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 Luzerne County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Luzerne County Prison 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 Luzerne County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Luzerne County Prison

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 Luzerne County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Luzerne County Prison?

   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 Luzerne County Prison?

   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 Luzerne County Prison. 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 Luzerne County Prison. 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 Luzerne County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Luzerne County Prison
   99 Water St
   Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
   Phone: (570) 825-1590

5. What are the visiting hours at Luzerne County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Luzerne County Prison 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 (570) 825-1590 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 Luzerne County Prison?

   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 Luzerne County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Luzerne County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Luzerne County Prison 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 Luzerne County Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Luzerne County Prison, 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 Luzerne County Prison?

   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 Luzerne County Prison 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 Luzerne County Prison, 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

Through comprehensive therapeutic communities and structured life coaching initiatives, Luzerne County Prison establishes a foundation of support that addresses the multifaceted needs of its population. The facility's approach to rehabilitation emphasizes personal growth and community reintegration, recognizing that successful outcomes depend upon addressing both immediate challenges and long-term goals. These programs typically operate within a framework that encourages peer support and collaborative learning, fostering an environment where participants can develop essential decision-making skills while building meaningful connections with others on similar journeys.

Educational advancement and vocational training form cornerstones of the facility's comprehensive programming structure. The population may access various education programs designed to enhance academic foundations and prepare individuals for future opportunities beyond incarceration. Additionally, specialized vocational education initiatives often include hands-on carpentry training, which provides participants with marketable skills while fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose. These practical learning experiences typically emphasize both technical proficiency and workplace readiness, preparing individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities upon release.

Therapeutic interventions address the complex behavioral health needs that many participants face during their incarceration. The facility may supply dual diagnosis treatment services, recognizing the interconnected nature of mental health and substance use disorders that often contribute to criminal justice involvement. These specialized programs typically integrate evidence-based therapeutic approaches with peer support mechanisms, creating comprehensive treatment pathways that address underlying issues while building resilience. Through these coordinated efforts, the population often develops stronger coping strategies and support networks that extend beyond their time at the facility, ultimately supporting successful community reintegration and family reunification.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational frameworks at Luzerne County Prison actively shape every aspect of the population's daily experience, with structured schedules and systematic protocols governing movement, activities, and interactions throughout the facility. At present, residents typically follow established routines that begin with early morning counts and meal service, progressing through various programming blocks that may include educational sessions, vocational training, or therapeutic interventions designed to supply meaningful structure to their days. The facility generally operates on a schedule that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal development, ensuring that the population maintains predictable patterns while accessing services that support their rehabilitation goals.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of housing units designed to manage different classification levels and security needs, with residents generally assigned to dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements depending on various factors including behavior, length of stay, and program participation. Additionally, the population usually has access to common areas where meals are served at designated times, with dining arrangements that accommodate the facility's capacity while maintaining appropriate supervision and order. Personal property allowances typically include basic necessities and approved items that residents may purchase through the commissary system, which often operates on scheduled days throughout the week.

While security protocols necessarily govern daily activities, the facility may offer recreational opportunities such as television viewing, library access, and outdoor exercise periods when weather and staffing permit, providing the population with outlets for physical activity and mental stimulation. Programming schedules typically include various educational and treatment options that residents can participate in based on their individual needs and the facility's available resources. Family connections remain important through visitation policies that generally allow scheduled visits with approved family members and friends, while communication options may include monitored telephone access and correspondence services that help maintain relationships with loved ones outside the facility.