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 Johnson State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Johnson 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 Johnson State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Johnson State Prison
   290 Donovan Harrison Rd
   Wrightsville, GA 31096
   Phone: (478) 864-4100

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

   Visiting hours at Johnson 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 (478) 864-4100 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 Johnson 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 Johnson State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

At Johnson State Prison, residents can access comprehensive substance abuse treatment through two dedicated Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) centers, each housing many individuals. The facility’s educational programs include literacy remediation, Adult Basic Education, and General Education Diploma preparation, providing essential academic foundations for successful reintegration. Specialized counseling services encompass a Faith and Character Based Program, Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program, and Re-Entry programming, while Motivation for Change counseling supports residents in developing positive behavioral patterns.

The facility’s approach to rehabilitation extends beyond traditional programming through its specialized housing units designed to meet diverse needs. Two Supportive Living Units provide mental health services for Level III offenders, while dedicated geriatric and wheelchair-accessible units ensure appropriate care for elderly and disabled residents. These specialized environments typically support individualized treatment plans and may offer modified programming to accommodate residents’ specific circumstances.

Work details through Johnson County and the Department of Transportation provide valuable vocational experience, while the facility’s fire station program offers specialized training opportunities. Additional services may include library access, recreational activities, and family support programs that complement the formal rehabilitation offerings. The facility’s mission emphasizes providing residents with tools needed to become productive community members, suggesting that programming likely incorporates practical life skills development and community preparation components alongside the documented educational and therapeutic services.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Johnson State Prison wake to structured routines that vary depending on their housing assignment among the facility’s diverse units, which include specialized accommodations for mental health, geriatric care, and substance abuse treatment. The medium-security facility, which opened in 1992 and houses adult male felons, operates with clear schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or program participation.

Family connections remain vital through the facility’s weekend visitation program, which operates Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. All visits require scheduling at least 48 hours in advance, and inmates in segregation may receive visits on Wednesdays dedicated. This structured approach to visitation helps maintain important family bonds while ensuring facility security. Throughout the week, inmates may participate in various educational programs including literacy remedial classes, General Education Diploma preparation, and Adult Basic Education, alongside specialized counseling services such as the Faith and Character Based Program and Re-Entry preparation.

Work assignments often involve community service details with Johnson County and the Department of Transportation, providing inmates with practical skills and a sense of contribution to the surrounding area. The facility’s diverse housing options accommodate different needs, from the two Residential Substance Abuse Treatment centers housing many individuals each, to specialized units for mental health support and geriatric care. Evening hours typically include additional programming, recreational time, and preparation for the next day’s activities, all designed to support the facility’s mission of providing inmates with tools needed for successful community reintegration.