How to contact an inmate at Minnesota Department of Corrections
This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:
Minnesota Department of Corrections inmate search
To contact a person start by searching for the person on the 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 persons full name. Nicknames should not be used.
After finding the person you are looking for you can then create a messaging account to send letters and photos.
How to message an inmate
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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Minnesota Department of Corrections .
Sending Photos and Postcards
A great way to send love and support to loved one at Minnesota Department of Corrections 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 Department of Corrections.
Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Department of Corrections
-
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 Department of Corrections.
-
How much does it cost to send a message to Minnesota Department of Corrections?
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.
-
What services can I use to contact an inmate at Minnesota Department of Corrections?
Penmate
You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Department of Corrections. 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 for 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 Department of Corrections. 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.
-
What is the mailing address of Minnesota Department of Corrections?
Mailing address:
Minnesota Department of Corrections
1450 Energy Park Dr
St Paul , MN 55108
(651) 361-7200
Overview of Minnesota Department of Corrections
The Minnesota Department of Corrections, also known as MN-DOC, is a state agency responsible for the incarceration and rehabilitation of offenders in Minnesota. The mission of the MN-DOC is to promote public safety by ensuring the safe and secure confinement of offenders, the delivery of effective correctional programming, and the reentry of offenders into the community. The department is governed by the Commissioner of Corrections, who is appointed by the Governor of Minnesota.
The MN-DOC operates 10 correctional facilities throughout the state, including minimum, medium, and maximum-security facilities. These facilities house adult male and female offenders who have committed a variety of crimes, including homicide, assault, theft, and drug-related offenses. In addition to these correctional facilities, the department also operates two juvenile facilities and oversees community supervision of offenders on probation or parole.
The MN-DOC offers a range of programming to help offenders address the underlying issues that contributed to their criminal behavior and prepare for successful reentry into the community. These programs include educational and vocational programming, addiction and mental health treatment, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The department also employs case managers and reentry specialists to help offenders develop post-release plans and connect with community resources upon release.
Overall, the MN-DOC plays a critical role in promoting public safety in Minnesota. By providing secure and effective correctional programming and preparing offenders for successful reentry into society, the department helps to reduce recidivism and promote positive outcomes for offenders and their communities.
What services are provided by Minnesota Department of Corrections?
The Minnesota Department of Corrections offers several programs and services to incarcerated individuals, parolees, and their families. One such program is the Offender Education Program which provides educational opportunities to offenders who want to improve their job skills and earn their high school diploma or GED. The department also offers job training programs that teach inmates marketable skills that they can use upon their release. This helps to ease their transition back into society and reduces the likelihood they will reoffend.
Another program offered by the Minnesota Department of Corrections is the Offender Reentry Program which helps offenders transition back into society after serving their sentence. This program provides assistance with job searches, housing, transportation, and counseling services. They also provide resources for former inmates to access mental health services and substance abuse treatment programs.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections also offers a variety of services to families of inmates, including visitation programs, correspondence, and counseling services. The department recognizes the important role families play in the rehabilitation of their loved ones and provides support to help maintain these relationships.
Additionally, the department has implemented several innovative programs to reduce recidivism rates and break the cycle of incarceration. One such program is the Mentorship Program which pairs inmates with a mentor in the community. This provides them with a positive role model, job support, and assistance with their reentry into society.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Department of Corrections provides a comprehensive array of programs and services to support offenders along their path to rehabilitation and reentry into society. By providing educational opportunities, job training, and reentry resources, along with support for families and innovative programs to reduce recidivism, the department is working towards reducing the state's overall incarceration rate.