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 State Penitentiary.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Colorado State Penitentiary 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 State Penitentiary.

Frequently asked questions about Colorado State Penitentiary

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 State Penitentiary.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Colorado State Penitentiary?

   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 State Penitentiary?

   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 State Penitentiary. 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 State Penitentiary. 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 State Penitentiary?

   Mailing address:

   Colorado State Penitentiary
   50 Evans Rd
   Cañon City, CO 81212
   Phone: (719) 269-5120

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Colorado State Penitentiary?

   Visiting hours at Colorado State Penitentiary 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) 269-5120 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 State Penitentiary?

   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 State Penitentiary for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Colorado State Penitentiary?

   You can send money to an inmate at Colorado State Penitentiary 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 State Penitentiary?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Colorado State Penitentiary, 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 State Penitentiary?

   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 State Penitentiary 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 State Penitentiary, 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

Through targeted rehabilitation programs, Colorado State Penitentiary addresses the diverse needs of individuals across different custody levels, from high-security management units to transitional housing. The facility provides High School Equivalency education alongside specialized behavioral programs including Breakthrough, Violence Reduction & Prevention Program (VRPP), and Moral Reconation Therapy. Participants may also access Anger Management courses, Victim Impact programming, and the "Bring Your 'A' Game" and "Why Try" motivational programs designed to build personal accountability and decision-making skills.

Re-entry preparation forms a cornerstone of CSP's programming approach through RESTORE & WAGEES initiatives, which typically focus on developing practical life skills and community transition planning. The facility offers Relational Leadership Training (RLT) and maintains a Peer Advocates program that may allow individuals to support fellow participants in their rehabilitation journey. Educational advancement opportunities include Second Chance PELL grant programs, while substance abuse treatment addresses addiction through comprehensive Drug & Alcohol programming tailored to individual needs.

Mental health and wellness services often complement these core programs, with counseling support that may include individual and group therapy sessions. The facility typically provides medical care, library services, and recreational activities, including outdoor exercise opportunities that were added in 2017 with the construction of specialized exercise yards. Religious and spiritual services are commonly available, along with family connection programs that support maintaining relationships during incarceration through structured visiting procedures and correspondence programs.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Colorado State Penitentiary, visiting appointments are required for all visits and must be arranged through the facility's visiting officer, reflecting the high-security nature of this level V administrative segregation facility. Approved visitors typically schedule their appointments by calling the designated visiting line, and the facility maintains specific visiting days and hours to accommodate families while ensuring security protocols are followed. The structured visiting program helps maintain connections between inmates and their loved ones, which often serves as an important component of the rehabilitation process.

The facility houses inmates across various custody levels, from high-security Management Control Unit (MCU) and Close Custody Transition Unit (CCTU) to lower-security Incentive Pod housing. Since January 2017, outdoor recreation has been available through specially constructed exercise yards, providing inmates with access to fresh air and physical activity that may have been limited in previous years. The daily routine typically varies significantly based on custody level, with higher-security inmates often spending more time in their cells while those in incentive housing may have greater freedom of movement within the facility.

Educational and therapeutic programming forms a substantial part of daily life for eligible inmates, with opportunities including High School Equivalency courses, the Breakthrough program, and various behavioral interventions like Anger Management and Moral Reconation Therapy. Re-entry preparation through programs like RESTORE and WAGEES helps inmates develop skills for eventual release, while substance abuse treatment addresses underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. The facility's program offerings reflect Colorado's commitment to providing rehabilitation opportunities even within a high-security environment, though participation often depends on an inmate's custody level and behavioral record.