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 Dakota Women's Correctional.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Dakota Women's Correctional 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 Dakota Women's Correctional.

Frequently asked questions about Dakota Women's Correctional

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 Dakota Women's Correctional.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Dakota Women's Correctional?

   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 Dakota Women's Correctional?

   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 Dakota Women's Correctional. 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 Dakota Women's Correctional. 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 Dakota Women's Correctional?

   Mailing address:

   Dakota Women's Correctional
   440 McKenzie St
   New England, ND 58647
   Phone: (701) 579-5100

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Dakota Women's Correctional?

   Visiting hours at Dakota Women's Correctional 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 (701) 579-5100 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 Dakota Women's Correctional?

   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 Dakota Women's Correctional for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Dakota Women's Correctional?

   You can send money to an inmate at Dakota Women's Correctional 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 Dakota Women's Correctional?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Dakota Women's Correctional, 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 Dakota Women's Correctional?

   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 Dakota Women's Correctional 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 Dakota Women's Correctional, 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

The North Dakota Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation has implemented a digital mail system that modernizes communication for residents across its facilities, including those at women's correctional institutions. Through the Securus Digital Mail Center, personal correspondence is digitally scanned and made available on residents' electronic devices, while legal mail and official agency communications continue to be processed through traditional channels. This technological approach reflects the department's commitment to maintaining family connections while ensuring security protocols are met.

Women's correctional facilities in North Dakota typically provide comprehensive programming designed to support successful reintegration into the community. Educational services may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training programs that align with local employment opportunities. Case management services play a central role in coordinating resident needs, particularly when handling special documentation requests that require deputy warden approval, such as identification processing for release preparation.

Mental health and substance abuse counseling programs are often integral components of the rehabilitation process, along with life skills training and pre-release planning services. Facilities may offer work programs, library services, and recreational activities to support personal development. The structured communication policies, including provisions for legal correspondence and approved publications from verified vendors, demonstrate the system's balance between maintaining security standards and preserving residents' rights to meaningful contact with the outside world during their incarceration period.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones has undergone significant changes at Dakota Women's Correctional, with the facility implementing a digital mail system as of June 2021. Personal correspondence no longer arrives in traditional paper form, but instead gets digitally scanned at the Securus Digital Mail Center and delivered to residents through electronic tablets. This modernized approach allows women to receive letters, pictures, and drawings from family members, though all mail must include proper return addresses to avoid being sent back to senders.

The digital communication system represents just one aspect of how technology shapes daily routines at the facility. Residents typically access their electronic messages during designated times throughout the day, often becoming a highlight as they connect with children, parents, and friends on the outside. Legal mail and correspondence from agencies like Child Support continue to be processed through traditional channels, ensuring important official communications reach residents promptly. The facility may also offer educational programs, work assignments, and recreational activities that help structure each day, though specific programming details vary based on security levels and individual case management plans.

Family connections remain vital to daily life, with visitation applications still being accepted through regular mail channels. Women often spend considerable time preparing for visits, which may include video calls or in-person meetings depending on current policies and security protocols. The facility typically maintains structured meal times, count procedures, and evening routines that provide consistency, while case managers work with residents on release planning and addressing various personal matters that require approval from administrative staff.