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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility 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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility

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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility?

   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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility?

   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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility. 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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility. 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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility
   339 E Dogwood Ave
   Palmer, AK 99645
   Phone: (907) 745-0943

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility?

   Visiting hours at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility 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 (907) 745-0943 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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility?

   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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility 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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility, 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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility?

   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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility 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 Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility, 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

Building practical skills and addressing personal challenges creates pathways for meaningful change at Mat Su Pretrial. Those incarcerated typically have access to offerings designed around structure and personal development. The facility may furnish opportunities that emphasize both immediate skill-building and longer-term preparation for successful community reintegration.

Educational and vocational offerings often include hands-on training opportunities that build marketable skills. Vocational training programs may provide instruction in practical trades, while carpentry programs typically allow participants to develop construction and woodworking abilities. These skill-building opportunities often emphasize safety protocols and structured learning environments that prepare those incarcerated for potential employment upon release.

Support services and therapeutic offerings address both immediate needs and underlying challenges. Substance abuse treatment programs may provide structured intervention and recovery support, while cognitive behavioral therapy offerings typically focus on developing healthy thinking patterns and coping strategies. Also available are reentry programs that may assist with transition planning, animal care programs that often provide therapeutic interaction with animals, and recycling programs that typically combine environmental responsibility with structured work experience. These offerings generally operate within secure environments while maintaining focus on personal growth and community preparation.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections remain central to the daily experience of those incarcerated at Mat Su Pretrial, with structured opportunities for maintaining relationships serving as a cornerstone of facility operations. At present, residents actively participate in a routine that balances security requirements with social interaction, typically beginning with morning counts and continuing through scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming activities. The facility generally operates on a structured schedule that furnishes stability while allowing for various forms of communication with loved ones throughout the day.

Housing arrangements typically consist of dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and facility capacity. Those incarcerated usually share common areas for dining and recreation, creating opportunities for social interaction within the secure environment. Meals are generally served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with residents often able to purchase additional items through the commissary system to supplement their daily provisions.

Also available are various recreational activities that may include television viewing, reading materials, and physical exercise opportunities in designated areas. However, the most valued aspects of daily life often center around visitation periods and communication options, which typically include scheduled phone calls and correspondence with family members. Work assignments within the facility may furnish additional structure and purpose, with residents potentially participating in maintenance duties, kitchen operations, or other institutional support roles that contribute to the facility’s daily operations while providing meaningful activity.