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 Mike Durfee State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Mike Durfee State Prison 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 Mike Durfee State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Mike Durfee State Prison

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 Mike Durfee State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Mike Durfee State Prison?

   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 Mike Durfee State Prison?

   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 Mike Durfee State Prison. 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 Mike Durfee State Prison. 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 Mike Durfee State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Mike Durfee State Prison
   1412 Wood St
   Springfield, SD 57062
   Phone: (605) 369-2201

5. What are the visiting hours at Mike Durfee State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Mike Durfee State Prison 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 (605) 369-2201 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 Mike Durfee State Prison?

   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 Mike Durfee State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Mike Durfee State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Mike Durfee State Prison 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 Mike Durfee State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Mike Durfee State Prison, 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 Mike Durfee State Prison?

   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 Mike Durfee State Prison 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 Mike Durfee State Prison, 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

The Governor’s House Program stands as a notable opportunity for eligible residents at Mike Durfee State Prison, allowing qualified individuals to participate in housing development work through the South Dakota Housing Development Authority right on the facility grounds. This hands-on vocational program provides practical construction and maintenance skills that can translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. The facility also operates vocational industries programs that typically focus on developing marketable job skills and work experience for residents preparing to reintegrate into their communities.

As a Level III facility primarily housing medium custody residents, Mike Durfee State Prison may offer educational programming that often includes adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses to help residents complete their educational goals. The facility typically provides various counseling and treatment services, which may include substance abuse programming, anger management, and mental health support services designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. These programs are generally structured to help residents develop coping strategies and life skills necessary for successful reentry.

Support services at the facility may include religious programming, recreational activities, and library services that contribute to residents’ personal development and well-being. Given the facility’s role in supervising minimum centers in Yankton and Rapid City, there appears to be a structured approach to transitional programming that may help residents gradually adjust to lower security levels as they progress through their sentences. The facility’s visitation schedule and family connection programs typically play an important role in maintaining relationships that support successful reintegration into the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Alex Reyes oversees operations at Mike Durfee State Prison, where the structured environment reflects the facility’s Level III security classification and medium custody population. Located on the former University of South Dakota at Springfield campus, the institution maintains a regimented daily schedule typical of medium-security correctional facilities. Inmates typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include participation in MDSP Vocational Industries programs or qualifying work through the Governor’s House Program, which operates as part of the South Dakota Housing Development Authority on the prison grounds. Educational opportunities and rehabilitative programming are generally integrated throughout the day, taking advantage of the campus setting that once served as an educational institution.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at MDSP, with the facility maintaining a structured visitation schedule to allow inmates to maintain relationships with loved ones. The prison’s location in Springfield provides a more accessible setting for many families compared to more remote facilities. Communication with family members typically includes monitored phone calls and correspondence, following standard Department of Corrections protocols. The facility also supervises minimum security centers in Yankton and Rapid City, which may offer additional opportunities for qualified inmates to maintain closer community ties as they progress through their sentences.

The transition from a co-educational facility to an all-male institution in 1997 has allowed MDSP to focus its programming and security measures specifically for its current population. Evening hours generally include recreational activities, additional programming opportunities, and personal time within the housing units, all conducted under the supervision appropriate for a medium-security environment. The facility’s history as an educational campus continues to influence its approach to inmate rehabilitation and daily operations.