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 Hancock State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hancock State Prison 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 Hancock State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Hancock State Prison

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 Hancock State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hancock State Prison?

   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 Hancock State Prison?

   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 Hancock State Prison. 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 Hancock State Prison. 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 Hancock State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Hancock State Prison
   701 Prison Blvd
   Sparta, GA 31087
   Phone: (706) 444-1000

5. What are the visiting hours at Hancock State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Hancock State Prison 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 (706) 444-1000 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 Hancock State Prison?

   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 Hancock State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hancock State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hancock State Prison 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 Hancock State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hancock State Prison, 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 Hancock State Prison?

   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 Hancock State Prison 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 Hancock State Prison, 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

With a comprehensive array of counseling programs including Motivation for Change, Matrix Early Recovery Skills, and Moral Reconation Therapy, Hancock State Prison emphasizes evidence-based rehabilitation approaches for its male inmate population. The facility’s academic programming encompasses General Education Diploma preparation and Adult Basic Education, while specialized counseling services address substance abuse through Relapse Prevention programs and family-related issues through Family Violence counseling. The institution also operates an In-House Transitional Center to support inmates preparing for reentry into the community.

The facility’s diverse programming extends to specialized populations and comprehensive dietary accommodations, including a Vegan Diet program and services designed for different custody levels within this Tier I and II institution. Religious programming serves multiple faith communities with regular Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic, Protestant, and Islamic services, while recreational opportunities include general recreation and intramural sports. Work details provide practical experience through institutional maintenance, food service operations, laundry, barbershop services, and library work, with some inmates participating in city and county contract work assignments.

Beyond core programming, Hancock State Prison typically may offer additional support services common to Georgia correctional facilities, such as mental health counseling, medical care coordination, and pre-release planning assistance. The facility’s approach to rehabilitation often includes case management services to help inmates develop individualized treatment and educational plans, while volunteer programs like Heads-Up and Alcoholics Anonymous provide additional community support. These comprehensive services work together to address the varied needs of the incarcerated population while promoting successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

With visitation occurring on weekends from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for general population inmates, family connections remain a vital part of the weekly routine at Hancock State Prison. The facility’s structured schedule accommodates its 1,191-capacity population across nine general population dormitories, each housing many individuals, along with additional housing units including an open bay tent facility and annex dormitories. Inmates typically begin their days early with count procedures and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include institutional maintenance, food service operations, laundry duties, or participation in city and county work details.

The facility offers various programming opportunities that structure inmates’ daily activities beyond their work assignments. Academic programs such as General Education Diploma preparation and Adult Basic Education classes typically occur during designated hours, while counseling programs like Motivation for Change, Re-Entry preparation, and Moral Reconation Therapy provide structured therapeutic activities. Religious services accommodate multiple faiths with weekly Protestant, Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, and Islamic services, while recreational activities include general recreation periods and intramural sports that may provide physical activity and social interaction opportunities.

Medical services operate on a 16-hour, four-day schedule with 12-hour weekend coverage, ensuring healthcare needs are addressed throughout the week. The facility’s specialized features, including its vegan diet program and In-House Transitional Center, may offer additional programming and preparation opportunities for eligible inmates. Evening hours typically involve additional count procedures, limited recreational time, and preparation for the next day’s activities, with lights-out occurring at designated times to maintain the facility’s security and operational requirements.