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 FMC Devens.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens.

Frequently asked questions about FMC Devens

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 FMC Devens.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to FMC Devens?

   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 FMC Devens?

   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 FMC Devens. 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 FMC Devens. 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 FMC Devens?

   Mailing address:

   FMC Devens
   42 Patton Rd
   Devens, MA 01434
   Phone: (978) 796-1000

   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 FMC Devens?

   Visiting hours at FMC Devens 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 (978) 796-1000 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 FMC Devens?

   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 FMC Devens for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at FMC Devens?

   You can send money to an inmate at FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens?

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

   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 FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens, 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 a comprehensive framework of interconnected services, FMC Devens demonstrates its commitment to fostering personal growth and successful community reintegration for the population it serves. The facility's approach emphasizes holistic development, recognizing that meaningful transformation occurs when individuals have access to diverse opportunities that address their educational, vocational, and personal needs. This philosophy permeates throughout the institution's various programs, creating an environment where participants can develop essential skills while building confidence for their eventual return to society.

Educational services form the cornerstone of the facility's academic offerings, typically providing opportunities for the population to pursue literacy development, GED preparation, and various continuing education courses. These programs often include structured learning environments that accommodate different skill levels and learning styles. Moreover, vocational programs complement the educational framework by offering practical training in trades and marketable skills that may enhance employment prospects upon release. The population frequently benefits from hands-on instruction in areas such as painting and decorating, which provides both technical expertise and the satisfaction of creating tangible improvements to their living environment.

The facility's support infrastructure extends beyond traditional education and training through mentoring programs that connect participants with guidance and encouragement throughout their incarceration period. These relationships often prove invaluable in helping individuals navigate challenges and maintain focus on their rehabilitation goals. Additionally, mental health treatment services may supply crucial therapeutic interventions, addressing underlying issues that contribute to behavioral patterns while promoting emotional wellness and stability. This comprehensive support network recognizes that successful reintegration requires attention to both practical skills and psychological well-being, creating multiple pathways for personal development and positive change.

Daily Life & Visitation

The carefully orchestrated structure of daily operations at FMC Devens shapes every aspect of the population's experience, with systematic scheduling that now governs movement between housing units, work assignments, and programming areas. Residents regularly navigate a framework of accountability counts, meal periods, and supervised activities that supply both predictability and purpose to their days. The facility's organizational approach typically emphasizes maintaining order through clear expectations, whereas individual schedules may vary based on custody level, medical needs, and participation in various programs that generally operate throughout the week.

Living accommodations at the facility usually consist of multi-person housing units that provide basic furnishings and personal storage space, with the population typically sharing common areas for television viewing and social interaction. Moreover, residents generally have access to personal property allowances that may include approved clothing, books, and hygiene items available through the commissary system. The dining arrangements typically involve scheduled meal periods in a central cafeteria setting, where the population receives nutritionally planned meals that often accommodate dietary restrictions and medical requirements.

Programming schedules regularly supply educational opportunities, vocational training, and recreational activities that may include library access, fitness facilities, and organized sports when weather and security conditions permit. Family connections remain vital through visitation policies that typically allow approved visitors during designated hours, whereas telephone and correspondence privileges generally provide additional communication options. Work assignments often include facility maintenance, food service, and administrative support roles that supply both structure and potential skill development, with the population usually participating in these activities as part of their overall programming requirements.