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 Dodge Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Dodge Correctional Institute 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 Dodge Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Dodge Correctional Institute

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 Dodge Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Dodge Correctional Institute?

   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 Dodge Correctional Institute?

   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 Dodge Correctional Institute. 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 Dodge Correctional Institute. 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 Dodge Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Dodge Correctional Institute
   1 W Lincoln St
   Waupun, WI 53963
   Phone: (920) 324-5577

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Saturday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Sunday: 3:00 – 8:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Dodge Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Dodge Correctional Institute 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 (920) 324-5577 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 Dodge Correctional Institute?

   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 Dodge Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Dodge Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Dodge Correctional Institute 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 Dodge Correctional Institute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Dodge Correctional Institute, 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 Dodge Correctional Institute?

   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 Dodge Correctional Institute 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 Dodge Correctional Institute, 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

As Wisconsin's central reception center for adult male inmates, Dodge Correctional Institution provides comprehensive assessment and evaluation services that form the foundation of each individual's correctional journey. The facility's staff collaborate with the Bureau of Offender Classification and Movement to conduct thorough evaluations that determine program needs, custody levels, and appropriate institutional placements. This critical classification process ensures inmates receive targeted programming aligned with their specific circumstances and rehabilitation goals.

During the intake and orientation period, inmates participate in programs designed to help them adjust to the correctional environment and understand the Wisconsin Department of Corrections system. The facility typically may offer educational services to address basic literacy and academic needs, as many individuals are beginning their sentences and require foundational support. Counseling and mental health services are often available to help inmates process the impact of their sentencing and develop coping strategies for incarceration. The institution may also provide substance abuse programming, vocational training opportunities, and life skills development courses that prepare individuals for successful reintegration into their communities.

Given its role as a reception center, Dodge Correctional Institution focuses heavily on case planning and transition support services. Inmates often participate in programs that help them navigate the correctional system effectively while beginning to address underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration. The facility may offer religious services, recreational activities, and library services to support overall well-being during this crucial transition period. These comprehensive services work together to ensure inmates are properly prepared for placement at their designated long-term facilities and equipped with initial tools for successful rehabilitation.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure perimeter of Dodge Correctional Institution, inmates navigate a highly structured environment where concrete housing units and controlled movement define their daily existence. Inmates now follow regimented schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and regularly include designated times for meals, work assignments, and programming activities. The facility operates on a predictable routine that generally provides inmates with clear expectations for each part of their day, from wake-up procedures through evening lockdown.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates may be housed with one or more roommates depending on security classification and available space. In addition to this basic housing arrangement, inmates generally have access to common areas for television viewing and social interaction during designated recreation periods. The dining experience usually involves scheduled meal times in a central cafeteria setting, where inmates receive nutritionally planned meals that meet state correctional standards.

Despite this controlled environment, the facility typically provides various programs and activities that help inmates maintain connections with the outside world and develop useful skills. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that provide structure and sometimes modest compensation. Inmates regularly have opportunities for recreation and exercise through gymnasium access, outdoor recreation periods, and organized sports activities when weather permits. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation programs and telephone privileges, while the commissary system generally allows inmates to purchase personal items and snacks that provide some comfort within the institutional setting.