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-Oak Park Heights.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights 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-Oak Park Heights.

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights

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-Oak Park Heights.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights?

   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-Oak Park Heights?

   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-Oak Park Heights. 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-Oak Park Heights. 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-Oak Park Heights?

   Mailing address:

   Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights
   5329 N Osgood Ave
   Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
   Phone: (651) 779-1400

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 10:35 AM – 7:45 PM
   • Friday: 10:35 AM – 7:45 PM
   • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights?

   Visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights 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) 779-1400 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-Oak Park Heights?

   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-Oak Park Heights for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights?

   You can send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights 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-Oak Park Heights?

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

   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-Oak Park Heights 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-Oak Park Heights, 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 transformation begins when those incarcerated at MCF Oak Park Heights gain access to structured opportunities designed to build essential life skills and address underlying challenges. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change requires both practical skill development and therapeutic support. Through carefully designed offerings, participants can work toward educational goals, develop marketable job skills, and address personal issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's development approach. Those incarcerated may pursue high school diploma programs that provide flexible scheduling to accommodate individual learning needs. Education programs typically extend beyond basic literacy, often incorporating career-focused coursework that aligns with vocational training opportunities. Furthermore, vocational training offerings may furnish hands-on experience in trades and technical skills that translate directly to employment prospects upon release.

Therapeutic and support services address the personal challenges that often accompany incarceration. Chemical dependency treatment programs typically provide both group and individual counseling sessions designed to help participants develop coping strategies and maintain sobriety. Grief counseling may offer specialized support for those processing loss and trauma. Furthermore, time management offerings often include practical workshops that teach organizational skills, goal-setting techniques, and planning strategies essential for successful community reintegration. These comprehensive support services work together to create a foundation for sustained personal growth and reduced recidivism.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections serve as a vital anchor for those incarcerated at MCF Oak Park Heights, providing emotional support that helps navigate the structured environment of this maximum-security facility. Today's routine consistently begins before dawn with count procedures, followed by meals served in housing unit dining areas where residents may interact with others from their assigned living quarters. The day typically unfolds with a combination of work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods that furnish both structure and opportunities for personal development.

Living accommodations generally consist of single-cell housing units designed to provide security while allowing for some personal belongings and privacy. Those incarcerated usually reside in cells equipped with basic amenities, and they may personalize their space with approved items purchased through the commissary system. Furthermore, the facility typically organizes residents into different housing areas based on various factors, creating smaller communities within the larger institution where individuals often develop relationships with others in their unit.

Although the environment maintains necessary security protocols, various programs and activities help residents maintain connections with the outside world and develop skills for eventual reintegration. Visitation opportunities typically allow family members and approved visitors to maintain regular contact, while phone calls and correspondence furnish additional means of communication. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that provide structure and sometimes modest compensation. Educational and vocational programming often includes literacy classes, substance abuse treatment, and other structured activities designed to support personal growth and preparation for release.