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 Garner Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Garner Correctional Institution 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 Garner Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Garner Correctional Institution

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 Garner Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Garner Correctional Institution?

   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 Garner Correctional Institution?

   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 Garner Correctional Institution. 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 Garner Correctional Institution. 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 Garner Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Garner Correctional Institution
   50 Nunnawauk Rd
   Newtown, CT 06470
   Phone: (203) 270-2800

5. What are the visiting hours at Garner Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Garner Correctional Institution 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 (203) 270-2800 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 Garner Correctional Institution?

   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 Garner Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Garner Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Garner Correctional Institution 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 Garner Correctional Institution?

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

   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 Garner Correctional Institution 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 Garner Correctional Institution, 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

Comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives at Garner Correctional Institution reflect a multifaceted approach to resident development, emphasizing skill acquisition and personal growth through structured programming. The facility’s philosophy centers on providing residents with meaningful opportunities to address underlying issues while simultaneously building practical competencies that facilitate successful community reintegration. These initiatives typically encompass educational advancement, vocational skill development, and therapeutic interventions designed to address the complex needs of the resident population.

Educational services form the cornerstone of the facility’s academic programming, with GED preparation courses enabling residents to complete their high school equivalency requirements. These educational initiatives may deliver comprehensive instruction across core subject areas, helping residents develop critical thinking skills and academic confidence. Additionally, job readiness training complements the educational framework by providing residents with essential workplace competencies, including interview techniques, resume development, and professional communication skills that prove invaluable upon release.

Support services extend beyond traditional educational offerings to include specialized vocational programs that may encompass hands-on training in practical trades such as masonry. These initiatives often include animal care programs, which provide residents with opportunities to develop responsibility and empathy while learning valuable skills in animal husbandry and care. Additionally, substance abuse treatment initiatives typically address the underlying addiction issues that may have contributed to residents’ incarceration, offering therapeutic interventions and counseling services designed to promote long-term recovery and behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of structured schedules currently forms the backbone of daily existence, with each hour carefully planned to deliver consistency and purpose. Residents follow established routines that typically begin with early morning wake-up calls, continue through scheduled meal times, work assignments, and programming activities, and conclude with evening lockdown procedures. This comprehensive framework generally provides residents with predictable expectations and clear boundaries that help maintain order throughout the facility.

Living accommodations at Garner Correctional Institution typically consist of housing units designed to accommodate multiple residents, with each person assigned specific sleeping quarters and storage space for approved personal belongings. Additionally, residents usually have access to common areas within their housing units where they may interact with others during designated periods. The facility generally maintains dining halls where meals are served at scheduled times, with residents typically receiving three meals daily that meet basic nutritional requirements. While meal times follow strict schedules, these regular gathering periods often provide opportunities for social interaction within the controlled environment.

Programming schedules usually deliver a variety of structured activities designed to promote personal development and maintain physical wellness. Residents may typically participate in educational classes, vocational training programs, or therapeutic sessions depending on their individual needs and facility resources. Additionally, recreation periods generally include access to exercise facilities, outdoor recreation areas, and organized activities that help residents maintain physical fitness. Family connections continue through scheduled visitation programs and telephone privileges, which typically operate according to established guidelines and security procedures. These communication opportunities often serve as important sources of support and motivation for residents as they navigate their daily routines within the facility’s structured environment.