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How to contact an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:
- Search for the inmate using our search tool below
- Create your account or log in to Penmate
- Write your message (up to 6,000 characters)
- Send instantly - inmates receive printed copies daily
Find an Inmate
Search for an inmate to start communicating today
Tip: You can search by first name, last name, or inmate ID number
To contact a person at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee start by searching for the person on the official facility website. Perform a search by following these steps:
- Step 1: Enter their first name and last name into the search form and click "Search"
- Step 2: Locate their inmate record
- Step 3: Write down their Inmate ID and any housing information provided
Important! Be sure to enter the person's full name. Nicknames should not be used.
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 – Shakopee.
Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee 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 – Shakopee.
Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee
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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 – Shakopee.
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How much does it cost to send a message to Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee?
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.
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What services can I use to contact an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee?
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 – Shakopee. 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 – Shakopee. 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.
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What is the mailing address of Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee?
Mailing address:
Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee
1010 6th Ave W
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 496-4440Business 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
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What are the visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee?
Visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee 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 (952) 496-4440 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.
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What items are prohibited when sending mail to Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee?
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 – Shakopee for their specific mail policies.
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How do I send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee?
You can send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee 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.
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Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee?
Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee, 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.
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What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee?
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 – Shakopee for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.
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How can I find out an inmate's release date?
To find an inmate's release date at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee, 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.
Facility Overview
Contact Information
Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee1010 6th Ave W
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 496-4440
Official Website

About Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee
Serving the state's correctional mission through structured rehabilitation and secure housing, MCF Shakopee operates as a key component within Minnesota's broader corrections network. Located in the growing community of Shakopee, this MN correctional facility typically processes individuals through evidence-based programming designed to address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior. The facility's approach generally emphasizes systematic intervention strategies that may include educational opportunities, vocational training, and therapeutic services tailored to support successful community reintegration.
Within the Midwest region's correctional framework, MCF Shakopee often functions as part of a coordinated system that balances public safety requirements with rehabilitation objectives. Those incarcerated services commonly encompass basic healthcare, mental health support, and structured daily programming that maintains institutional security while preparing individuals for eventual release. The facility typically operates under established protocols that prioritize safety for both staff and residents, implementing classification systems and behavioral management approaches consistent with modern correctional standards.
The correctional facility's position within Minnesota's system generally reflects the state's commitment to evidence-based practices in corrections. Programming may include substance abuse treatment, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and work assignments that help maintain facility operations while providing practical skills development. Located in Shakopee's expanding suburban environment, the facility serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between community safety and the ongoing challenge of effective rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.
Programs & Services
Personal growth and skill development take center stage through carefully structured offerings designed to prepare those incarcerated for successful reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes building practical capabilities while addressing underlying challenges that may have contributed to incarceration. These opportunities often focus on creating pathways to employment and personal stability upon release.
Educational programs may furnish basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities for those seeking to advance their academic credentials. Furthermore, vocational training offerings often include hands-on instruction in automotive repair, providing those incarcerated with marketable skills in high-demand fields. These programs typically combine classroom instruction with practical application, allowing participants to develop both technical knowledge and work readiness skills that employers value.
Prison industries may offer structured work environments where those incarcerated can gain experience in various manufacturing or service sectors while contributing to facility operations. Furthermore, chemical dependency treatment programs typically address substance abuse issues through counseling sessions, group therapy, and educational components about addiction recovery. These therapeutic offerings often include relapse prevention strategies and coping mechanisms designed to support long-term sobriety and personal accountability after release.
Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family and maintaining social bonds remain central priorities for those incarcerated at this Minnesota facility. The structured environment now provides regular opportunities for interaction through shared meals, recreational activities, and scheduled programming that helps residents stay connected to their support networks.
Living arrangements typically feature dormitory-style housing units where those incarcerated share common areas and develop daily routines together. Meals are generally served in communal dining areas, furnishing natural opportunities for social interaction and community building. The facility usually provides recreational activities including exercise periods, television viewing areas, and outdoor time when weather permits. Those incarcerated may access personal property within established guidelines and typically have commissary privileges to purchase approved items.
Furthermore, maintaining outside connections receives significant emphasis through various communication options that may include scheduled telephone access and regular visitation opportunities. Work assignments within the facility often provide structure while allowing residents to contribute to daily operations through kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or other institutional jobs. Although security procedures remain in place, the facility generally supports programming designed to help those incarcerated maintain family relationships and prepare for successful community reintegration through educational opportunities and structured activities that promote personal development.
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