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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hampden County Pre-Release Center 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center.

Frequently asked questions about Hampden County Pre-Release Center

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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

   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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

   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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center. 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center. 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

   Mailing address:

   Hampden County Pre-Release Center
   325 Alabama St
   Ludlow, MA 01056
   Phone: (413) 547-8000

5. What are the visiting hours at Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

   Visiting hours at Hampden County Pre-Release Center 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 (413) 547-8000 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

   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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hampden County Pre-Release Center 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hampden County Pre-Release Center, 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center?

   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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center 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 Hampden County Pre-Release Center, 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 Basic Inmates' Intensive Regimen at Hampden County PRC structures daily life around a comprehensive 40-hour work week that combines productive job assignments with targeted rehabilitation programming. This approach reflects the facility's philosophy that successful reentry preparation begins immediately upon incarceration. The regimen typically includes substance abuse treatment programs, educational opportunities, employment readiness training, anger management courses, and victim awareness programming, all designed to address the underlying factors that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Educational services at the facility may offer adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help individuals develop essential academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often include job skills development in areas such as food service, maintenance, and other practical trades that can support employment upon release. The facility's focus on productive activities means participants may engage in work assignments that provide real-world experience while contributing to facility operations.

Counseling and support services typically encompass individual and group therapy sessions, mental health support, and case management services that help individuals develop reentry plans. The facility may also offer family reunification programs, life skills training, and community resource connections to support the transition back into society. This comprehensive approach aligns with the facility's commitment to helping individuals return to their communities as productive, law-abiding citizens through evidence-based programming and structured daily routines.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 40-hour work week requirement forms the backbone of structured days for sentenced inmates at Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow, Massachusetts. Under the facility's Basic Inmates' Intensive Regimen, residents typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by mandatory participation in productive activities that may include job assignments within the seven-building complex, educational programming, or therapeutic sessions focused on substance abuse treatment and anger management.

Living arrangements across the facility's 24 units operate under a Direct Supervision model, where correctional staff maintain close interaction with residents throughout their daily routines. The three housing towers accommodate both pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates, with structured schedules that often include designated times for meals, programming, recreation, and personal hygiene. Inmates may participate in various work assignments that help maintain facility operations while developing job skills, alongside programs addressing victim awareness and employment readiness as part of the facility's reentry-focused approach.

Communication with family and friends typically follows standard Massachusetts correctional protocols, which may include scheduled visitation periods, monitored telephone calls, and correspondence privileges. The facility's Unit Management system allows for individualized case planning, where residents work with staff to address personal goals and prepare for community reintegration. Recreation time, medical appointments, and educational opportunities are generally scheduled around the core work and programming requirements, creating a structured environment designed to promote personal development and successful community reentry.