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 Coyote Ridge Corrections Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections Center.

Frequently asked questions about Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections Center?

   Mailing address:

   Coyote Ridge Corrections Center
   1301 N Ephrata Ave
   Connell, WA 99326
   Phone: (509) 543-5800

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM
   • Saturday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM
   • Sunday: 12:00 – 7:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center?

   Visiting hours at Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 (509) 543-5800 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections 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 Coyote Ridge Corrections 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

Family connections and community support form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, as evidenced by the facility's structured visiting programs and dedicated Family Council. The center operates under DOC Policy 530.155 Family Councils, which typically facilitates communication between families and facility administration while addressing concerns and suggestions for improving services. To reduce financial barriers that can strain family relationships, the facility provides the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP), offering qualifying applicants up to two separate $50 reimbursements to help cover fuel and hotel costs associated with visiting their incarcerated loved ones.

The facility accommodates individuals across multiple custody levels, including minimum, medium, and long-term minimum security housing units, which often allows for varied programming opportunities tailored to different security classifications. While specific program details were not provided in the available information, Washington State correctional facilities typically offer educational services that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training programs designed to develop marketable job skills. Counseling and therapeutic services are commonly available and may encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health support, anger management, and life skills development programs.

Beyond traditional rehabilitation programming, the facility may offer religious and spiritual services, recreational activities, and work programs that provide both structure and skill development opportunities. The center's visitor application process accommodates both in-person prison visits and video visits, recognizing the importance of maintaining family connections throughout the incarceration period, which research consistently shows supports successful reintegration into the community upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visiting hours at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center typically begin at 5:00 p.m. on weekends, with some units offering extended hours until 8:00 p.m., reflecting the facility's commitment to maintaining family connections for its population of up to 2,468 male inmates. The center operates across multiple custody levels, housing minimum, medium, and long-term minimum security residents in various living units, each with their own visiting schedules and protocols. Families planning visits should check facility alerts regularly, as morning visiting sessions may occasionally be closed for operational needs.

The structured environment at CRCC revolves around maintaining security while providing opportunities for rehabilitation and family contact. Inmates typically follow established daily routines that may include work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities appropriate to their custody classification. The facility's design, with its minimum security unit operational since 1992 and medium security addition from 2009, allows for varied programming and living arrangements based on individual security needs and progress.

Family involvement remains a cornerstone of life at the facility, with the center offering both traditional in-person visits and video visitation options for approved visitors who have completed the required application process. The Washington Department of Corrections recognizes the financial challenges families face and provides the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program, offering qualifying families up to two $50 reimbursements annually to help offset travel costs for fuel and lodging. This support system, combined with the facility's Family Council program, helps maintain crucial family bonds that often prove essential for successful reintegration into the community.