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 Linn County Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Linn County 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 Linn County Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Linn County Correctional Center
   53 3rd Ave Bridge
   Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
   Phone: (319) 892-6300

   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 Linn County Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Linn County 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 (319) 892-6300 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 Linn County 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 Linn County Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Linn County 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 Linn County Correctional Center?

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

The Linn County Correctional Center has modernized its communication systems to better serve inmates and their families through innovative messaging technology. The facility utilizes an electronic inmate messaging system that allows instant communication at $0.25 per message, providing a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional mail. All personal mail is now processed through a centralized scanning system, where correspondence is digitized and delivered electronically to inmates via kiosks in their living units, helping to maintain security while ensuring timely communication.

Beyond communication services, the facility typically offers educational programming that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy courses to help inmates develop essential academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical job skills such as food service, maintenance, and basic computer literacy. The center may also provide substance abuse counseling programs, mental health services, and life skills workshops designed to address underlying issues and prepare inmates for successful reintegration into the community.

Support services at the facility often include religious programming, recreational activities, and library access to promote personal development and positive use of time during incarceration. The correctional center may offer work programs that allow inmates to gain valuable work experience while contributing to facility operations. These comprehensive services work together to create a structured environment that addresses both immediate needs and long-term rehabilitation goals for the inmate population.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with family and friends forms a central part of the daily routine for inmates at Linn County Correctional Center, with residents accessing electronic messages through kiosks located in their living units. The facility has modernized its correspondence system, allowing inmates to receive personal mail that has been scanned and delivered electronically, as well as instant messages sent through the NCIC.com platform for just $0.25 per message. Throughout the day, inmates typically check these kiosks for new communications, which arrive much faster than traditional postal mail and help maintain important connections with their support networks outside the facility.

The structured daily schedule at Linn County Correctional Center typically begins early in the morning with headcount and breakfast, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or other structured activities depending on each inmate's classification and program participation. Living units are designed to accommodate the facility's population while maintaining security protocols, with common areas where inmates may gather during designated recreation periods. The facility often provides various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, vocational training, or counseling services, though specific offerings can vary based on staffing and resources available.

Personal mail policies reflect the facility's commitment to maintaining security while preserving family connections, with all correspondence processed through a central scanning facility in Texas before electronic delivery to inmates. Mail must adhere to specific guidelines including size restrictions of 8.5 by 11 inches and a maximum of five pages per correspondence, ensuring efficient processing while preventing contraband introduction. The facility's approach to communication demonstrates how modern correctional facilities balance security needs with the recognized importance of maintaining family relationships during incarceration.