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 MCC Chicago.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at MCC Chicago 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 MCC Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about MCC Chicago

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 MCC Chicago.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to MCC Chicago?

   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 MCC Chicago?

   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 MCC Chicago. 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 MCC Chicago. 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 MCC Chicago?

   Mailing address:

   MCC Chicago
   4380 N Elston Ave
   Chicago, IL 60641
   Phone: (773) 725-9047

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at MCC Chicago?

   Visiting hours at MCC Chicago 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 (773) 725-9047 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 MCC Chicago?

   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 MCC Chicago for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at MCC Chicago?

   You can send money to an inmate at MCC Chicago 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 MCC Chicago?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At MCC Chicago, 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 MCC Chicago?

   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 MCC Chicago 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 MCC Chicago, 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

Support services at MCC Chicago form the foundation of a comprehensive approach designed to address the diverse needs of the population. The facility typically emphasizes programs that build essential life skills while preparing individuals for successful community reintegration. These services often focus on addressing underlying challenges that may have contributed to incarceration, while simultaneously developing practical abilities that support long-term stability and family reconnection.

Educational services and vocational programs work together to provide the population with valuable learning opportunities. The facility may supply basic education classes, including literacy and numeracy instruction, along with opportunities to pursue high school equivalency credentials. Vocational programs often include commercial driving (CDL) training, which can lead to employment opportunities upon release. These educational initiatives typically emphasize practical skills that translate directly into career prospects and economic stability.

In addition to educational offerings, mental health treatment services provide crucial therapeutic support for the population. These programs may address substance abuse issues, trauma, and other behavioral health concerns through individual and group counseling sessions. Physical fitness programs often complement these therapeutic services, promoting overall wellness and providing healthy outlets for stress management. The combination of these support services typically creates a framework that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured scheduling systems currently shape every aspect of life within the facility, with administrative protocols that continue to govern movement, meals, and programming throughout each day. The population follows established routines that typically begin with morning counts and proceed through designated meal periods, work assignments, and recreational activities. Security procedures generally require advance approval for movement between housing areas, while daily operations usually maintain consistent timing to ensure orderly facility management.

Housing units at MCC Chicago typically accommodate the population in various configurations, with living arrangements that may include dormitory-style or individual cell accommodations depending on classification levels. The facility generally provides basic furnishings and personal storage space, while commissary services usually allow residents to purchase approved personal items and food products. In addition to this, dining arrangements typically involve scheduled meal service in designated areas, with menus that often follow federal nutritional guidelines and may accommodate certain dietary restrictions.

Programming schedules generally supply structure through educational opportunities, vocational training, and recreational activities that may include library access, fitness facilities, and organized sports when available. Visitation policies usually permit scheduled family contact through both in-person visits and telephone communication, though specific arrangements typically require advance coordination and adherence to facility guidelines. Despite this structured environment, work assignments often provide the population with opportunities to contribute to facility operations while developing job skills, with positions that may include food service, maintenance, and administrative support roles.