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 Iowa State Penitentiary.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Iowa State Penitentiary 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 Iowa State Penitentiary.

Frequently asked questions about Iowa State Penitentiary

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 Iowa State Penitentiary.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Iowa State Penitentiary?

   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 Iowa State Penitentiary?

   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 Iowa State Penitentiary. 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 Iowa State Penitentiary. 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 Iowa State Penitentiary?

   Mailing address:

   Iowa State Penitentiary
   2111 330th Ave
   Fort Madison, IA 52627
   Phone: (319) 372-5432

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Iowa State Penitentiary?

   Visiting hours at Iowa State Penitentiary 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 (319) 372-5432 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 Iowa State Penitentiary?

   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 Iowa State Penitentiary for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Iowa State Penitentiary?

   You can send money to an inmate at Iowa State Penitentiary 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 Iowa State Penitentiary?

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

   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 Iowa State Penitentiary 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 Iowa State Penitentiary, 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 Iowa State Penitentiary utilizes modern technology to maintain family connections through its comprehensive visitation program, which includes both in-person visits on weekends and video calling sessions managed through the Ameelio app. This maximum-security facility, which began operations in 2015, serves approximately 760 incarcerated individuals and emphasizes the importance of maintaining community ties as part of the rehabilitation process.

While specific program details were not outlined in available materials, Iowa State Penitentiary typically may offer educational services that could include adult basic education, GED preparation, and potentially vocational training programs designed to prepare individuals for reentry into the workforce. The facility likely provides counseling services and substance abuse treatment programs, which are common components of correctional rehabilitation efforts. Mental health services and medical care are typically available to address the diverse needs of the population.

As a modern correctional facility, Iowa State Penitentiary may also include recreational programs, library services, and religious programming to support personal development and positive behavioral changes. Work programs within the facility often provide opportunities for individuals to develop job skills while contributing to facility operations. The structured visitation schedule, with weekend in-person visits and weekday video calls, demonstrates the facility’s commitment to supporting family relationships that can be crucial for successful reintegration into the community upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, incarcerated individuals can maintain connections with loved ones through a structured visitation program that operates Friday through Monday each week. The facility offers in-person visits on weekends at 8:00 am, 11:00 am, and 2:30 pm time slots, with each visit lasting two hours and requiring advance reservations through the Ameelio app. Video visits are available on Mondays and Fridays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for 50-minute sessions, providing additional opportunities for family contact when in-person visits may not be possible.

Life within this maximum-security facility, which houses approximately many individuals, typically follows a highly structured routine designed to maintain safety and security. Residents generally wake early for count procedures, followed by scheduled meal times, work assignments, and educational or rehabilitative programming. The facility may offer various programs aimed at skill development and preparation for eventual reintegration, though specific offerings can vary based on security classifications and individual circumstances. Those in segregation status have more limited privileges, including restricted visitation options with dedicated weekend video visits available.

All visitors entering Iowa State Penitentiary undergo security screening procedures, which may include pat-downs, metal detectors, and electronic scanning devices to ensure facility safety. The institution maintains strict protocols regarding contraband control, and visitors who do not comply with search procedures are denied entry. For families seeking to visit or needing assistance with the Ameelio system, support is available through Iowa Support services, while specific questions about individual visits can be directed to the facility’s information line at (319) 376-4850.