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 Lackawanna County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lackawanna County 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 Lackawanna County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Lackawanna County 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 Lackawanna County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lackawanna County 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 Lackawanna County 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 Lackawanna County 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 Lackawanna County 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 Lackawanna County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Lackawanna County Prison
   1371 N Washington Ave
   Scranton, PA 18509
   Phone: (570) 963-6639

5. What are the visiting hours at Lackawanna County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Lackawanna County 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 (570) 963-6639 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 Lackawanna County 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 Lackawanna County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lackawanna County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lackawanna County 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 Lackawanna County Prison?

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

The Lackawanna County Prison has implemented comprehensive communication and visitation systems to maintain connections between inmates and their families while ensuring facility security. The facility operates a video visitation program that allows inmates to connect with loved ones remotely, accessible through their dedicated online platform. To support these connections, the prison utilizes OffenderConnect services, enabling family members to deposit funds into inmates' trust accounts and prepaid telephone accounts through multiple convenient methods.

Communication services extend beyond visitation through a modernized mail system managed in partnership with ViaPath, a third-party vendor that processes all general correspondence to prevent contraband introduction while maintaining family connections. The facility typically may offer educational programming that could include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses to support inmates' academic development. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills such as food service, maintenance, and basic computer literacy that can assist with reentry preparation.

The prison likely provides various counseling and support services that may include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and life skills workshops. Religious services are commonly available through chaplaincy programs, and inmates may have access to recreational activities and library services. Medical and dental care are typically provided on-site, with mental health professionals often available to address psychological needs. These programs work together to create a structured environment that supports both rehabilitation goals and successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones has undergone significant changes at Lackawanna County Prison, with all general mail now processed through a third-party vendor in Phoenix, Maryland to enhance facility security. Since June 2022, family members and friends must send letters, pictures, and personal correspondence to the ViaPath processing center rather than directly to the facility, ensuring that all incoming mail includes the inmate's name, booking number, and a complete return address. This system typically takes several business days to process before inmates receive their mail.

Video visitation has replaced in-person visits, allowing inmates to maintain face-to-face contact with family members through scheduled online sessions. The facility's video visitation system operates on a specific schedule, and visitors can arrange appointments through the dedicated online platform. This digital approach often provides more flexibility for families who may live far from the facility, though it requires visitors to have access to appropriate technology and internet connections.

Financial support for inmates flows through the OffenderConnect system, which allows family members to deposit money into inmates' trust fund accounts for commissary purchases and telephone services. Inmates typically use these funds to buy personal hygiene items, snacks, writing materials, and other approved items that may help make their daily routine more comfortable. The facility's structured approach to mail, visitation, and financial transactions reflects common security measures designed to maintain safety while preserving important family connections during incarceration.