South Carolina

How to contact an inmate at Federal Bureau of Prisons

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Federal Bureau of Prisons. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Federal Bureau of Prisons

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Federal Bureau of Prisons
  5. Overview of Federal Bureau of Prisons
  6. Inmate services at Federal Bureau of Prisons

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Federal Bureau of Prisons:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Federal Bureau of Prisons

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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Federal Bureau of Prisons .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Federal Bureau of Prisons

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Federal Bureau of Prisons 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 Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Frequently asked questions about Federal Bureau of Prisons

  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 Federal Bureau of Prisons.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Federal Bureau of Prisons?

    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 Federal Bureau of Prisons?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Federal Bureau of Prisons. 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 for 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 Federal Bureau of Prisons. 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 Federal Bureau of Prisons?
    Mailing address:

    Federal Bureau of Prisons
    201 FCI Ln
    Glenville , WV 26351
    (304) 626-2500

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

Overview of Federal Bureau of Prisons

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is a U.S. government agency that is responsible for the management and supervision of federal prisons and detention centers. It operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S Department of Justice and was established in 1930 to provide a centralized management system for all federal penitentiaries.

The agency is responsible for the custody, care, and control of over 170,000 federal inmates across the United States. These inmates are held in facilities ranging from high-security prisons to low-security facilities, halfway houses, and community-based offices. The goal of the Federal Bureau of Prisons is to help ensure public safety by providing appropriate rehabilitation programs and procedures for inmates.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons operates with the primary objective of maintaining a secure and safe environment for its employees and inmates. It is charged with providing inmates with basic needs such as healthcare, food, clothing, and education, while also offering various vocational training and employment opportunities. The organization continues to play a crucial role in both the criminal justice system and the broader society by working to reduce recidivism and minimizing inmates' risk of committing future offenses.

The agency has prison facilities scattered throughout multiple regions of the United States, one of which is located in South Carolina. The Federal Correctional Complex located in Bennettsville, South Carolina, is one of the most significant facilities. Additionally, the south eastern region's operational components in Georgia include six prison camps, one correctional facility, and one detention center. As such

What services are provided by Federal Bureau of Prisons?

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is an agency within the United States Department of Justice. Its primary mission is to protect society by confining federal prisoners in a safe, secure, and humane manner. To achieve this mission, the BOP oversees over 120 institutions of various security levels across the country, including FCI Edgefield, a medium-security facility located in South Carolina.

One of the major programs provided by the BOP is inmate education and vocational training. Inmates are offered a wide range of educational opportunities, including adult basic education, secondary education, post-secondary education, and vocational training. For instance, at FCI Edgefield, inmates can participate in programs such as culinary arts, HVAC, plumbing, welding, and small engine repair, among others. These educational programs are aimed at assisting inmates in acquiring marketable skills that can enable them to secure gainful employment upon their release.

Another major program provided by the BOP is substance abuse treatment. This program is designed to help inmates overcome drug or alcohol addiction and develop strategies to avoid relapse after release. At FCI Edgefield, the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is offered to eligible inmates. This program is a voluntary, intensive, drug and alcohol treatment program that combines therapy, educational classes, and community meetings to address the underlying causes of addiction.

The BOP also provides healthcare services to inmates. This is in part due to the fact that many inmates have significant healthcare needs. The BOP recognizes the importance of addressing these needs to ensure that inmates receive appropriate medical attention and are sufficiently cared for. At FCI Edgefield, inmates can receive a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, physical exams, dental care, mental health