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 Hazelton Medium.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about FCI Hazelton Medium

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 Hazelton Medium.

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

   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 Hazelton Medium?

   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 Hazelton Medium. 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 Hazelton Medium. 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 Hazelton Medium?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Hazelton Medium
   1640 Sky View Dr
   Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
   Phone: (304) 379-1500

5. What are the visiting hours at FCI Hazelton Medium?

   Visiting hours at FCI Hazelton Medium 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 (304) 379-1500 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 Hazelton Medium?

   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 Hazelton Medium for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at FCI Hazelton Medium 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 Hazelton Medium?

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

   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 Hazelton Medium 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 Hazelton Medium, 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

**Educational advancement and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation initiatives at FCI Hazelton.** The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate learning needs and long-term career preparation. Residents may participate in structured programs designed to build essential life skills while preparing them for successful community reintegration. This multifaceted approach often includes academic coursework, hands-on training opportunities, and personal development activities.

**Academic and vocational training initiatives provide residents with practical pathways to employment readiness.** Education programs may deliver instruction in basic literacy, GED preparation, and post-secondary coursework through correspondence opportunities. Additionally, vocational training often includes construction trades, food service preparation, and maintenance skills that align with regional employment markets. These initiatives typically focus on developing both technical competencies and workplace behaviors that employers value.

**Support services and therapeutic initiatives address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior.** Substance abuse treatment may offer group counseling sessions, educational workshops, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to individual needs. Additionally, mentoring programs often connect residents with peer support networks that encourage positive decision-making. Creative outlets such as music programs and creative writing initiatives provide residents with constructive ways to express themselves while developing new interests and talents that may continue beyond their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At present, structured schedules actively govern every aspect of daily operations, with residents following established routines that typically begin early in the morning and continue through evening hours. Count times occur at regular intervals throughout the day, providing checkpoints that help organize activities and movements within the facility. Work assignments generally commence after morning meals, with residents participating in various facility operations including food service, maintenance, laundry, and administrative support roles that deliver both structure and practical skills.

Housing units at FCI Hazelton typically accommodate residents in dormitory-style settings or smaller rooms, depending on security classification and availability. Residents generally have access to basic personal property and can purchase additional items through the commissary system. Meals are served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with menus that usually provide balanced nutrition while accommodating various dietary requirements and restrictions.

Additionally, recreational opportunities may include access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness equipment, and organized sports activities during designated periods. Programming schedules often deliver educational classes, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment that help residents prepare for eventual reintegration. While security protocols govern all activities, visitation policies typically allow approved family members and friends to maintain contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, helping residents preserve important relationships during their incarceration.