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 Mendota.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about FCI Mendota

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 Mendota.

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

   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 Mendota?

   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 Mendota. 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 Mendota. 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 Mendota?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Mendota
   33500 W California Ave
   Mendota, CA 93640
   Phone: (559) 274-4000

   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 FCI Mendota?

   Visiting hours at FCI Mendota 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 (559) 274-4000 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 Mendota?

   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 Mendota for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Mendota 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 Mendota, 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

Through comprehensive support networks and carefully structured interventions, the population at FCI Mendota receives multifaceted assistance designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. The facility’s approach emphasizes building sustainable pathways to community reentry while fostering personal development through evidence-based programming. These initiatives typically operate under a holistic framework that recognizes the interconnected nature of education, skill development, and psychological well-being in supporting successful transitions.

Educational initiatives often include adult basic education and GED preparation programs that help participants strengthen foundational academic skills essential for future opportunities. Moreover, vocational training programs may supply hands-on instruction in trades such as carpentry, electrical work, and food service preparation, equipping the population with marketable skills that enhance employment prospects upon release. These educational and vocational components typically emphasize practical application and industry-relevant competencies that align with regional workforce demands.

Rehabilitation programs frequently incorporate cognitive-behavioral interventions, substance abuse treatment, and anger management coursework designed to address underlying behavioral patterns. Life coaching services may offer individualized guidance on goal-setting, decision-making, and personal accountability, while transitional planning initiatives typically focus on developing comprehensive reentry strategies that encompass housing, employment, and community connections. These support services often include family reunification components and community partnership development, recognizing that successful reintegration depends heavily on establishing robust support systems that extend beyond the facility’s walls.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured routines and clear organizational frameworks supply the foundation that shapes every aspect of the residential experience, with administrative protocols at present actively governing the flow of activities from early morning count procedures through evening lockdown protocols. The population typically begins each day with mandatory counts conducted by correctional staff, followed by breakfast service in designated dining areas where meals are generally served at scheduled intervals throughout the day. Work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities are usually distributed across morning and afternoon time blocks, with the population moving between housing units, work locations, and program areas according to established schedules that maintain security while providing structured opportunities for personal development.

Moreover, living accommodations within the facility generally consist of multi-person housing units where the population shares dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements, with personal property typically limited to approved items that can be stored in designated spaces. The commissary system usually operates on scheduled days, allowing residents to purchase approved personal items, snacks, and hygiene products using funds from their institutional accounts. Whereas some facilities may offer different housing classifications, the population here typically experiences similar accommodation standards with access to common areas for television viewing, reading, and social interaction during designated recreational periods.

The facility generally provides various recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise yards, indoor fitness equipment, and organized sports activities, while educational and vocational programming typically supplies structured learning environments during weekday schedules. Visitation policies usually allow approved family members and friends to visit during designated hours and days, with communication options often including monitored telephone access and correspondence privileges that help maintain important family connections. These organizational elements work together to create a structured environment where the population can typically access basic services, maintain family relationships, and participate in programs designed to support their eventual reintegration into the community.