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 Danville Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Danville Correctional Center
   3820 E Main St
   Danville, IL 61834
   Phone: (217) 446-0441

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Danville Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Danville Correctional 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 (217) 446-0441 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 Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Danville Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional 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 Danville Correctional 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

At Danville Correctional Center, the institutional philosophy centers on encouraging positive attitudes through comprehensive programming and meaningful work opportunities designed to create safe conditions for staff, those in custody, and the broader community. This medium security facility for adult males emphasizes rehabilitation through structured activities that may include educational advancement programs, vocational training opportunities, and behavioral intervention services.

The facility typically offers educational services that may encompass adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help individuals develop essential academic skills. Vocational training programs often include opportunities in areas such as building maintenance, food service, and industrial skills that can provide valuable job readiness upon reentry. Counseling and therapeutic services may be available to address substance abuse issues, anger management, and other behavioral concerns, while religious and spiritual programs often provide additional support for personal growth and community connection.

Work opportunities within the facility's 17 buildings across 85 acres may include assignments in food service, facility maintenance, laundry operations, and other institutional support roles that help individuals develop work skills and responsibility. The center may also offer recreational activities, library services, and reentry preparation programs designed to assist with the transition back to the community. These comprehensive services work together to support the facility's mission of promoting positive change and preparing individuals for successful reintegration into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Danville Correctional Center, individuals in custody begin each day within one of the facility's three X-type housing units spread across the 85-acre complex. The medium security environment allows for structured movement between the 17 buildings that make up this institution, which has housed adult males since opening in October 1985. With an operational capacity of 1,836 beds, the facility maintains organized schedules that typically include work assignments, educational opportunities, and recreational periods designed to promote positive attitudes and personal development.

Family connections remain vital through the facility's comprehensive visitation program, which requires advance sign-up for all visits. Video visitation operates seven days a week with three daily sessions: 8:00am-11:00am, 12:00pm-3:30pm, and 4:00pm-6:00pm, allowing families to maintain regular contact. Visitors are advised to log on 15 minutes before their scheduled time and must follow established guidelines. Traditional mail correspondence continues through the facility's address at 3820 East Main Street in Danville, with specific protocols for both business and personal correspondence.

The facility's programming focuses on creating a climate of safe and secure conditions while providing work opportunities and educational programs. These structured activities often fill the afternoon and evening hours, complementing the morning routines and helping individuals develop skills that may support their eventual reintegration into the community. The combination of security protocols, family communication options, and programming creates a structured environment designed to balance safety with personal growth opportunities.