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 Fishkill Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Fishkill Correctional Facility 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 Fishkill Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Fishkill Correctional Facility

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 Fishkill Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Fishkill Correctional Facility?

   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 Fishkill Correctional Facility?

   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 Fishkill Correctional Facility. 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 Fishkill Correctional Facility. 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 Fishkill Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Fishkill Correctional Facility
   18 Strack Dr
   Beacon, NY 12508
   Phone: (845) 831-4800

   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 Fishkill Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Fishkill Correctional Facility 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 (845) 831-4800 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 Fishkill Correctional Facility?

   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 Fishkill Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Fishkill Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Fishkill Correctional Facility 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 Fishkill Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Fishkill Correctional Facility, 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 Fishkill Correctional Facility?

   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 Fishkill Correctional Facility 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 Fishkill Correctional Facility, 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

The rehabilitation approach at Fishkill Correctional Facility encompasses a comprehensive range of programs designed to address the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals. The facility’s programming structure includes alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs, anger management services, and specialized sex offender treatment programs. Educational and vocational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility’s offerings, while guidance and counseling services provide essential mental health support. The facility also maintains library and law library services, enabling individuals to pursue legal research and educational advancement during their incarceration.

Family connections and community reintegration receive significant attention through the facility’s family development programs and transitional services programs. Veterans services address the comprehensive needs of formerly enlisted individuals, while trauma programs help participants process and heal from past experiences. Religious services provide spiritual guidance and community support, complemented by recreational programs that promote physical wellness and social interaction. The facility may also offer temporary release programs for eligible participants, allowing gradual reintegration into the community under supervised conditions.

Volunteer services and programs typically enhance the facility’s internal offerings by bringing community members into the correctional environment to provide additional support and mentorship. These comprehensive programming efforts reflect New York’s broader commitment to rehabilitation and recidivism reduction, though specific program availability may vary based on individual eligibility, security level, and facility capacity. The combination of therapeutic, educational, and transitional services aims to prepare participants for successful community reentry while addressing the underlying factors that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekend visitation hours at Fishkill Correctional Facility begin at 8:15 AM for general population residents, with families arriving through the facility’s structured scheduling system based on identification numbers. Located on Strack Drive in Beacon, this medium-security facility for males operates under the supervision of Superintendent Michael Daye, maintaining specific protocols that divide weekend visits into population segments while allowing up to three visitors plus one child under five per visit.

The facility’s comprehensive programming structure shapes much of residents’ weekday routines, with opportunities ranging from educational and vocational training to substance abuse treatment and anger management courses. Men housed here may participate in library services, recreational programs, and religious services, while those eligible can access temporary release programs and transitional services designed to support eventual reintegration. Veterans receive specialized services, and the facility typically maintains both guidance counseling and volunteer program components that provide additional structure to residents’ schedules.

Communication with family members follows established patterns, with mail directed to the P.O. Box 1245 address on Matteawan Road, while the facility’s main operations center at (845) 831-4800 handles general inquiries. Special housing arrangements include the Regional Medical Unit with modified visiting hours from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and both Residential Rehabilitation Unit and Special Housing Unit residents receive Saturday evening visitation from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. These varying schedules reflect the facility’s approach to balancing security requirements with maintaining family connections and rehabilitation programming throughout the week.