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 Williamsburg.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about FCI Williamsburg

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 Williamsburg.

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

   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 Williamsburg?

   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 Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Williamsburg
   8301 US-521
   Salters, SC 29590
   Phone: (843) 387-9400

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at FCI Williamsburg?

   Visiting hours at FCI Williamsburg 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 (843) 387-9400 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 Williamsburg?

   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 Williamsburg for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg, 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 foundation of service delivery at FCI Williamsburg. The facility typically emphasizes skill-building and behavioral change through structured programming. Inmates may participate in various services designed to address individual needs and prepare them for successful community reintegration. The approach often combines educational advancement with practical life skills development.

Educational services may provide opportunities for inmates to earn their GED or pursue higher education coursework. Vocational programs typically offer hands-on training in marketable skills that support post-release employment prospects. Also, grounds maintenance services allow participants to develop work experience while contributing to facility operations. These educational and vocational opportunities often emphasize both personal achievement and practical skill development.

Support services frequently include faith-based initiatives that address spiritual growth and moral development. Religious services may offer regular worship opportunities and pastoral counseling for inmates seeking spiritual guidance. Family reunification services typically work to strengthen relationships between inmates and their loved ones through structured programming. Also, specialized therapeutic services such as sex offender treatment may provide intensive counseling for inmates with specific rehabilitation needs. These support and therapeutic services often focus on addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior while building healthy coping strategies.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at FCI Williamsburg create a structured environment where inmates now navigate carefully regulated routines. Inmates regularly wake to scheduled counts and move through their days according to established timelines that typically include meals, work assignments, and programming activities. The facility generally operates on a predictable schedule that provides structure while allowing inmates to adapt to institutional life.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates store personal property within approved limits. The dining hall serves meals at designated times, and inmates usually have access to commissary services to purchase additional food items and personal care products. However, all purchases must comply with facility guidelines and spending limits. Also, inmates generally maintain their living spaces according to institutional standards and participate in regular room inspections.

Work assignments provide inmates with daily responsibilities that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations support. Recreation opportunities typically include access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness equipment, and organized sports activities when available. Inmates also participate in educational programs and structured activities designed to support rehabilitation goals. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and approved communication methods, including phone calls and correspondence, which help inmates maintain relationships with loved ones during their incarceration.