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 MCI - Norfolk.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at MCI - Norfolk 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 MCI - Norfolk.

Frequently asked questions about MCI - Norfolk

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 MCI - Norfolk.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to MCI - Norfolk?

   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 MCI - Norfolk?

   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 MCI - Norfolk. 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 MCI - Norfolk. 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 MCI - Norfolk?

   Mailing address:

   MCI - Norfolk
   2 Clark St
   Norfolk, MA 02056
   Phone: (508) 660-5900

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 1:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 1:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 1:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 1:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Sunday: 1:00 – 8:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at MCI - Norfolk?

   Visiting hours at MCI - Norfolk 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 (508) 660-5900 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 MCI - Norfolk?

   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 MCI - Norfolk for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at MCI - Norfolk?

   You can send money to an inmate at MCI - Norfolk 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 MCI - Norfolk?

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

   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 MCI - Norfolk 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 MCI - Norfolk, 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

As Massachusetts' largest medium security facility for criminally sentenced males, MCI-Norfolk operates with structured visitation programs that support family connections and reintegration efforts. The facility maintains organized visiting schedules for both general population and specialized housing units, recognizing that maintaining family ties often plays a crucial role in successful rehabilitation. With wheelchair accessibility and dedicated handicapped parking, the institution demonstrates commitment to accommodating visitors with disabilities, ensuring that all families can participate in the visitation process that may help reduce recidivism rates.

The facility typically offers educational programming that may include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and potentially vocational training opportunities common to medium security institutions in Massachusetts. Inmates may have access to substance abuse counseling programs, mental health services, and life skills workshops designed to prepare them for eventual reentry into the community. The structured environment at MCI-Norfolk often includes work assignments that may provide inmates with job skills and experience in areas such as facility maintenance, food service, or administrative support.

Given its status as the state's largest medium security facility, MCI-Norfolk likely provides comprehensive support services including medical care, library access, and recreational activities. The institution may offer religious services for various faiths, anger management courses, and pre-release planning assistance to help inmates transition successfully back to their communities. These programs, while varying based on funding and staffing availability, typically focus on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior while preparing inmates for productive lives after release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visiting schedules at MCI Norfolk operate on a structured system that requires advance planning, with all visits needing to be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead by calling the facility. The medium-security facility, which houses criminally sentenced males and serves as Massachusetts' largest facility of its security level, maintains specific visiting hours for both general population and B.A.U. (Behavioral Adjustment Unit) residents. General population visits typically occur Sunday through Wednesday and Saturday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, while B.A.U. visits follow shorter, more structured time slots throughout these same days.

The facility's approach to daily operations reflects its medium-security classification, with residents typically following structured schedules that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities. Located on Clark Street in Norfolk, the facility maintains security protocols that extend to visitor parking areas, where all vehicles on state property are subject to search and must remain locked when unattended. Handicapped parking is available for visitors who display proper placards, ensuring accessibility for families and friends maintaining connections with incarcerated individuals.

Communication between residents and their families often centers around the scheduled visitation system, though the facility likely offers additional contact methods such as phone calls and correspondence that follow standard Massachusetts Department of Correction guidelines. The structured nature of visits, with specific time slots and advance scheduling requirements, helps maintain facility security while providing opportunities for meaningful family connections that can support successful reintegration efforts.