How to send messages, photos, and packages
Johnston Correctional Institution provides electronic tablets through ViaPath/GTL, the NCDAC contractor. These tablets handle phone calls, texting, digitized mail, education, and entertainment. To add phone time, use ConnectNetwork (ViaPath's authorized portal and mobile app), the vendor's toll-free line, Western Union, or mail-in payments following the listed instructions. The facility also supports AdvancePay prepaid calling, which links funds to a specific phone number—when the incarcerated person calls that number, charges are deducted automatically. All phone calls are limited to 15 minutes. Since third-party vendors run these services, you'll need to set up an account with the approved provider to manage funds, messages, and any tablet or video features.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Sending a letter, photos, or a card to someone at Johnston Correctional Institution? Here's the key thing: non-legal mail goes through TextBehind first. Use the exact address format they require, and your mail gets scanned and delivered to your loved one's tablet.
Use ConnectNetwork (ViaPath’s authorized deposit portal) or the ConnectNetwork mobile app to add funds. You can also add funds through the vendor’s toll‑free number, Western Union, or by mail using the options the facility lists.
AdvancePay is a prepaid calling option that puts funds on a specific phone number. When the incarcerated person calls that number, the charges are deducted from the AdvancePay balance.
All offender phone calls at Johnston Correctional Institution are timed for 15 minutes.
Send non-legal letters to TextBehind’s Maryland address using the exact format they require. Include the offender’s full name, OPUS number, and “Johnston Correctional Institution” on the envelope.
TextBehind screens and scans the letter, then delivers a digital copy to the offender’s tablet. The original is kept for a limited time—you can request it within 30 days for $2.50 per letter, otherwise it’s shredded after 30 days.
If your mail doesn’t follow TextBehind’s addressing instructions, it will be returned to the sender. Use TextBehind’s Maryland address and include the offender’s name, OPUS number, and facility name to prevent delays.
Adding phone time is usually quick once you know which system to use. Here are the options that work at Johnston Correctional Institution, plus a simple step-by-step to get you started.
Your first in-person visit at Johnston Correctional Institution is totally doable—but it's appointment-only, and you won't get in without prior approval. Follow the steps below to get on the visitor list, schedule your appointment, and avoid getting turned away at the door.
Sending money to someone at Johnston Correctional is straightforward once you know the rules. Here's how deposits work—including the no-fee mail money order option through TouchPay and what to do if something goes wrong.
