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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lake Erie Correctional Institute 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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Lake Erie Correctional Institute

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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lake Erie Correctional Institute?

   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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute?

   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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute. 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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute. 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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Lake Erie Correctional Institute
   501 Thompson Rd
   Conneaut, OH 44030
   Phone: (440) 599-4100

5. What are the visiting hours at Lake Erie Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Lake Erie Correctional Institute 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 (440) 599-4100 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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute?

   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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lake Erie Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lake Erie Correctional Institute 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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lake Erie Correctional Institute, 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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute?

   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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute 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 Lake Erie Correctional Institute, 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

Personal transformation within correctional environments often hinges upon comprehensive services that address the multifaceted needs of individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. At Lake Erie Correctional Facility, the philosophy underlying rehabilitation services emphasizes holistic development, recognizing that meaningful change requires addressing educational deficits, developing marketable skills, and confronting underlying personal challenges. This integrated approach typically fosters an environment where inmates may engage with various services designed to cultivate both practical competencies and emotional resilience necessary for successful reintegration into society.

Educational and vocational services form the cornerstone of personal development opportunities at the facility. Education initiatives may provide inmates with pathways to complete their high school equivalency or pursue post-secondary coursework, while civic education services often focus on developing understanding of community responsibilities and civic engagement. Additionally, job training services typically offer hands-on experience in various trades and industries, allowing participants to develop marketable skills that may enhance their employment prospects upon release. These educational and vocational components often work synergistically to build both foundational knowledge and practical expertise.

Support services and therapeutic interventions address the deeper personal challenges that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Recovery services typically provide comprehensive treatment for substance abuse issues, incorporating both individual and group counseling approaches that may help inmates develop coping strategies and maintain sobriety. Additionally, parenting classes often assist incarcerated individuals in strengthening family relationships and developing effective child-rearing skills, recognizing that stable family connections frequently serve as crucial protective factors against recidivism. These support services may create a foundation for lasting personal change by addressing root causes of criminal behavior while building healthy relationship patterns.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure perimeter of Lake Erie Correctional Facility, inmates navigate a highly regimented environment where concrete walls, steel doors, and controlled movement define their physical world. The institutional setting, with its structured housing units and supervised common areas, creates a backdrop where residents must now adapt to a carefully orchestrated daily rhythm that begins before dawn and extends through evening hours. Inmates regularly follow established routines that typically include scheduled meal times, work assignments, and recreational periods, all designed to provide structure within the confines of the correctional environment.

Living accommodations at the facility generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates typically share space with one or more roommates in quarters equipped with basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and essential amenities. The dining experience usually involves scheduled meal service in communal areas, where residents gather at designated times to receive prepared meals that meet nutritional standards. While personal space may be limited, inmates often adapt by organizing their belongings within allocated storage areas and developing routines that help them maintain a sense of personal order within the institutional setting.

Additionally, the facility typically provides various recreational opportunities that may include access to exercise equipment, outdoor recreation areas, and organized activities designed to promote physical fitness and social interaction. Work assignments usually offer inmates the chance to develop skills through various facility operations, from maintenance duties to food service positions, which provide both structure and potential vocational experience. Family connections remain vital to inmates' well-being, with visitation programs and communication options such as phone calls and correspondence helping residents maintain important relationships with loved ones outside the facility walls.