessary for continued growth.

Additionally, support services provide crucial reinforcement for personal development goals. Work programs within the facility may offer inmates the opportunity to develop responsibility and work ethic while contributing to facility operations. Faith-based initiatives often provide spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking this type of personal growth. Employment readiness services typically extend beyond basic job training to include resume writing, career planning, and workplace soft skills development. Peer support groups may create environments where inmates can share experiences and encourage one another's progress, fostering accountability and mutual support throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure perimeter of this East Texas correctional facility, inmates navigate a highly structured environment designed around routine and accountability. The physical layout typically includes multiple housing units where inmates currently adapt to shared living spaces and regimented schedules. Daily life continues to revolve around predetermined meal times, work assignments, and supervised activities that provide essential structure to institutional living.

Housing arrangements generally place inmates in dormitory-style units or cells, depending on security classification and facility capacity. Inmates usually share living spaces with one or more roommates, maintaining personal belongings within designated storage areas. Meals are typically served in centralized dining halls at scheduled times, with inmates moving in supervised groups throughout the facility. The commissary system allows inmates to purchase approved personal items and snacks, providing some degree of personal choice within the institutional framework.

Additionally, the facility may offer various recreational and educational programs that help inmates maintain physical fitness and develop skills. Recreation time often includes access to outdoor areas, gymnasium facilities, and organized sports activities. While maintaining security protocols, visitation policies generally allow approved family members and friends to visit during designated hours and days. Inmates can typically maintain contact with loved ones through monitored phone calls and correspondence, which provide crucial emotional support during incarceration. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and other institutional operations that contribute to daily facility functioning.