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 FCI Aliceville.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at FCI Aliceville 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 FCI Aliceville.

Frequently asked questions about FCI Aliceville

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 FCI Aliceville.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to FCI Aliceville?

   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 FCI Aliceville?

   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 FCI Aliceville. 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 FCI Aliceville. 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 FCI Aliceville?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Aliceville
   11070 AL-14
   Aliceville, AL 35442
   Phone: (205) 373-5000

5. What are the visiting hours at FCI Aliceville?

   Visiting hours at FCI Aliceville 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 (205) 373-5000 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 FCI Aliceville?

   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 FCI Aliceville for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at FCI Aliceville?

   You can send money to an inmate at FCI Aliceville 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 FCI Aliceville?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At FCI Aliceville, 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 FCI Aliceville?

   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 FCI Aliceville 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 FCI Aliceville, 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 transformation through structured learning and therapeutic intervention forms the cornerstone of rehabilitation services at FCI Aliceville. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inmate development, recognizing that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to diverse opportunities for growth. This philosophy guides the delivery of services designed to address educational gaps, emotional healing, and practical skill development that may support successful reintegration into society.

Educational services often include foundational learning opportunities and high school diploma programs that help inmates address academic deficiencies. These education programs typically provide structured classroom environments where participants can work toward completing their secondary education or developing essential literacy and numeracy skills. The facility may offer various levels of instruction to accommodate different learning needs and backgrounds, allowing inmates to progress at appropriate paces while building confidence in their academic abilities.

Furthermore, therapeutic and support services complement the educational offerings through grief counseling and faith-based programs that address emotional and spiritual dimensions of personal development. Wellness programs may provide opportunities for physical health improvement and stress management, while work release services can offer practical experience in community settings. Volunteer programs typically create meaningful ways for inmates to contribute to their communities, fostering a sense of purpose and civic responsibility that often supports long-term behavioral change and personal growth.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of FCI Aliceville create a structured environment where inmates must quickly learn to navigate institutional routines and regulations. Life currently revolves around scheduled counts, meal times, and programmed activities that continue throughout each day. Inmates typically wake early for morning count, followed by breakfast and work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance, or facility operations. The structured nature of each day provides predictability, though inmates must adapt to the regimented schedule and limited personal freedoms.

Housing units generally accommodate multiple inmates per room, with basic furnishings including beds, lockers, and shared bathroom facilities. Inmates usually receive three meals daily in the dining hall, where they sit at assigned tables and follow specific procedures for entering and exiting. Personal property remains limited to approved items that can be stored in designated spaces. Furthermore, inmates may access the commissary periodically to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and other approved goods using funds from their institutional accounts.

Recreation opportunities typically provide inmates with structured physical activity and social interaction during designated hours. The facility often includes outdoor recreation areas, indoor exercise equipment, and organized sports activities. Although visitation policies regulate when and how family members may visit, these connections continue to play an important role in helping inmates maintain relationships with loved ones. Inmates may also access telephone services and correspondence privileges according to institutional guidelines, allowing them to stay in contact with their support systems outside the facility walls.