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 Danbury.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about FCI Danbury

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 Danbury.

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

   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 Danbury?

   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 Danbury. 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 Danbury. 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 Danbury?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Danbury
   33 1/2 Pembroke Rd
   Danbury, CT 06811
   Phone: (203) 743-6471

5. What are the visiting hours at FCI Danbury?

   Visiting hours at FCI Danbury 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 (203) 743-6471 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 Danbury?

   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 Danbury for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Danbury 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 Danbury, 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 rehabilitation form the cornerstone of the comprehensive service framework at FCI Danbury, where inmates have access to structured opportunities designed to address underlying issues and build essential life skills. The facility typically emphasizes evidence-based approaches that help participants develop coping strategies, improve decision-making abilities, and prepare for successful community reintegration. Through a combination of therapeutic interventions and skill-building initiatives, the services often focus on addressing the root causes of criminal behavior while fostering personal accountability and positive change.

Educational services play a vital role in supporting inmate development, with adult basic education programs helping participants strengthen fundamental academic skills and work toward completing their high school equivalency. These educational opportunities may provide pathways for continued learning and often serve as stepping stones to more advanced coursework. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational programs typically offer hands-on training in various trades and industries, allowing inmates to develop marketable skills that can enhance their employment prospects upon release.

The facility's therapeutic services address the complex personal challenges that many inmates face, with substance abuse treatment programs helping participants understand addiction patterns and develop recovery strategies. Individual counseling sessions may provide personalized support for addressing specific issues, while cognitive behavioral therapy often helps inmates recognize and modify problematic thought patterns and behaviors. For those requiring specialized intervention, sex offender treatment services typically utilize structured approaches designed to reduce recidivism risk and promote accountability, creating a comprehensive support system that addresses diverse rehabilitation needs.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured environment of FCI Danbury revolves around predictable routines that help inmates navigate their daily lives within the facility's secure perimeter. Inmates now wake to scheduled counts and move through their days following established patterns that typically include work assignments, meals, and programming activities. The facility regularly maintains order through these consistent schedules, which generally begin early in the morning and continue until evening lockdown procedures.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates adapt to limited personal space and communal living arrangements. Each housing area usually provides basic amenities including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Despite this structured environment, inmates may personalize their living spaces with approved personal items purchased through the commissary system. In addition to this basic housing setup, the facility generally maintains common areas where residents can interact during designated recreational periods.

Programming opportunities provide inmates with various ways to spend their time constructively, including educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities. Work assignments typically range from food service and maintenance duties to clerical positions that help operate the facility. Despite this busy schedule, inmates usually have access to visiting rooms where they can maintain connections with family members during approved visitation hours. The facility also generally provides telephone access and email systems that allow regular communication with loved ones, helping inmates maintain important relationships while serving their sentences.