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-St. Cloud.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud

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-St. Cloud.

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

   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-St. Cloud?

   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-St. Cloud. 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-St. Cloud. 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-St. Cloud?

   Mailing address:

   Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud
   2305 Minnesota Blvd
   St Cloud, MN 56304
   Phone: (320) 240-3000

   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 Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud?

   Visiting hours at Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud 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 (320) 240-3000 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-St. Cloud?

   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-St. Cloud for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud 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-St. Cloud?

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

   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-St. Cloud 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-St. Cloud, 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

Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud (MCF-SC) is one of the state's largest men's maximum-security facilities, and it is operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. It offers a wide range of services and programs to help individuals improve their chances of successful reentry into society, including educational and vocational skills training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and religious programming.

One of the fundamental programs at MCF-SC is the Educational program. Inmates can earn a GED or high school diploma, and they also have the opportunity to take post-secondary level courses to earn a certification, diploma, or degree. The vocational program is another essential program for those individuals who want to learn employable skills and trades. Vocational training courses range from welding, automotive mechanics, construction trade, and more. These employable skills help individuals to land stable jobs after their release and keep them from returning to recidivism.

The Substance Abuse Treatment program is also a valuable addition to the MCF-SC programming. It is a structured, inpatient treatment program for people struggling with addiction. Inmates with Substance Abuse backgrounds receive The Minnesota Model (an internationally recognized model for addiction) based-care designed to guide real-life changes and to build and maintain better lives for their future. The program involves group counseling, educational classes, relapse prevention strategies, and individual counseling to improve one's mental, physical, social, and spiritual health.

Lastly, the facility provides prisoners with Religious Programming, aiding the inmate's spiritual lives during their "time-out." These programs range from sermon and prayer meetings, ethnocultural/ethnic-based clubs, "Celebrate Recovery" (for inmates in self-recovery), social awareness through religious stories, and chaplains