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 Harnett Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Harnett 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 Harnett Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Harnett Correctional Institution
   1210 E McNeill St
   Lillington, NC 27546
   Phone: (910) 893-2751

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

   Visiting hours at Harnett 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 (910) 893-2751 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 Harnett 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 Harnett Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Harnett 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 Harnett 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 Harnett 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 Harnett 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

Through its partnership with Central Carolina Community College, Harnett Correctional Institution provides comprehensive vocational training programs including Barbering, Carpentry, Electrical Wiring, Food Services, Masonry, Welding, and Facility Maintenance. These hands-on programs are designed to equip residents with marketable skills for successful reintegration into their communities. The facility also supports educational advancement through adult education classes and HI-SET test preparation, while residents seeking higher education may pursue four-year degrees through University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill correspondence courses.

Mental health and substance abuse treatment form critical components of the facility's rehabilitation approach. The Sex Offender Accountability and Responsibility Program provides specialized treatment for up to 46 participants during each 20-week program cycle, while the Substance Abuse Treatment Program addresses addiction-related issues. These evidence-based programs typically focus on behavioral modification, relapse prevention, and developing healthy coping strategies. The facility may also offer individual and group counseling services, crisis intervention support, and psychiatric care when needed.

Beyond formal programming, Harnett Correctional Institution likely provides additional support services common to medium-security facilities. These may include religious and spiritual services through the on-site chapel, recreational activities in the dedicated recreation building, and library services for personal enrichment and legal research. The facility may also offer pre-release planning assistance, job placement support, and family reunification programs to help residents maintain important community connections. Medical and dental care are available through the facility's medical building, ensuring residents receive necessary healthcare during their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Harnett Correctional Institution in Lillington, North Carolina, inmates begin each day within one of seven housing units that contain 29 separate dormitories spread across the 30-acre compound. The facility's structured environment accommodates 988 medium-security adult males, with most residents housed in dormitory-style living arrangements, while 34 single cells serve restrictive housing purposes. The day typically revolves around scheduled activities that may include meals in the central dining hall, educational classes, vocational training, and recreational time in the designated recreation building.

Educational and vocational opportunities form a significant part of daily routines at Harnett. Inmates may participate in programs offered through Central Carolina Community College, including hands-on training in Barbering, Carpentry, Electrical Wiring, Food Services, Masonry, Welding, and Facility Maintenance within the facility's two vocational buildings. Those focused on academic advancement can attend adult education classes or prepare for HI-SET tests in the education building, while some inmates pursue four-year degrees through University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill correspondence courses. Many residents also work in the on-site Correction Enterprises meat processing plant, where they help process millions of pounds of frozen foods and meats used throughout the state prison system.

For inmates requiring specialized support, Harnett offers structured treatment programs that become part of their daily schedule. The facility provides a 20-week Sex Offender Accountability and Responsibility Program that serves up to 46 participants per cycle, along with a Substance Abuse Treatment Program. Religious services and counseling may be available in the chapel, while medical and dental care is provided through the on-site medical building staffed with nursing professionals. Family connections are typically maintained through scheduled visitation periods and correspondence, though specific visiting hours and communication policies may vary and should be confirmed by contacting the facility directly at 910-893-2751.