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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute 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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute

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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute?

   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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute?

   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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute. 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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute. 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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute
   3178 Mt Zion Church Rd
   Pelham, GA 31779
   Phone: (229) 294-2940

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute 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 (229) 294-2940 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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute?

   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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute 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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute, 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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute?

   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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute 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 Jimmy Autry Correctional Institute, 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

With specialized housing for 650 Level II Mental Health inmates and comprehensive substance abuse treatment through its host relationship with Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center, Autry State Prison demonstrates Georgia's commitment to addressing the complex needs of its medium-security population. The facility's educational foundation includes GED preparation, Adult Basic Education (ABE), and literacy programs designed to build essential academic skills, while counseling services encompass evidence-based interventions such as Thinking for a Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, and Matrix Early Recovery Skills programming alongside traditional support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

The prison's vocational training opportunities center around practical skill development, featuring a Correctional Industries Boot Plant for footwear manufacturing, food preparation certification, barbering instruction, and horticulture programs. Additional on-the-job training may include positions in laundry operations, office administration, automobile detailing, painting, and library services. These programs typically work in conjunction with career guidance services to help inmates develop marketable skills for successful reintegration into their communities upon release.

Supporting the facility's rehabilitation mission, Autry State Prison maintains active religious programming with various worship services, Bible study groups, and an inmate choir, while recreational activities provide structured leisure opportunities. The prison's specialized units, including a 96-bed In-House Transitional Unit and 42-bed Accommodated Living Unit, may offer additional programming tailored to specific population needs. Mental health services are likely integrated throughout these programs, given the facility's significant capacity for housing inmates requiring Level II mental health care, ensuring that treatment and rehabilitation efforts address both behavioral and psychological factors that contribute to successful reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Autry State Prison, weekends bring the opportunity for family connections, with visitation available on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The medium-security facility, which opened in 1992 with a capacity of 1,698 inmates, operates with a structured environment where residents typically begin their days early with count procedures and breakfast service. Those housed in the open-bunk dormitories—four separate units with 38 double bunks each—often participate in various work details including grounds and maintenance, the correctional industries boot plant, or the on-site fire station operations.

The facility's comprehensive programming structure provides inmates with multiple pathways for personal development and skill building throughout their typical day. Educational opportunities may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy programs, while vocational training spans from footwear manufacturing to food preparation, barbering, and horticulture. Counseling programs such as re-entry skills building, substance abuse treatment, and thinking for a change sessions are often integrated into weekly schedules. Religious services, bible study groups, and recreational activities provide additional structure to daily routines.

Living arrangements vary across the facility's multiple housing units, with some inmates residing in the specialized 96-bed In-House Transitional Unit or the 42-bed Accommodated Living Unit, while others may be housed in the six buildings containing 96 beds each with triple bunks on bottom ranges. The facility's capacity to house 650 Level II Mental Health inmates means that specialized programming and therapeutic interventions may be woven into daily schedules for those requiring additional support. Evening hours typically include recreational time, educational programming, or religious activities before evening count and lights out procedures.