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 Department of Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a 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

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 Department of Corrections.

2. 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.

3. 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 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 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 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.

4. What is the mailing address of Minnesota Department of Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Minnesota Department of Corrections
   1450 Energy Park Dr
   St Paul, MN 55108
   Phone: (651) 361-7200

5. What are the visiting hours at Minnesota Department of Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Minnesota Department of Corrections 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) 361-7200 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 Department of Corrections?

   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 Department of Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Minnesota Department of Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Minnesota Department of Corrections 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 Department of Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Minnesota Department of Corrections, 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 Department of Corrections?

   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 Department of Corrections 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 Department of Corrections, 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

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.

Daily Life & Visitation

Daily life for inmates in the Minnesota Department of Corrections can take on many different appearances depending on where they are incarcerated within the system and what programs they are participating in. However, inmates in Minnesota's prisons generally have a regimented daily schedule to adhere to. They wake up early in the morning, get breakfast, and begin their work or school assignments. Throughout the day, there are opportunities for inmates to participate in group therapy, drug and alcohol counseling, or specialized classes to help them develop new skills. There is also a strict schedule for when lights go out, quiet time begins, and when the inmate must retire to their bunk for the night.

One aspect of life for inmates in the Minnesota Department of Corrections that differs from other prisons across the country is the emphasis on education. While incarcerated, inmates can partake in learning new skills through college classes, vocational training, and specialized programs in culinary arts, welding, and other marketable trades. Additionally, they can work on earning their GED or high school diploma, giving them improved job prospects upon release.

However, life in a Minnesota correctional facility can still be difficult and demoralizing for many inmates. Many spend long hours locked in their cells without much stimulation or social interaction, leading to feelings of isolation and boredom. Visiting hours are limited and family and friends must go through a difficult clearance process to communicate with their loved ones. Moreover, living in a prison can be dangerous, leading to conflicts with other prisoners and staff.

All in all, daily life in the Minnesota Department of Corrections can be a mixed experience for inmates, with challenging and rewarding aspects to their existence. Overall, this comprehensive overview of Minnesota's prison system provides an understanding of what it is like for those behind bars in this