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 Greenville.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about FCI Greenville

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 Greenville.

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

   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 Greenville?

   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 Greenville. 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 Greenville. 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 Greenville?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Greenville
   1400 E City Rte 40
   Greenville, IL 62246
   Phone: (618) 664-6200

5. What are the visiting hours at FCI Greenville?

   Visiting hours at FCI Greenville 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 (618) 664-6200 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 Greenville?

   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 Greenville for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Greenville 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 Greenville, 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

Within the structured environment of federal incarceration, those housed at FCI Greenville encounter a comprehensive framework of developmental opportunities designed to foster personal advancement and institutional stability. The facility's approach emphasizes the cultivation of practical skills and educational attainment, recognizing that meaningful engagement in structured activities contributes significantly to both individual growth and overall facility security. This philosophy permeates the institution's various offerings, creating pathways for participants to develop competencies that extend well beyond their period of confinement.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's developmental framework, with education services typically encompassing foundational literacy instruction through more advanced academic pursuits. GED preparation may furnish those incarcerated with essential credentials, while vocational programs often include specialized training in practical trades and technical skills. These educational initiatives frequently emphasize hands-on learning experiences that prepare participants for meaningful employment opportunities, with janitorial services training representing one such pathway that combines immediate institutional needs with transferable skill development.

Moreover, the facility's therapeutic and support infrastructure addresses the multifaceted needs of its population through comprehensive mental health treatment services. These offerings often include both individual and group-based interventions designed to address underlying behavioral patterns and promote psychological well-being. The integration of therapeutic services with educational and vocational components creates a holistic environment where those incarcerated may develop both practical capabilities and emotional resilience, contributing to a more secure institutional atmosphere while fostering personal transformation.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong bonds with family members and fellow residents form the cornerstone of community life for those incarcerated at this federal facility, where maintaining meaningful connections becomes an essential part of navigating the correctional environment. At present, the daily routine actively revolves around structured programming that begins with early morning counts, followed by work assignments, educational opportunities, and recreational periods that furnish opportunities for social interaction and personal development. Those incarcerated typically find themselves moving through a carefully orchestrated schedule that balances institutional requirements with programs designed to support rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units where residents share common areas and develop supportive relationships with their peers. Whereas some facilities may offer more restrictive environments, this institution typically provides a setting where those incarcerated can engage in meaningful conversations during meal times in communal dining halls, participate in recreational activities that include sports leagues and fitness programs, and access library services that support both educational pursuits and leisure reading. Moreover, the housing arrangement often allows for the development of informal mentorship relationships and study groups that help residents navigate both their current circumstances and future planning.

The facility's communication systems furnish multiple avenues for maintaining vital connections with family members and loved ones through scheduled visitation periods, telephone access, and correspondence privileges that help preserve important relationships during incarceration. Those incarcerated may typically participate in work assignments ranging from food service and maintenance to administrative support roles, while structured programming often includes educational classes, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling that prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. Moreover, recreational programming frequently encompasses organized sports, hobby clubs, and religious services that provide outlets for personal expression and community building within the correctional environment.