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 Deuel Vocational Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Deuel Vocational 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 Deuel Vocational Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Deuel Vocational 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 Deuel Vocational Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Deuel Vocational 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 Deuel Vocational Institution?

   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 Deuel Vocational 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 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 Deuel Vocational 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 Deuel Vocational Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Deuel Vocational Institution
   23500 Kasson Rd
   Tracy, CA 95304
   Phone: (209) 835-4141

5. What are the visiting hours at Deuel Vocational Institution?

   Visiting hours at Deuel Vocational Institution 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 (209) 835-4141 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 Deuel Vocational Institution?

   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 Deuel Vocational Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Deuel Vocational Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Deuel Vocational Institution 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 Deuel Vocational Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Deuel Vocational Institution, 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 Deuel Vocational Institution?

   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 Deuel Vocational Institution 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 Deuel Vocational Institution, 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 a comprehensive framework of interconnected services, the population at Deuel Vocational Institution receives multifaceted support designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. The facility's approach emphasizes skill development and personal growth through carefully structured programs that recognize the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of participants. These initiatives typically operate under the principle that meaningful change occurs when individuals are provided with practical tools, educational opportunities, and therapeutic interventions that work synergistically to promote successful community reentry.

Educational initiatives form the cornerstone of the institution's academic offerings, providing the population with opportunities to complete high school equivalency requirements and pursue post-secondary learning pathways. These programs often include literacy development, computer skills training, and college preparatory coursework that may supply participants with credentials recognized by employers and educational institutions throughout California. Moreover, vocational training programs complement academic pursuits by offering hands-on instruction in trades such as electrical work, which typically prepares participants for employment in growing industries upon release. These skill-building opportunities are designed to enhance marketability and provide sustainable career pathways that support long-term stability.

The institution's rehabilitation programs address underlying factors that may have contributed to criminal behavior, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches that promote personal accountability and behavioral change. Work release programs serve as transitional bridges, allowing eligible participants to maintain employment in the community while completing their sentences, thereby preserving family connections and economic stability. These support services often include substance abuse treatment, anger management, and life skills development, creating a comprehensive network of interventions that address the complex needs of the population and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

The carefully orchestrated framework of institutional operations shapes every aspect of the population's experience, where systematic scheduling and clear hierarchical management create predictable rhythms that now govern their daily existence. The population regularly moves through structured time blocks that typically include designated periods for meals, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities, with each segment carefully coordinated to maintain facility security while providing meaningful engagement opportunities. Administrative staff generally oversee these operations through established protocols that supply consistency and order, ensuring that the population can anticipate their daily responsibilities and available services.

Moreover, living accommodations typically consist of housing units that may range from dormitory-style arrangements to smaller residential areas, where the population generally shares common spaces while maintaining personal living areas that allow for some individual expression within institutional guidelines. Meals are usually served in centralized dining facilities at regularly scheduled times, with the population often having opportunities to participate in food service operations as part of their work assignments. Whereas recreational opportunities typically include access to exercise facilities, outdoor recreation areas, and organized activities that supply both physical fitness options and social interaction, these programs are generally structured around the facility's operational schedule and security requirements.

The population typically has access to various work assignments that may include maintenance, food service, laundry operations, and other facility support roles, which generally provide both structure and potential skill development opportunities. Structured programming schedules usually encompass educational classes, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs that supply pathways for personal growth and preparation for reintegration. Communication with family members and loved ones is typically facilitated through scheduled visitation periods, telephone access, and correspondence services, though these connections are generally subject to institutional policies and security protocols that help maintain facility safety while supporting important family relationships.