Louisiana

How to contact an inmate at Lincoln Parish Detention Center

Last Updated on July 30, 2025

A friendly help guide for Lincoln Parish Detention Center. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

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Lincoln Parish Detention Center

Complete Guide to Inmate Communication

Location: Ruston, LA
Last Updated:

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How to contact an inmate at Lincoln Parish Detention Center

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate at Lincoln Parish Detention Center. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. Search for the inmate using our search tool below
  2. Create your account or log in to Penmate
  3. Write your message (up to 6,000 characters)
  4. Send instantly - inmates receive printed copies daily

Watch this short video on how to contact an inmate at Lincoln Parish Detention Center:

How to Send Messages to Inmates

How to message an inmate at Lincoln Parish Detention Center

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 Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Lincoln Parish Detention Center

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lincoln Parish Detention 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 Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Lincoln Parish Detention 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 Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lincoln Parish Detention 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 Lincoln Parish Detention 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 Lincoln Parish Detention 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 Lincoln Parish Detention 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 Lincoln Parish Detention Center?

    Mailing address:

    Lincoln Parish Detention Center
    170 Road Camp Rd
    Ruston, LA 71270
    Phone: (318) 255-4440
  5. What are the visiting hours at Lincoln Parish Detention Center?

    Visiting hours at Lincoln Parish Detention 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 (318) 255-4440 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 Lincoln Parish Detention 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 Lincoln Parish Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

  7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lincoln Parish Detention Center?

    You can send money to an inmate at Lincoln Parish Detention 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 Lincoln Parish Detention Center?

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

Facility Overview

Contact Information

Lincoln Parish Detention Center
170 Road Camp Rd
Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 255-4440

Official Website

lincolnparishsheriff.com

Programs and services at Lincoln Parish Detention Center

About Lincoln Parish Detention Center

Within the heart of north-central Louisiana, the community of Ruston relies on Lincoln Parish Detention Center, LA to provide essential correctional services that prioritize both public safety and meaningful pathways back into society. This LA correctional facility operates with a comprehensive understanding that effective detention extends far beyond secure housing, encompassing educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training programs designed to address the underlying factors that often contribute to incarceration. The facility typically maintains connections with local community organizations and faith-based groups, recognizing that successful reintegration requires collaborative support systems that extend well beyond the detention center walls.

Lincoln Parish Detention Center serves as a regional hub within Louisiana's correctional network, housing individuals awaiting trial as well as those serving shorter sentences within the parish jurisdiction. The facility generally offers inmates services that may include literacy programs, anger management courses, and pre-release planning assistance to help individuals develop practical skills for their eventual return to the Ruston area community. Mental health support and medical care are typically integrated into daily operations, acknowledging that many individuals entering the system face complex challenges requiring professional intervention and ongoing support.

The detention center's approach to rehabilitation often emphasizes personal accountability while providing structured environments where individuals can work toward positive behavioral changes. Staff members generally focus on creating opportunities for inmates to participate in work programs, educational initiatives, and counseling sessions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Through partnerships with local employers and service providers in the Ruston region, the facility may facilitate connections that help individuals secure housing, employment, and continued support services upon release, recognizing that successful reintegration benefits both the individual and the broader Lincoln Parish community.

Programs & Services

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, where inmates have opportunities to build foundations for successful reintegration into their communities. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that addresses educational gaps, develops practical job skills, and provides essential support systems. Through structured programming, participants can work toward meaningful change while serving their sentences.

Educational services often include basic literacy programs designed to help inmates improve reading and writing abilities that may have been barriers to employment. These education programs typically progress from fundamental skills to more advanced coursework, allowing participants to work at their own pace. Moreover, vocational training services may provide hands-on experience in various trades and technical fields, giving inmates marketable skills they can use upon release. The facility's approach to skill-building often emphasizes practical applications that directly translate to workplace readiness.

Support services play a crucial role in addressing the broader needs of inmates preparing for reentry. Faith-based services typically offer spiritual guidance and community connections that many participants find valuable during their incarceration. Job placement assistance may help inmates identify potential employment opportunities and develop job search strategies. Moreover, employment readiness programming often includes resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace behavior training. Food service operations within the facility may also serve as a training ground, allowing inmates to gain experience in food preparation and service industry skills while contributing to daily facility operations.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visitation area at Lincoln Parish Detention Center

The housing units at Lincoln Parish Detention Center feature dormitory-style accommodations alongside individual cells, creating distinct living environments where inmates must quickly learn to navigate shared spaces and establish routines. Inmates currently wake to structured schedules that continue throughout the day, with count times, meal service, and programmed activities providing the framework for daily life. The facility typically operates on a system where inmates move between housing areas, common spaces, and work assignments according to established security protocols and classification levels.

Living accommodations generally include basic furnishings such as beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities, though the specific arrangements may vary depending on housing classification and facility capacity. Moreover, inmates typically adapt to communal living by developing informal systems for sharing resources and maintaining personal space within the constraints of their environment. The dining areas serve meals at designated times, with inmates usually eating in shifts to accommodate the population, while commissary privileges provide opportunities to supplement basic provisions with personal items and snacks.

Recreational opportunities often include access to television areas, outdoor recreation time when weather permits, and various programs designed to provide structure and skill development. Whereas some inmates may be assigned to facility maintenance or kitchen duties, others participate in educational programming or counseling services that help maintain connections to the outside community. Visitation policies typically allow for scheduled family visits, and communication options such as phone calls and mail service continue to provide vital links to support systems, helping inmates maintain relationships that often prove essential for successful reintegration.

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