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 Logan Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Logan 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 Logan Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Logan Correctional Center
   1096 1350th St
   Lincoln, IL 62656
   Phone: (217) 735-5581

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Logan 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 (217) 735-5581 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 Logan 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 Logan Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Logan 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 Logan 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 Logan 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 Logan 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 Logan Correctional Center focuses on addressing the special needs of women in custody through a comprehensive continuum of programs and services designed to support rehabilitation and successful reintegration. As Illinois’ primary facility for women, the center typically emphasizes gender-responsive programming that recognizes the comprehensive challenges and circumstances that bring women into the correctional system.

Educational opportunities at Logan Correctional Center may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs tailored to help women achieve educational milestones. The facility often provides vocational training programs that focus on developing marketable skills in areas such as food service, office administration, and other trades that align with employment opportunities upon release. Substance abuse treatment programs are commonly available, addressing one of the most significant factors contributing to women’s involvement in the criminal justice system, along with mental health counseling services that may include individual and group therapy sessions.

Support services at the facility typically encompass parenting classes and family reunification programs, recognizing that many women in custody are mothers seeking to maintain connections with their children. Life skills programming may cover topics such as financial literacy, job readiness, and healthy relationship building. The center’s approach to providing appropriate custodial care in a safe and humane environment extends to offering religious services, recreational activities, and library access, all designed to support personal growth and positive behavioral change during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Illinois, the structured environment serves a female population of over many individuals across multiple security levels. The facility, which opened in January 1978, operates with a mission to provide appropriate custodial care while addressing the special needs of women in custody through various programs and services. Communication with family and friends typically follows scheduled patterns, with video visitation available seven days a week during morning hours (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and evening sessions (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM), requiring visitors to log on fifteen minutes before their scheduled time.

The daily routine at this multi-level security facility generally revolves around structured schedules that may include work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities designed specifically for the female population. Individuals in custody often participate in various programming throughout the day, which could encompass vocational training, educational courses, or therapeutic services tailored to address women’s specific needs. Meals are typically served at designated times, and housing arrangements vary based on security classification and individual circumstances within the facility’s operational capacity of 1,397 beds.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at Logan Correctional Center, with the facility utilizing ICSolutions technology services for both video visitation and electronic messaging through CorrLinks. All correspondence must be addressed properly using the individual’s name and IDOC number to the Lincoln facility. The center’s commitment to maintaining a safe and humane environment while providing a continuum of services reflects the Illinois Department of Corrections’ approach to addressing the comprehensive challenges and needs of women in the correctional system.