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 Erie County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Erie County 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 Erie County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Erie County 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 Erie County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Erie County 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 Erie County 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 Erie County 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 Erie County 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 Erie County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Erie County Prison
   1618 Ash St
   Erie, PA 16503
   Phone: (814) 451-7500

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Erie County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Erie County 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 (814) 451-7500 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 Erie County 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 Erie County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Erie County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Erie County 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 Erie County Prison?

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

Erie County Prison provides a wide range of programs and services that aim to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the inmates. These programs and services are designed to help the inmates reintegrate into society once they have completed their sentence.

One of the services provided by Erie County Prison is healthcare. The prison houses a medical facility to provide medical treatment and care to inmates with health problems. Additionally, the prison offers mental health services to treat mental and emotional health issues. To ensure proper healthcare delivery, the prison has well-trained medical professionals that provide 24-hours care to the inmates.

Another program offered by Erie County Prison is education and vocational training. The prison provides educational programs, including literacy classes to help illiterate inmates, GED and high school equivalency programs, and vocational training that prepares the inmates to re-enter society. This training allows the inmates to develop skills they can use to find a job when released and therefore prevent recidivism.

Additionally, Erie County Prison affords the inmates access to religious support. The prison has a chaplain that provides spiritual and religious guidance to the inmates. There are regular religious services such as prayer, bible study, as well as other activities designed to foster spiritual growth for the inmates. This service encourages the inmate's spiritual growth and shapes their perspective on the world and their abilities to turn around their lives.

Furthermore, Erie County Prison offers a variety of inmate programs and services, such as substance abuse programs. This aims to help those inmates that may have checked any drug abuse issue while they were in prison. The program educates the inmates on sobriety skills and how to prevent relapse once returned to society.

In conclusion, Erie County Prison is a prison that offers a comprehensive

Daily Life & Visitation

Upon being admitted to the Erie County Prison, inmates are assigned to specific cell blocks based on factors such as their security level and any medical or mental health needs they may have. As part of their daily routine, inmates are typically served breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a communal setting, with meal times scheduled throughout the day. The menu is determined by a dietician and generally consists of basic items such as meat, vegetables, and grains. Inmates also typically have access to a library or educational materials, recreational activities such as sports or arts and crafts, and religious facilities.

However, daily life in Erie County Prison is considerably more arduous than this basic relaxed description might intimate convey. Living spaces are strictly regulated with minimal amenities, privacy, or rehabilitation programs.

Inmates at Erie County Prison spend substantial portions of their day confined to their cells. While some cell units permit the use of electronic devices like televisions or handheld gaming consoles, a vast majority do not. Most units do, however, abide by a strict bed-check regime during dim hours, thoroughly examining each roof for 'contraband' (stimulations leisurely items not secured by the each fitting distribution strategies), thus leaving little one on one or privacy for phone calls to vis it their own prior or commingle interaction.

Overall, Erie County Prison strives to provide inmates with basic necessities and access to limited services. However, the facility is fraught with endless procedural supervision via internal regulations consequent to limit disruptions within the prison's activity levels, problematic reoccurring overcrowding that limits medical needs outside mandatory situations, legally licit service practices for Jewish/Kasrith food avail capabilities; daily can be quietly devoid of personal progress where cons can lodge actionable waivers when delivered.