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 Lancaster County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lancaster County Prison
   625 E King St
   Lancaster, PA 17602
   Phone: (717) 299-7800

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

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

   Visiting hours at Lancaster 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 (717) 299-7800 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Comprehensive skill-building opportunities await those incarcerated at Lancaster County Prison, where structured programming emphasizes personal development and successful community reintegration. The facility's approach centers on providing diverse pathways for growth while maintaining the security and safety protocols essential to correctional operations. Through carefully designed offerings, participants can engage in meaningful activities that foster both practical skills and personal transformation during their period of incarceration.

Educational and vocational offerings form a cornerstone of the facility's development approach, typically encompassing traditional education programs alongside specialized vocational training opportunities. Those incarcerated may access various educational services designed to meet different learning needs, including special education services for individuals requiring additional academic support. Also available are vocational education components that often include practical training in areas such as forklift operation, equipping participants with marketable skills that may enhance their employment prospects upon release.

Therapeutic and support services complement the educational framework through comprehensive treatment modalities that address underlying behavioral and substance-related challenges. The facility may furnish substance abuse treatment programming delivered through both group and individual counseling formats, allowing participants to work through personal issues with professional guidance. Also integrated into the therapeutic approach are therapeutic communities, which typically provide structured environments where those incarcerated can practice healthy interpersonal skills and develop positive peer relationships while working toward recovery and personal growth goals.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family members and fellow residents forms the cornerstone of daily existence for those incarcerated at Lancaster County Prison, where maintaining social bonds helps individuals navigate their time within the facility's structured environment. Today's routine consistently begins with early morning wake-up calls, followed by headcounts and the distribution of meals that bring residents together in common dining areas. The predictable rhythm of daily activities furnishes stability, with scheduled periods for recreation, programming, and personal time woven throughout each day.

Housing arrangements typically place residents in dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space within the facility. Those incarcerated generally share common areas where they can interact during designated social periods, watch television, or participate in card games and other approved recreational activities. Also, the facility usually provides access to a commissary where residents can purchase personal items, snacks, and hygiene products using funds deposited by family members or earned through work assignments.

However, perhaps the most valued aspects of daily life center around opportunities to maintain connections with the outside world through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, laundry services, or maintenance tasks that provide structure and sometimes modest compensation. The facility typically offers various programming options that might include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or religious services, allowing residents to use their time constructively while building supportive relationships with peers facing similar challenges. These programs often furnish opportunities for personal growth and skill development that can benefit individuals both during their incarceration and upon their eventual return to the community.