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 Lea County Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lea County 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 Lea County Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lea County Correctional Facility
   6900 W Millen Dr
   Hobbs, NM 88240
   Phone: (575) 392-4055

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Lea County Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Lea County 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 (575) 392-4055 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 Lea County 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 Lea County Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Lea County 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 Lea County Correctional Facility?

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

Personal transformation begins through carefully structured opportunities that address the diverse needs of those incarcerated at Lea County Correctional Facility. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change occurs when individuals can develop new skills, address underlying challenges, and build foundations for successful reintegration. Through a security-focused framework, these offerings typically emphasize both personal accountability and practical skill development, creating pathways for growth within a controlled environment.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's development strategy, with education programs that may furnish basic literacy instruction through high school equivalency preparation. Those incarcerated often have access to structured learning environments designed to address educational gaps while building critical thinking skills. Moreover, vocational training opportunities typically focus on practical, marketable skills that align with regional employment needs, providing hands-on experience in trades and technical fields that can translate directly to post-release employment opportunities.

Therapeutic communities represent a significant component of the facility's support structure, offering those incarcerated specialized environments focused on behavioral change and recovery. These residential treatment settings often include intensive counseling and peer support networks. Additionally, work-based programs such as painting and decorating, building maintenance, and animal care programs may furnish practical experience while contributing to facility operations. These structured activities typically serve dual purposes: maintaining essential facility functions while providing participants with valuable work experience, responsibility, and routine that supports personal development and institutional safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

Maintaining connections with family and loved ones forms a cornerstone of the experience for those incarcerated at Lea County Correctional Facility. At present, the facility actively structures daily routines around opportunities for social interaction and community building among residents. The day typically begins early with scheduled count times, followed by meal service that brings individuals together in common dining areas. Work assignments generally commence in the morning hours, providing not only structure but also opportunities for residents to collaborate and develop working relationships with their peers.

Housing arrangements typically feature dormitory-style or cell-based accommodations, where those incarcerated often develop supportive relationships with their housing unit neighbors. Moreover, the facility generally furnishes recreational spaces where residents can engage in various activities during designated free time periods. Meals are usually served in communal dining halls, creating natural gathering points for conversation and social connection throughout the day. The commissary system typically allows individuals to purchase personal items and snacks, which are often shared among friends and contribute to the sense of community within housing units.

Structured programming schedules generally include educational opportunities, vocational training, and recreational activities that encourage positive social interactions. Whereas security protocols maintain necessary oversight, visitation policies typically allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors. Communication options usually include telephone access and correspondence privileges, enabling those incarcerated to maintain vital connections with their support networks on the outside. Work assignments within the facility often range from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks, providing residents with purposeful daily activities while fostering teamwork and responsibility among participants.