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 Eastern Correction Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Eastern Correction 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 Eastern Correction Center.

Frequently asked questions about Eastern Correction 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 Eastern Correction Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Eastern Correction 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 Eastern Correction 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 Eastern Correction 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 Eastern Correction 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 Eastern Correction Center?

   Mailing address:

   Eastern Correction Center
   2821 NC-903
   Maury, NC 28554
   Phone: (252) 747-8101

5. What are the visiting hours at Eastern Correction Center?

   Visiting hours at Eastern Correction 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 (252) 747-8101 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 Eastern Correction 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 Eastern Correction Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Eastern Correction Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Eastern Correction 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 Eastern Correction Center?

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

Based on the website information provided, I notice there appears to be some confusion in your request. The website content you’ve shared is actually for a North Carolina Department of Adult Correction facility, but the programs and services mentioned are quite limited in the provided text. The content primarily focuses on administrative information like visitation policies, mail procedures, and facility details rather than specific rehabilitation programs.

From the available information, this North Carolina correctional facility operates as a male close and medium custody institution with a capacity of many individuals. Like many state correctional facilities, it likely maintains various rehabilitation and support services, though specific program details aren’t outlined in the provided website content.

Typical services at similar correctional institutions may include educational opportunities such as GED preparation and adult basic education classes, vocational training programs that help individuals develop job skills for reentry, and counseling services addressing substance abuse and mental health needs. Many facilities also offer religious services, library access, and recreational activities as part of their comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. However, without more detailed program information from the facility’s website, I cannot specify which particular services and programs are definitively available at this institution.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Eastern Correctional Institution in Hookerton, North Carolina, the structured environment serves 1,504 male offenders across close and medium custody levels. The facility, located at 2568 Moore Rouse Road in Greene County, operates under the oversight of the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. Like most correctional institutions, residents typically follow a regimented schedule that begins early in the morning with count procedures, followed by meals, work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities. The dual custody levels mean that daily routines may vary depending on an individual’s security classification, with medium custody residents often having more programming opportunities and movement within the facility.

Communication with family and friends follows specific protocols established by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. All mail to residents must be processed through TextBehind, a private company that helps screen correspondence for contraband. Letters should be addressed to the offender’s name and OPUS number, followed by the prison name, and sent to P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131. The return address must include the sender’s complete established and last name - initials are not accepted. Visitation policies have evolved, particularly following pandemic-related restrictions that were implemented in March 2020, with limited visitation resuming in October 2020 under specific health and safety guidelines.

The facility typically offers various programs and services common to North Carolina correctional institutions, which may include educational opportunities, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. Work assignments often encompass facility maintenance, food service, and other institutional operations that help maintain the daily functioning of the prison while providing residents with structure and potential skill development. Recreation time, medical services, and counseling programs are generally integrated into the weekly schedule, though specific availability may depend on custody level, behavior, and individual program participation requirements.