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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at John Latorraca Correctional Facility 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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about John Latorraca Correctional Facility

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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to John Latorraca Correctional Facility?

   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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility?

   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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility. 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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility. 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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   John Latorraca Correctional Facility
   2584 W Sandy Mush Rd
   Merced, CA 95341
   Phone: (209) 385-7575

5. What are the visiting hours at John Latorraca Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at John Latorraca Correctional Facility 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 (209) 385-7575 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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility?

   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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at John Latorraca Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at John Latorraca Correctional Facility 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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At John Latorraca Correctional Facility, 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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility?

   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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility 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 John Latorraca Correctional Facility, 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

Within the structured environment of John Latorraca Correctional Facility, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive framework of developmental offerings designed to cultivate personal transformation and practical skill acquisition. The facility’s approach emphasizes creating pathways for meaningful engagement through carefully structured initiatives that address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. These offerings typically operate within a secure framework that prioritizes safety while fostering an atmosphere conducive to personal growth and educational advancement.

Educational initiatives form a cornerstone of the facility’s developmental approach, with those incarcerated often having access to foundational literacy programs alongside more advanced academic pursuits. College correspondence courses may provide opportunities for higher education advancement, allowing participants to work toward degrees while maintaining the security protocols essential to facility operations. Furthermore, ESL offerings typically serve those for whom English represents a second language, creating bridges to better communication and expanded opportunities. Vocational training programs often complement these academic pursuits, furnishing practical skills in various trades that may enhance employment prospects upon release.

The facility’s therapeutic and support framework typically encompasses individual counseling services that address personal challenges within a confidential, professional setting. Rehabilitation programs often provide structured approaches to addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration, while creative writing offerings may furnish alternative channels for self-expression and reflection. These support services typically operate in coordination with the facility’s broader security infrastructure, ensuring that therapeutic goals align with institutional safety requirements while creating meaningful opportunities for personal development and positive behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and community bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility, where structured daily routines consistently provide opportunities for social interaction and personal growth. Today’s schedule typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include kitchen duties, facility maintenance, or administrative support roles. These work programs generally furnish not dedicated structure but also opportunities for those incarcerated to develop skills while contributing to the facility’s daily operations, with assignments often rotating to ensure fair distribution of responsibilities throughout the housing units.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units that accommodate multiple residents, creating natural opportunities for peer interaction and mutual support. Although personal space may be limited, those incarcerated generally have access to basic amenities and can maintain personal property within established guidelines. Furthermore, the dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in common areas, where residents gather to share meals and engage in conversation, helping to maintain social connections that prove essential for mental well-being during incarceration.

The facility’s programming schedule often includes recreational activities, educational opportunities, and structured group sessions that encourage community participation and personal development. Visitation policies typically allow family members and approved visitors to maintain regular contact through scheduled visits, while communication options may include monitored phone calls and correspondence services. Furthermore, commissary privileges generally enable those incarcerated to purchase additional items and treats, often facilitating small gestures of friendship and community building within the housing units, helping residents maintain connections both within the facility and with their loved ones on the outside.