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 Hartford Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Hartford Correctional Center
   177 Weston St
   Hartford, CT 06120
   Phone: (959) 200-3000

   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 Hartford Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Hartford Correctional 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 (959) 200-3000 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 Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hartford Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional 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 Hartford Correctional Center operates an educational program through Hartford USD #1, providing academic opportunities for individuals in custody. This Level 4 high-security facility serves primarily pretrial offenders and focuses on creating a safe, secure environment while promoting responsible behavior among those remanded to its custody.

Educational services typically form the foundation of programming at the facility, with academic instruction potentially including basic literacy, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities. The facility may offer vocational training programs designed to provide practical skills for future employment, such as maintenance, food service, or other trade-based instruction. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are often available to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior, with individual and group therapy sessions potentially offered to support rehabilitation efforts.

Support services at Hartford Correctional Center may include religious programming, library access, and recreational activities that promote positive social interaction and personal development. The facility’s commitment to promoting professionalism, excellence, and dignity extends to its programming approach, which often emphasizes preparing individuals for successful reintegration into the community. Medical and dental care services are typically provided to ensure the health and well-being of the population, while case management services may help coordinate release planning and community connections for those preparing to return to society.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the high-security walls of Hartford Correctional Center on Weston Street, inmates follow structured routines designed to maintain order and safety within this Level 4 facility. As a high-security urban jail primarily housing pretrial offenders, the center operates under strict protocols that govern every aspect of residents’ daily experiences, from meal times to recreation periods.

Family connections remain a vital part of life for those housed at Hartford Correctional Center, with the facility offering both in-person and video visiting options. General population inmates may receive two in-person visits per week on a established-come, established-serve basis, while those in specialized housing units continue with scheduled visits. Video visits provide an additional way for families to maintain contact, though all visitors must be on an approved, active visiting list and receive confirmation before arriving. The facility’s commitment to promoting responsible behavior extends to educational opportunities, with school programming available through Hartford USD #1 to help inmates work toward personal development goals.

Throughout each day, the center’s focus on maintaining a safe, secure, and healthy environment shapes the daily routine for both inmates and staff. Meals are served at designated times in housing units or common areas, with recreational activities and programming typically scheduled during specific periods. The facility’s urban location in Hartford means that many inmates may be close to their home communities, potentially making family visits more accessible while they await trial or serve shorter sentences in this high-security environment.