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 Kentucky State Penitentiary.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Kentucky State Penitentiary 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 Kentucky State Penitentiary.

Frequently asked questions about Kentucky State Penitentiary

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 Kentucky State Penitentiary.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Kentucky State Penitentiary?

   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 Kentucky State Penitentiary?

   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 Kentucky State Penitentiary. 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 Kentucky State Penitentiary. 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 Kentucky State Penitentiary?

   Mailing address:

   Kentucky State Penitentiary
   266 Water St
   Eddyville, KY 42038
   Phone: (270) 388-2211

5. What are the visiting hours at Kentucky State Penitentiary?

   Visiting hours at Kentucky State Penitentiary 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 (270) 388-2211 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 Kentucky State Penitentiary?

   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 Kentucky State Penitentiary for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Kentucky State Penitentiary?

   You can send money to an inmate at Kentucky State Penitentiary 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 Kentucky State Penitentiary?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Kentucky State Penitentiary, 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 Kentucky State Penitentiary?

   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 Kentucky State Penitentiary 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 Kentucky State Penitentiary, 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

Through comprehensive support networks and structured programming, the population at Kentucky State Penitentiary receives assistance designed to address multiple aspects of personal development and successful reintegration. The facility’s approach typically emphasizes building practical skills while addressing underlying challenges that may have contributed to incarceration. These programs often focus on creating pathways for meaningful change through education, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions that support both individual growth and community safety.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the supportive programming available to the population. High school diploma programs may supply opportunities for those who did not complete their secondary education, often providing foundational skills necessary for future employment and personal advancement. Additionally, vocational programs typically offer hands-on training in areas such as building maintenance and landscaping, which can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. These skill-building initiatives often emphasize practical experience while fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose among participants.

The facility may also provide substance abuse treatment programs that address addiction issues through structured therapeutic interventions. These services typically focus on helping the population develop coping strategies and understand the connection between substance use and criminal behavior. Support services often include counseling components that may assist individuals in rebuilding relationships with family members and preparing for community reintegration. Through this combination of educational, vocational, and therapeutic programming, the population receives comprehensive support aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful transitions back into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women operates as a campus-style facility on 270 acres in Shelby County, where female offenders from all 120 Kentucky counties navigate structured daily routines within multiple housing units featuring both double and single-bunked accommodations. As a multi-custody facility serving women with sentences ranging from one year to life, including those on death row, the institution maintains differentiated programming and housing arrangements to meet the diverse needs of maximum, medium, minimum, and community custody residents, as well as established-time and persistent offenders.

Within this ACA-accredited environment that has maintained its standards since 1982, residents typically follow structured schedules that may include educational programming, vocational training, and work assignments designed to support their eventual community reintegration and economic self-sufficiency. The facility’s mission emphasizes providing humane program and service opportunities within the least restrictive environment consistent with public, staff, and inmate safety. Family connections remain important, with visiting programs and communication services helping maintain relationships that often prove crucial for successful reentry.

The institution’s comprehensive approach reflects Kentucky’s commitment to addressing the comprehensive challenges faced by female offenders, offering various custody levels and specialized programs within the campus setting near Pewee Valley. Daily operations balance security requirements with rehabilitative goals, creating an environment where women can work toward developing skills and maintaining family ties that support their transition back to community life upon release.