Florida

How to contact an inmate at Columbia Correctional Institution

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Columbia Correctional Institution. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Columbia Correctional Institution

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Columbia Correctional Institution
  5. Overview of Columbia Correctional Institution
  6. Inmate services at Columbia Correctional Institution

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Columbia Correctional Institution:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Columbia Correctional Institution

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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Columbia Correctional Institution .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Columbia Correctional Institution

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Columbia Correctional Institution 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 Columbia Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Columbia Correctional Institution

  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 Columbia Correctional Institution.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Columbia Correctional Institution?

    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 Columbia Correctional Institution?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Columbia Correctional Institution. 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 for 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 Columbia Correctional Institution. 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 Columbia Correctional Institution?
    Mailing address:

    Columbia Correctional Institution
    216 SE Corrections Way
    Lake City , FL 32025
    (386) 754-7600

    Business hours:
    • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Thursday: Open 24 hours
    • Friday: Closed
    • Saturday: Closed
    • Sunday: Closed

Overview of Columbia Correctional Institution

Columbia Correctional Institution is a level V maximum-security prison located in Lake City, Florida. It houses over 1,000 male inmates, the majority of whom are incarcerated for violent crimes such as murder, or other serious offenses such as drug trafficking. This facility also serves as Florida's primary intake center for adult male inmates with current sentences over 20 years or pending life in prison. As such, new inmates are being constantly introduced to the general population at Columbia.

Operating on 400 acres of land, this facility was built in 1992 and has twenty-one housing units of double-bunk cells arranged in a pod format with a common control room. These pods provide total internal control for ten or more cells on a floor, decreasing the possibility of less than desirable relationships developing. Adult male inmates are kept in two cell units that cabin one hundred-plus personnel in an external control shortarm "I" arrangement with support cells attached. The support cells could contain either one or two people as can be needed during punishment time.

In Columbia Correctional Institution, inmates are provided with a full list of services ranging from classes and religious services to counseling, counseling programs offered address effectively the vast four pillars rehabilitation centers. These programs advise it search approaches of well-balanced physical fitness and better hygiene today, new relieves stress requests direction and better decisions per individual who wants medical inquiries coming be treated with a focus on early identification for effective pacing of therapy interventions. The facility has made deliberate efforts including investing millions in mental

What services are provided by Columbia Correctional Institution?

Columbia Correctional Institution offers various programs and services designed to improve the inmates' chances of rehabilitation and successful re-entry into society. One notable program is the substance abuse treatment program, which aims to help inmates overcome drug or alcohol addiction and address any underlying mental health issues contributing to their substance abuse. The program includes counseling and therapy, group sessions, and educational classes to develop relapse prevention skills and coping mechanisms.

Another program available at Columbia Correctional Institution is educational and vocational training. Inmates can enroll in academic classes or job training programs that provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain employment upon release. They can also participate in vocational courses like carpentry, welding, or culinary arts to acquire trade skills that could earn them a living wage.

The institution has faith-based and special programs such as the Faith and Character Program, the Veteran's Program, and the Re-entry Program. The Faith and Character Program provides instructions on moral principles and helps inmates explore ways of incorporating spiritual values to live an ethical life. The Veteran's Program supports and assists incarcerated veterans with transitional services that would help them reconnect and re-establish their lives after release. The Re-entry Program prepares inmates for life outside prison through job placement services, mindfulness classes, and counseling.

Columbia also offers health care services, psychiatric services, dental services, and special accommodations for inmates with disabilities. All programs and services aim to facilitate a prisoner's rehabilitation of inmates and mitigate the likelihood of future incarcerations.