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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility 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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility

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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility?

   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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility?

   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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility. 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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility. 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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility
   2500 S Sheridan Dr
   Muskegon, MI 49444
   Phone: (231) 773-9200

   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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility 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 (231) 773-9200 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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility?

   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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility 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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility, 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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility?

   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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility 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 Ernest Brooks Correctional Facility, 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

Personal growth and transformation form the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inmate development, recognizing that meaningful change requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual’s life. Through carefully structured programming, inmates may access resources designed to build essential life skills, foster personal accountability, and prepare them for successful community reintegration. This holistic philosophy often guides service delivery across educational, vocational, and support domains.

Educational and vocational services play a central role in empowering inmates to develop marketable skills and academic competencies. The facility may provide vocational education opportunities that focus on trades and technical skills relevant to current job markets. Education programs often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education options that allow participants to advance their academic credentials. In addition to this, financial literacy services typically help inmates understand budgeting, banking, and money management concepts that prove essential for post-release stability.

Support services complement educational offerings by addressing practical reentry challenges and personal development needs. The prisoner reentry initiative may connect inmates with community resources, employment assistance, and housing support to facilitate smoother transitions back into society. Community resource connections often link participants with local organizations, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing support networks. Food service operations frequently serve dual purposes, providing essential facility functions while offering inmates valuable work experience and vocational training in food preparation and service industry skills.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility create a structured environment where inmates navigate their daily existence within clearly defined boundaries. Today’s routine typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service and work assignments that provide consistency throughout the week. Inmates generally find themselves adapting to a schedule that revolves around security procedures, meal times, and various programming activities that help structure their days.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing, where inmates may have limited personal space but often develop coping strategies for communal living. The dining areas serve meals at designated times, with inmates usually eating together in supervised settings that provide opportunities for social interaction. Personal property allowances generally include basic necessities and approved items that can be purchased through the commissary system, helping inmates maintain some sense of personal identity within the institutional environment.

In addition to this basic structure, recreational opportunities may include access to exercise yards, television viewing areas, and various indoor activities that provide physical and mental stimulation. Work assignments often range from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks, giving inmates productive ways to spend their time while potentially learning job skills. Despite this structured environment, family connections remain important through visitation programs and telephone privileges that typically allow inmates to maintain contact with loved ones, though these communications are generally monitored according to facility policies.