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 East Jersey State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about East Jersey 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 East Jersey State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   East Jersey State Prison
   1100 Woodbridge Rd
   Rahway, NJ 07065
   Phone: (732) 499-5010

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at East Jersey State Prison?

   Visiting hours at East Jersey 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 (732) 499-5010 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 East Jersey 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 East Jersey State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at East Jersey 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 East Jersey State Prison?

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

Comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives at East Jersey State Prison typically emphasize skill development and personal transformation through carefully structured programming designed to address the diverse needs of its resident population. The facility's approach to correctional programming often integrates evidence-based practices with practical skill-building opportunities, creating pathways for residents to develop both academic competencies and vocational expertise that may prove valuable upon reentry into their communities.

Educational services form the cornerstone of the facility's academic initiatives, with adult basic education programs often providing foundational literacy and numeracy instruction for residents seeking to complete their high school equivalency credentials. These educational offerings typically complement vocational training opportunities, including specialized instruction in small engine repair, which may deliver hands-on technical skills that residents can potentially utilize in employment settings. Furthermore, the structured nature of these educational and vocational initiatives often helps residents develop discipline, time management abilities, and professional work habits that extend beyond specific technical competencies.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives typically encompass a broader spectrum of programming designed to address underlying factors that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Substance abuse treatment programs often provide residents with counseling services and coping strategies essential for maintaining sobriety and making positive life changes. Furthermore, creative programming such as writing workshops and arts and crafts activities may offer residents constructive outlets for self-expression while developing communication skills and fostering personal reflection. These varied initiatives often work synergistically to create a comprehensive rehabilitation environment that addresses educational, vocational, therapeutic, and creative development needs.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of count times, meal periods, and scheduled activities now forms the backbone of each day, creating a predictable framework that residents regularly depend upon for stability and orientation. This structured approach typically begins before dawn with morning count, followed by breakfast service, and continues through carefully timed periods for work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities that deliver consistency throughout the week.

Furthermore, living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where residents maintain personal spaces within the facility's security parameters. The dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in common areas, with menus that typically rotate on a weekly basis and may accommodate basic dietary restrictions or religious observances. Personal property is generally limited to approved items that can be stored in designated areas, while commissary services usually provide access to additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials on a regular schedule.

Although movement throughout the facility remains controlled and supervised, residents typically have access to various recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise periods, gymnasium activities, and structured sports programs when weather and security conditions permit. Work assignments often encompass facility maintenance, kitchen duties, laundry operations, and other essential services that help maintain daily operations while providing residents with routine responsibilities. Visitation policies generally allow for scheduled visits from approved family members and friends, and communication options typically include monitored telephone access and correspondence privileges that help residents maintain important connections with their support systems outside the facility.