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 State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Dodge State Prison 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 State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Dodge State Prison

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 State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Dodge State Prison?

   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 State Prison?

   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 State Prison. 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 State Prison. 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 State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Dodge State Prison
   2971 Old Bethel Church Road
   Chester, GA 30413
   Phone: (478) 358-7200

5. What are the visiting hours at Dodge State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Dodge State Prison 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 (478) 358-7200 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 State Prison?

   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 State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Dodge State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Dodge State Prison 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 State Prison?

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

   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 State Prison 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 State Prison, 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 comprehensive rehabilitation programming at Dodge State Prison centers around evidence-based counseling interventions and practical skill development. Inmates participate in specialized therapeutic programs including Motivation for Change, Moral Recognition Therapy, and Thinking for a Change, which address cognitive behavioral patterns. The facility's substance abuse treatment offerings include Matrix Relapse Prevention and Matrix Early Recovery Skills programs, complemented by Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Additional counseling services encompass Family Violence programming, Re-Entry preparation, and the Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program (SOPP), while the Lifers Group provides targeted support for long-term inmates.

Educational and vocational training opportunities span multiple skill areas, with Academic programs offering General Education Diploma preparation, Adult Basic Education, and Literacy services. The facility's extensive vocational and on-the-job training portfolio includes Food Preparation, Auto Detailing, Basic Computer Operation, and Building Maintenance certifications. Specialized trade programs may include Cook Apprentice training, Barbering, and Laundry Operations, while administrative skills development covers Career Clerk, General Office Clerk, and Warehousing and Inventory Control positions. The Correctional Industries Woodworking Furniture program provides inmates with manufacturing experience in wood products.

Supporting these core programs, Dodge State Prison typically maintains general recreation activities and various worship services with Bible study opportunities. The facility may offer additional support services such as library access, medical and mental health care, and family communication programs to assist with reintegration planning. Work details include nine off-property assignments and grounds maintenance, providing inmates with practical work experience that may enhance their employment prospects upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at this medium-security facility in central Georgia wake each morning in one of 19 housing units that range from 12-person dormitories to larger 58-person open dormitories. The structured environment begins early, with inmates assigned to various work details including nine off-property assignments, Correctional Industries Woodworking operations, and grounds maintenance responsibilities that help maintain both the facility and surrounding areas.

Family connections remain vital through weekend visitation opportunities, with general population inmates typically able to receive visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Those in segregation may have more limited contact on Tuesdays and Thursdays during morning hours. Between visits, inmates often participate in educational programs such as General Education Diploma preparation and Adult Basic Education, while counseling services may include programs like Motivation for Change and various substance abuse recovery groups including Alcoholics Anonymous.

The facility's vocational training opportunities help prepare inmates for reentry, with hands-on experience available in areas such as food preparation, auto detailing, building maintenance, and barbering. Religious services and general recreation activities typically provide additional structure to the weekly routine, while specialized programs address various rehabilitation needs. The presence of emergency response teams and security units ensures safety protocols are maintained throughout all daily activities, creating an environment focused on both security and constructive programming for the facility's population.