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 Fairbanks Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Fairbanks Correctional 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 Fairbanks Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Fairbanks Correctional 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 Fairbanks Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Fairbanks Correctional 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 Fairbanks Correctional 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 Fairbanks Correctional 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 Fairbanks Correctional 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 Fairbanks Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Fairbanks Correctional Center
   1931 Eagan Ave
   Fairbanks, AK 99701
   Phone: (907) 458-6700

   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 Fairbanks Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Fairbanks Correctional 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 (907) 458-6700 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 Fairbanks Correctional 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 Fairbanks Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Fairbanks Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Fairbanks Correctional 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 Fairbanks Correctional Center?

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

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, where inmates have opportunities to address underlying issues while building practical capabilities for successful community reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that combines educational advancement, vocational preparation, and therapeutic intervention to support meaningful personal transformation. This multi-faceted strategy recognizes that effective rehabilitation requires addressing both immediate needs and long-term development goals.

Educational services often include English as Second Language (ESL) instruction, which may provide crucial language skills for inmates whose primary language is not English. These classes typically focus on practical communication abilities that support both daily interactions and future employment opportunities. Furthermore, vocational training services may offer hands-on instruction in various trades and technical skills. These programs often emphasize practical, marketable abilities that can lead to employment upon release, helping participants develop both technical competencies and workplace readiness.

Therapeutic services typically address critical behavioral and psychological factors through substance abuse treatment and sex offender treatment programs. These specialized interventions may provide structured approaches to understanding and modifying problematic behaviors while developing healthier coping strategies. Additionally, reentry programs often support the transition process by helping inmates prepare for community reintegration through practical planning and resource connections. Support services may also include janitorial services training, which can provide both immediate work experience within the facility and transferable job skills for post-release employment opportunities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The harsh Alaskan climate shapes every aspect of the physical environment at Fairbanks Correctional Center, where thick concrete walls and reinforced windows provide necessary insulation against extreme temperatures. Inmates now follow structured daily routines that typically begin with early morning counts and regularly include scheduled meal times, work assignments, and supervised activities. The facility’s design reflects the challenges of operating in sub-Arctic conditions, with heated walkways connecting different sections of the complex.

Housing units generally accommodate inmates in shared cells or dormitory-style arrangements, depending on classification levels and available space. Each living area typically includes basic furnishings such as beds, storage lockers, and shared bathroom facilities. Furthermore, inmates may personalize their spaces with approved personal items purchased through the commissary system, which often stocks cold-weather clothing and comfort items suitable for the climate. Although space can be limited, the facility usually provides adequate heating and lighting throughout the winter months when daylight hours are severely restricted.

The facility provides various structured programming opportunities that help inmates adapt to their environment while maintaining connections with the outside world. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and facility operations that keep inmates engaged and provide valuable skills. Recreation opportunities typically include indoor activities during harsh weather periods, with access to television, reading materials, and exercise equipment. Although Alaska’s remote location can make family visits challenging, the facility generally offers telephone privileges and may provide video visitation options to help inmates maintain important relationships with loved ones throughout their incarceration.