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 Indiana State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Indiana 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 Indiana State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Indiana State Prison
   1 Park Row St
   Michigan City, IN 46360
   Phone: (219) 874-7256

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Indiana 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 (219) 874-7256 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 Indiana 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 Indiana State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The transformative power of comprehensive programming creates pathways for meaningful change at Heritage Trails Correctional Facility. Through a carefully structured approach to personal development, individuals have access to a wide spectrum of opportunities designed to address various aspects of rehabilitation and skill-building. This multifaceted framework recognizes that successful reintegration requires addressing educational gaps, developing marketable skills, and fostering personal growth through diverse support systems.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's comprehensive offerings, with education programs typically providing foundational learning opportunities for individuals at various academic levels. High school diploma programs may offer structured pathways for those seeking to complete their secondary education, often incorporating flexible scheduling to accommodate different learning needs and backgrounds. Additionally, vocational training opportunities focus on developing practical, job-ready skills that align with current market demands, potentially including areas such as construction trades, food service, or maintenance operations that provide valuable certification possibilities.

Support services round out the comprehensive programming structure through specialized opportunities that address personal challenges and promote emotional well-being. Faith-based programs often provide spiritual guidance and community connection for individuals seeking this type of support during their incarceration. Additionally, domestic violence programs may offer therapeutic interventions and educational components designed to help participants understand relationship dynamics and develop healthier communication patterns, contributing to reduced recidivism and improved family relationships upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements typically marks the beginning of each day for individuals housed at Heritage Trails Correctional Facility. The structured environment currently provides a predictable routine that continues to revolve around scheduled activities, meals, and programming designed to maintain order and support rehabilitation efforts. Wake-up calls generally occur in the early morning hours, followed by personal hygiene time and preparation for the day's activities.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where individuals may be assigned roommates based on classification levels and security considerations. Each person usually receives basic furnishings including a bed, storage space for personal belongings, and access to shared bathroom facilities. While personal property allowances are generally limited, individuals can often purchase approved items through the commissary system. Additionally, the housing units are designed to provide both security and a degree of personal space within the structured environment.

Daily programming often includes work assignments that may range from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks, providing individuals with opportunities to develop skills while contributing to facility operations. Recreation periods typically offer access to outdoor areas, gymnasium facilities, and various activities that promote physical fitness and social interaction. While maintaining security protocols, the facility usually provides multiple options for family communication, including scheduled phone calls and visitation opportunities that help individuals maintain important connections with their support systems outside the facility.