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 Las Colinas.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Las Colinas 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 Las Colinas.

Frequently asked questions about Las Colinas

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 Las Colinas.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Las Colinas?

   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 Las Colinas?

   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 Las Colinas. 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 Las Colinas. 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 Las Colinas?

   Mailing address:

   Las Colinas
   451 Riverview Pkwy
   Santee, CA 92071
   Phone: (619) 402-1312

5. What are the visiting hours at Las Colinas?

   Visiting hours at Las Colinas 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 (619) 402-1312 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 Las Colinas?

   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 Las Colinas for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Las Colinas?

   You can send money to an inmate at Las Colinas 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 Las Colinas?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Las Colinas, 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 Las Colinas?

   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 Las Colinas 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 Las Colinas, 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 Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility operates under innovative “Direct Supervision” and “Open Booking” philosophies that create a foundation for comprehensive programming and services. This modern approach, implemented when the facility opened in August 2014, emphasizes rehabilitation and reentry preparation for the female population it serves as San Diego County’s primary intake point for incarcerated women.

Educational and vocational programs at the facility typically focus on preparing individuals for successful community reintegration. These may include adult basic education classes, GED preparation, computer literacy training, and vocational skills development in areas such as culinary arts, office administration, or job readiness preparation. The facility’s reentry-focused mission often incorporates life skills workshops covering topics like financial literacy, parenting classes, and employment preparation to address the specific needs of women preparing to return to their communities.

Counseling and support services likely encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and therapeutic groups addressing trauma and domestic violence issues. The facility may also offer religious services, recreational activities, and family reunification programs that help maintain important family connections during incarceration. With approximately 400 staff members supporting operations, the facility appears well-positioned to provide comprehensive case management and individualized programming that addresses the diverse needs of its population while supporting successful reentry outcomes.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee operates under a “Direct Supervision” model that shapes how incarcerated individuals experience their time at the 45-acre facility. This approach typically means that correctional officers work directly within living units rather than observing from separate control rooms, creating a more interactive environment throughout the day. Women housed at the facility may find their daily routines influenced by this supervision style, which often includes more structured programming and direct interaction with staff during meals, recreation periods, and educational activities.

Communication with family and friends remains an important part of daily life at the facility. The booking process itself reflects the facility’s modern approach - the “Open Booking” system allows new arrivals to have access to telephones and restrooms while waiting in an open seating area rather than being confined to holding cells. Once housed in the general population, incarcerated individuals typically have scheduled times for phone calls and may participate in video visitation programs common to California detention facilities. The facility’s focus on reentry programming suggests that daily schedules often include educational classes, job training, or counseling sessions designed to prepare individuals for their return to the community.

For families seeking information about their loved ones, the facility can be reached at (619) 409-5000, where callers can select options for specific facility inquiries. The modern design of the facility, which opened in 2014 with a rated capacity of 1,280, typically allows for better living conditions than older detention facilities, though specific details about housing units and recreational facilities may vary based on classification levels and current programs available.