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 Jacksonville Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Jacksonville Correctional Center
   2268 E Morton Ave
   Jacksonville, IL 62650
   Phone: (217) 245-1481

5. What are the visiting hours at Jacksonville Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Jacksonville 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 (217) 245-1481 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Jacksonville Correctional Center operates as a minimum security facility designed to provide custody, care, and safety for adult males while focusing on rehabilitation and community reintegration. The facility serves as the parent institution for both Greene County Work Camp and Pittsfield Work Camp, creating a network that may emphasize work-based programming and skill development opportunities for individuals preparing for release.

Educational and vocational programs at the facility typically include adult basic education, GED preparation, and various job training opportunities that align with the minimum security classification. Given its role overseeing work camps, Jacksonville Correctional Center likely offers pre-release programming, work readiness training, and may provide opportunities for individuals to develop practical skills in areas such as maintenance, food service, or facility operations. The facility may also offer substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and behavioral programming designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at Jacksonville Correctional Center often include library access, recreational activities, and religious programming to promote personal development and positive use of time. The facility maintains modern communication options through ICSolutions, offering video visitation services seven days a week with multiple time slots, as well as electronic messaging capabilities through CorrLinks. These technological resources help maintain family connections and community ties, which research shows are crucial factors in successful reintegration. Medical and mental health services are typically available to address the healthcare needs of the population, while case management services may assist individuals in developing release plans and connecting with community resources.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Jacksonville Correctional Center begin their days within a structured environment designed to house up to 1,628 individuals across the main facility and its two work camps. The minimum-security classification allows for more movement and programming opportunities compared to higher-security facilities, with many residents participating in work assignments that may include maintenance, food service, or other institutional operations throughout the week.

Communication with family members remains a vital part of the experience, with video visitation available seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM through the ICSolutions platform. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance and log on 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Additionally, residents can maintain contact through the ICS CorrLinks electronic messaging system, allowing for regular communication between visits. Traditional mail continues to be processed at the facility's Morton Avenue address, providing another important connection to the outside world.

The facility typically offers educational and vocational programming common to Illinois Department of Corrections institutions, which may include GED preparation, job skills training, and substance abuse counseling. Recreation time often includes access to outdoor areas, television viewing, and library services. Meals are served at scheduled times throughout the day, and residents generally follow a structured schedule that balances work assignments, programming, and personal time within the facility's security protocols.