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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H).

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H) 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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H).

Frequently asked questions about Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)

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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H).

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)?

   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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)?

   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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H). 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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H). 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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)?

   Mailing address:

   Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)
   18601 Roxbury Rd
   Hagerstown, MD 21746
   Phone: (240) 420-1000

   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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)?

   Visiting hours at Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H) 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 (240) 420-1000 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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)?

   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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H) for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)?

   You can send money to an inmate at Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H) 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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H), 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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H)?

   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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H) 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 Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown (MCI-H), 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 growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Maryland Correctional Institution, Hagerstown. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inmate transformation, recognizing that meaningful change requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's life. Through carefully structured services, inmates may access opportunities that build both practical capabilities and personal resilience. This holistic philosophy often guides the development of programs designed to prepare individuals for successful community reintegration while fostering self-improvement during incarceration.

Educational services at the facility may provide foundational learning opportunities alongside specialized vocational training programs. Inmates often have access to basic education courses that help them complete their academic credentials, while vocational training services typically focus on developing marketable job skills. HVAC certification programs may be available, offering inmates the chance to gain technical expertise in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These educational and vocational services work together to create pathways for economic stability upon release.

In addition to these skill-building opportunities, therapeutic services typically address the underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior. Support services often include counseling and behavioral intervention programs designed to help inmates develop healthier coping mechanisms and decision-making skills. Recycling programs may also serve dual purposes, providing work experience while promoting environmental responsibility and community service values. These therapeutic and support services complement the educational offerings, creating a well-rounded approach to personal development that addresses both practical needs and emotional growth.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of the housing units at Maryland Correctional Institution, Hagerstown create a structured environment where routine becomes the foundation of daily existence. Inmates now follow carefully regulated schedules that typically begin with early morning count and continue through designated meal periods, work assignments, and evening lockdown. The institutional day regularly includes multiple security checks and controlled movement between different areas of the facility.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates adapt by establishing personal routines within the limited space available. Each housing area typically provides basic furnishings and storage for approved personal property, while inmates learn to navigate the social dynamics of communal living. Despite this restricted environment, many residents develop coping strategies and form supportive relationships with fellow inmates to manage the challenges of incarceration.

In addition to this structured daily framework, the facility usually offers various programs and activities that provide opportunities for personal development and skill building. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that give inmates purpose and responsibility during their incarceration. Recreation periods often include access to outdoor yards, gymnasium facilities, or dayrooms where inmates can exercise and socialize. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, while commissary access typically allows inmates to purchase additional food items and personal supplies to supplement their basic needs.