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 Montana State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Montana State Prison 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 Montana State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Montana State Prison

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 Montana State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Montana State Prison?

   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 Montana State Prison?

   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 Montana State Prison. 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 Montana State Prison. 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 Montana State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Montana State Prison
   400 Conley Lake Rd
   Deer Lodge, MT 59722
   Phone: (406) 846-1320

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Montana State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Montana State Prison 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 (406) 846-1320 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 Montana State Prison?

   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 Montana State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Montana State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Montana State Prison 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 Montana State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Montana State Prison, 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 Montana State Prison?

   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 Montana State Prison 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 Montana State Prison, 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

Evidence-based programming forms the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, where nearly 1,600 male inmates receive services designed to support their successful transition back to Montana communities. The facility's comprehensive approach typically encompasses educational opportunities that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and various vocational training programs. Inmates often have access to substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and cognitive-behavioral programs that address criminal thinking patterns and help develop essential life skills.

The 68-acre secure compound houses individuals requiring low to high security levels, and programming is generally tailored to meet diverse needs across these populations. Vocational training opportunities may include construction trades, culinary arts, automotive repair, and computer literacy programs, providing inmates with marketable skills for employment upon release. The facility often offers religious services, recreational activities, and library services to support personal development and maintain family connections through visitation programs.

Support services at Montana State Prison typically extend beyond the walls through reentry planning and case management services that help prepare individuals for their return to the community. The facility may provide job placement assistance, housing resources, and connections to community-based support services. Medical and dental care are generally available on-site, along with specialized programs that may address anger management, parenting skills, and financial literacy to help inmates develop the tools necessary for successful reintegration into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

Located on a 68-acre compound in the Deer Lodge valley, Montana State Prison operates as a structured environment housing nearly 1,600 male inmates across various security levels. The facility's size and scope require carefully coordinated daily schedules that balance security protocols with programming opportunities designed to prepare residents for their eventual return to Montana communities.

Inmates typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or evidence-based programming sessions. The facility may offer vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and educational opportunities that align with the Montana Department of Corrections' focus on rehabilitation and community reintegration. Recreation periods and additional programming often fill afternoon hours, with evening activities potentially including library access, religious services, or personal time in housing units.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life, with visitation and communication policies designed to maintain relationships while ensuring security. Inmates can typically receive mail and may have access to phone services, though specific schedules and restrictions apply. The facility's location in Deer Lodge allows for family visits from across Montana, and staff work to balance the security needs of housing inmates requiring low to high levels of supervision with opportunities for meaningful contact with loved ones and participation in programs that support successful reentry into their home communities.