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 Colorado Department of Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Colorado Department of Corrections 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 Colorado Department of Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about Colorado Department of Corrections

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 Colorado Department of Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Colorado Department of Corrections?

   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 Colorado Department of Corrections?

   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 Colorado Department of Corrections. 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 Colorado Department of Corrections. 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 Colorado Department of Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Colorado Department of Corrections
   1250 Academy Park Loop
   Colorado Springs, CO 80910
   Phone: (719) 579-9580

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Colorado Department of Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Colorado Department of Corrections 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 (719) 579-9580 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 Colorado Department of Corrections?

   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 Colorado Department of Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Colorado Department of Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Colorado Department of Corrections 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 Colorado Department of Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Colorado Department of Corrections, 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 Colorado Department of Corrections?

   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 Colorado Department of Corrections 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 Colorado Department of Corrections, 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 form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts for those incarcerated at Colorado State Prison. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change occurs through structured programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. These offerings typically emphasize building practical skills while fostering personal accountability and growth within a secure environment.

Educational advancement opportunities may furnish those incarcerated with pathways to complete their high school equivalency or pursue higher learning through correspondence courses. Vocational training programs often focus on developing marketable skills in various trades, providing hands-on experience that can translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. Furthermore, these skill-building initiatives typically operate within the facility's structured daily schedule, ensuring that participants maintain the discipline and routine essential for successful community reintegration.

Support services extend beyond traditional classroom learning to address the complex challenges many face during incarceration. Therapeutic communities may offer structured environments where those incarcerated can work through substance abuse issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Additionally, practical life skills training often includes specialized programs in areas such as printing operations, landscaping techniques, and housing assistance preparation. These comprehensive offerings typically aim to equip participants with both the technical abilities and personal tools necessary for building stable, productive lives after release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family members and fellow residents forms the cornerstone of daily existence at Colorado State Prison. Those incarcerated here navigate structured routines that consistently provide opportunities for social interaction and community building. Today's schedule typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service that brings residents together in common dining areas. The routine furnishes predictable touchpoints throughout the day where individuals can maintain relationships and develop new ones within their housing units.

Furthermore, living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where residents develop close bonds with their immediate neighbors. These living spaces typically allow for personal belongings and often include common areas where those incarcerated can gather for conversation, games, or shared television viewing. Although privacy may be limited, the communal nature of these arrangements often fosters supportive relationships among residents who look out for one another's wellbeing.

The facility usually offers various recreational activities and structured programming that encourage community participation and skill development. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that allow residents to contribute meaningfully to their community while developing job skills. Visitation policies typically permit regular contact with family members and friends, while phone and mail systems generally provide additional means of maintaining outside connections. These communication opportunities often serve as vital lifelines that help those incarcerated preserve relationships and prepare for eventual reintegration into their broader communities.