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 Cognitive Research Corp..

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Cognitive Research Corp. 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 Cognitive Research Corp..

Frequently asked questions about Cognitive Research Corp.

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 Cognitive Research Corp..

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Cognitive Research Corp.?

   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 Cognitive Research Corp.?

   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 Cognitive Research Corp.. 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 Cognitive Research Corp.. 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 Cognitive Research Corp.?

   Mailing address:

   Cognitive Research Corp.
   200 Central Ave
   St. Petersburg, FL 33701
   Phone: (727) 897-9000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Cognitive Research Corp.?

   Visiting hours at Cognitive Research Corp. 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 (727) 897-9000 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 Cognitive Research Corp.?

   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 Cognitive Research Corp. for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Cognitive Research Corp.?

   You can send money to an inmate at Cognitive Research Corp. 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 Cognitive Research Corp.?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Cognitive Research Corp., 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 Cognitive Research Corp.?

   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 Cognitive Research Corp. 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 Cognitive Research Corp., 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

Opportunities for personal transformation and skill development flourish within the structured environment at St. Petersburg CRC, where those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive array of offerings designed to foster meaningful change. The facility's approach emphasizes building foundational competencies while addressing underlying challenges that may have contributed to incarceration. Through carefully coordinated programming, participants engage in evidence-based interventions that typically combine educational advancement, vocational preparation, and therapeutic support to create pathways toward successful community reintegration.

Educational offerings may furnish those incarcerated with opportunities to pursue academic credentials, ranging from basic literacy instruction to high school equivalency preparation. Vocational training programs often include specialized instruction in practical trades such as plumbing, equipping participants with marketable skills that enhance employment prospects upon release. These educational initiatives typically emphasize hands-on learning experiences that build both technical competency and workplace readiness, creating a foundation for sustainable career development.

Support services encompass therapeutic interventions including substance abuse treatment and group therapy sessions, which address behavioral patterns and provide tools for long-term recovery. Also available are structured work release programs that allow eligible participants to maintain employment connections while completing their sentences. Intramural sports offerings may furnish additional opportunities for physical fitness, team building, and positive social interaction, contributing to overall wellness and community engagement within the facility's secure environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and community bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at St. Petersburg CRC, where structured daily routines consistently provide opportunities for meaningful social interactions and relationship maintenance. Today's schedule typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or administrative support roles that furnish essential structure while allowing residents to contribute to their community. Throughout the day, those incarcerated generally participate in scheduled programming that often includes educational classes, counseling sessions, and recreational activities designed to promote personal growth and social engagement.

Living accommodations at the facility typically feature dormitory-style housing units where residents share common areas and develop supportive relationships with their peers. These housing arrangements generally allow for natural community building, as those incarcerated often form study groups, exercise partnerships, and informal support networks that help navigate the challenges of incarceration. Also, dining arrangements usually involve communal meals served in designated areas, providing regular opportunities for social interaction and maintaining important social skills that will serve residents upon their return to the broader community.

However, perhaps the most significant aspect of community life involves the various programs and communication options that help those incarcerated maintain vital connections with their families and loved ones. The facility typically offers structured visitation schedules, telephone access, and correspondence privileges that allow residents to nurture relationships with children, spouses, and other family members. Also, recreational opportunities may include organized sports, fitness programs, and group activities that furnish both physical wellness and social engagement, while work assignments often provide valuable job skills and a sense of purpose that contributes to the overall facility community.