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 Metropolitan Transition Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Metropolitan Transition Center 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 Metropolitan Transition Center.

Frequently asked questions about Metropolitan Transition Center

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 Metropolitan Transition Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Metropolitan Transition Center?

   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 Metropolitan Transition Center?

   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 Metropolitan Transition Center. 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 Metropolitan Transition Center. 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 Metropolitan Transition Center?

   Mailing address:

   Metropolitan Transition Center
   954 Forrest St
   Baltimore, MD 21202
   Phone: (410) 230-1452

   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 Metropolitan Transition Center?

   Visiting hours at Metropolitan Transition Center 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 (410) 230-1452 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 Metropolitan Transition Center?

   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 Metropolitan Transition Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Metropolitan Transition Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Metropolitan Transition Center 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 Metropolitan Transition Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Metropolitan Transition Center, 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 Metropolitan Transition Center?

   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 Metropolitan Transition Center 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 Metropolitan Transition Center, 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 rehabilitation form the cornerstone of service delivery at Metropolitan Transition Center, where inmates engage in comprehensive programming designed to address the multifaceted challenges of reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to development, recognizing that successful community reentry requires both practical skills and emotional wellness. Through carefully structured services, participants often work toward building the foundation necessary for productive citizenship while addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to advance their academic credentials through various learning pathways. These often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and adult education courses that help participants develop critical thinking and communication skills. In addition to this academic foundation, financial literacy services typically offer practical knowledge about budgeting, banking, and credit management—essential tools for economic stability upon release. Vocational training services complement these educational offerings by providing hands-on instruction in marketable trades and technical skills that align with local employment opportunities.

Support services encompass a broad range of resources designed to address personal and practical barriers to successful reintegration. Therapeutic services may include individual and group counseling sessions that help inmates develop coping strategies, process trauma, and build healthy relationships. Library services often provide access to educational materials, legal resources, and recreational reading that supports both personal enrichment and practical research needs. The facility typically offers identification document assistance to help inmates secure vital records such as birth certificates and social security cards, which are frequently necessary for employment and housing applications upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Metropolitan Transition Center feature dormitory-style accommodations that shape much of the daily experience for those serving their sentences. At present, inmates actively participate in structured routines that begin early each morning with count procedures and continue through scheduled meal times, work assignments, and evening activities. The facility typically maintains consistent schedules that provide predictability and order throughout each day.

Living arrangements generally consist of shared sleeping quarters where inmates adapt to communal living spaces with limited personal storage for approved belongings. Meals are served in designated dining areas at regular intervals, with inmates often having opportunities to work in food service or other facility operations as part of their daily responsibilities. Despite this structured environment, residents usually have access to recreational activities and exercise periods that may include outdoor time when weather permits. In addition to this, the facility typically provides library services and educational programming during designated hours.

Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges that allow inmates to maintain contact with their support systems. Work assignments provide structure and may include maintenance duties, kitchen operations, or other facility services that help residents develop routine and responsibility. Communication options generally include monitored phone calls and correspondence, while the commissary system allows inmates to purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their daily provisions. These various elements combine to create an environment where inmates gradually adapt to institutional life while maintaining connections to the outside community.