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 Lawrence Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lawrence Correctional Center 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 Lawrence Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Lawrence Correctional Center

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 Lawrence Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lawrence Correctional Center?

   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 Lawrence Correctional Center?

   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 Lawrence Correctional Center. 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 Lawrence Correctional Center. 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 Lawrence Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Lawrence Correctional Center
   10940 Lawrence Rd
   Sumner, IL 62466
   Phone: (618) 936-2064

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Lawrence Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Lawrence Correctional Center 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 (618) 936-2064 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 Lawrence Correctional Center?

   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 Lawrence Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lawrence Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lawrence Correctional Center 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 Lawrence Correctional Center?

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

   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 Lawrence Correctional Center 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 Lawrence Correctional Center, 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

Video visitation services and electronic messaging capabilities through ICSolutions represent key communication programs connecting individuals at Lawrence Correctional Center with their families and communities. The facility maintains structured visitation schedules throughout the week, accommodating different housing classifications including general population, protective custody, administrative detention, and restrictive housing units. These communication services typically support reentry preparation by helping maintain essential family connections during incarceration.

Educational and vocational programming at maximum security facilities like Lawrence Correctional Center may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and various trade-based training opportunities. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are often available to address the therapeutic needs of the adult male population. The facility may offer religious services, library access, and recreational programming designed to support rehabilitation goals. Case management services typically help individuals develop reentry plans and connect with community resources prior to release.

Support services commonly found at Illinois Department of Corrections facilities may include medical and dental care, commissary services, and legal assistance programs. Given the facility’s maximum security classification, programming is often delivered in controlled environments while maintaining safety and security protocols. These comprehensive services work together to address the diverse needs of individuals in custody while supporting their preparation for eventual community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secured perimeter of Lawrence Correctional Center, nearly 900 adult males navigate structured routines within Illinois’s maximum security environment. The facility, which opened in November 2001, operates with an operational capacity of 1,241 beds and maintains strict scheduling protocols that govern everything from meals to movement between housing units. Residents typically begin their days with early morning counts, followed by breakfast service and work assignments or programming activities that may include educational classes, vocational training, or facility maintenance duties.

Family connections remain vital through the facility’s comprehensive visitation program, which operates Sunday through Friday from 8:15am to 7:00pm with specific time slots designated for different housing classifications. General population residents and those in restrictive housing typically receive visits during morning hours, while protective custody visits occur in the evening slot from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. The facility requires advance sign-up for all visits and operates a locker system requiring exact change of fifty cents in quarters dedicated, as staff cannot provide change for visitors. Beyond in-person visits, residents may maintain contact through ICSolutions video visitation services and electronic messaging through ICS CorrLinks.

The structured environment balances security requirements with opportunities for personal development and family contact. Residents often participate in work assignments that support facility operations while potentially developing job skills, and programming activities may include substance abuse treatment, anger management, or educational courses. Recreation periods, medical appointments, and religious services are integrated into the weekly schedule, though specific timing varies based on housing assignment and security classification. Mail correspondence provides another connection to the outside world, with business mail and individual correspondence processed through separate address systems to ensure proper delivery and security protocols.