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 Lakeland Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lakeland Correctional Facility 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 Lakeland Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Lakeland Correctional Facility

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 Lakeland Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lakeland Correctional Facility?

   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 Lakeland Correctional Facility?

   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 Lakeland Correctional Facility. 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 Lakeland Correctional Facility. 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 Lakeland Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Lakeland Correctional Facility
   141 1st St
   Coldwater, MI 49036
   Phone: (517) 278-6942

5. What are the visiting hours at Lakeland Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Lakeland Correctional Facility 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 (517) 278-6942 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 Lakeland Correctional Facility?

   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 Lakeland Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lakeland Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lakeland Correctional Facility 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 Lakeland Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lakeland Correctional Facility, 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 Lakeland Correctional Facility?

   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 Lakeland Correctional Facility 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 Lakeland Correctional Facility, 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 "service delivery" methods, supportive programming at Lakeland Correctional Facility centers on preparing the population for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach recognizes that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to structured opportunities that build both practical skills and personal accountability. Programs are designed to address the diverse needs of participants while fostering connections to family and community support systems.

Educational and vocational programs form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, providing the population with pathways to develop marketable skills. Vocational education typically includes training in various trades that align with regional employment opportunities, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in fields that may offer stable career prospects upon release. Moreover, comprehensive education programs often support individuals working toward high school equivalency credentials or pursuing higher learning opportunities, creating foundations for long-term personal and professional growth.

Support services extend beyond the classroom to encompass practical reentry preparation and community engagement opportunities. The prisoner reentry initiative may supply participants with resources and guidance for navigating the transition back to community life, often including assistance with housing, employment planning, and family reunification. Additionally, programs such as grounds maintenance, building maintenance, and community service provide the population with opportunities to develop work habits, contribute meaningfully to facility operations, and maintain connections to civic responsibility that can transfer to post-release community involvement.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured routines and established protocols shape every aspect of the experience for the population at Lakeland Correctional Facility, where consistent scheduling provides predictability within the institutional environment. Today's activities typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or other structured activities that supply framework to daily life. The facility generally maintains regular schedules for meals, recreation periods, and evening activities, with the population consistently moving through designated areas according to established timeframes and security procedures.

Living accommodations at the facility typically include housing units designed to accommodate multiple residents, with personal space generally limited to individual bunks and small storage areas for approved personal property. The population usually shares common areas within their housing units, including dayrooms and bathroom facilities. Moreover, dining arrangements typically involve scheduled meal times in designated areas, with the population receiving meals that meet basic nutritional requirements and accommodate certain dietary restrictions when medically necessary.

Recreational opportunities may include access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness equipment, and organized sports activities when available and security conditions permit. Work assignments often supply structure and purpose, with various facility jobs typically available in areas such as maintenance, food service, and general facility operations. Whereas recreational time provides physical outlets, structured programming schedules may offer educational classes, vocational training, or other developmental activities. Family connections remain important through visitation policies that generally allow approved visitors during designated hours, while communication options typically include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping the population maintain relationships with loved ones outside the facility walls.