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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes.

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes

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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes?

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes?

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes. 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes. 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes?

   Mailing address:

   Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes
   7525 4th Ave
   Lino Lakes, MN 55014
   Phone: (651) 717-6100

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 11:45 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 11:45 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes?

   Visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes 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 (651) 717-6100 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes?

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes?

   You can send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes, 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes?

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes 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 Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes, 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 for the population at MCF Lino Lakes centers on building skills and addressing personal challenges through comprehensive programming. The facility's approach recognizes that successful reintegration requires both practical preparation and therapeutic intervention. Programs are designed to work together, creating multiple pathways for personal growth and community readiness.

Educational and vocational programs form the foundation of skill-building opportunities. The education programs typically include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy development to help participants strengthen fundamental academic skills. Moreover, vocational training may supply hands-on experience in various trades and technical fields. These programs often focus on industries with strong employment prospects, giving the population marketable skills for their eventual return to the community.

Library services provide essential support through access to legal resources, educational materials, and recreational reading that helps maintain connections to learning and personal interests. The facility's therapeutic programs address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Chemical dependency treatment typically offers both individual and group-based approaches to substance abuse recovery. Moreover, group therapy sessions may supply structured environments where participants can work through personal challenges and develop healthier coping strategies. These support services work together to help the population build stronger foundations for successful reintegration with their families and communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured protocols and established routines form the foundation of how the population at MCF Lino Lakes navigates their daily experience. At present, residents actively participate in a regimented schedule that typically begins with early morning counts and meal service. The day generally progresses through assigned work details, educational programming, and recreational periods, with each segment carefully coordinated to maintain facility operations and provide meaningful engagement opportunities.

Housing arrangements typically place residents in dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on security classification and available space. The population generally shares common areas for dining, where meals are served at designated times in a cafeteria setting. Personal property allowances usually include basic clothing, hygiene items, and limited personal effects, while commissary services may offer additional items for purchase to supplement daily necessities.

Moreover, structured programming schedules supply various opportunities for skill development, education, and personal growth throughout the week. Recreation periods often include access to exercise equipment, outdoor yard time, and organized activities that help maintain physical and mental well-being. Whereas daily routines remain consistent, the population typically has access to visitation opportunities and communication options such as phone calls and correspondence to maintain family connections. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and other operational support roles that contribute to daily facility functioning while providing structure and purpose.