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 Mountain View Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Mountain View Correctional Institution 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 Mountain View Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Mountain View Correctional Institution

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 Mountain View Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Mountain View Correctional Institution?

   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 Mountain View Correctional Institution?

   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 Mountain View Correctional Institution. 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 Mountain View Correctional Institution. 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 Mountain View Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Mountain View Correctional Institution
   545 Amity Park Rd
   Spruce Pine, NC 28777
   Phone: (828) 766-2555

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Mountain View Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Mountain View Correctional Institution 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 (828) 766-2555 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 Mountain View Correctional Institution?

   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 Mountain View Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Mountain View Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Mountain View Correctional Institution 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 Mountain View Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Mountain View Correctional Institution, 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 Mountain View Correctional Institution?

   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 Mountain View Correctional Institution 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 Mountain View Correctional Institution, 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

Through a comprehensive network of support services, Mountain View Correctional Facility, Me prioritizes the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of the population through carefully designed programs that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. The facility's approach emphasizes building practical skills while fostering personal growth, creating pathways for individuals to develop the tools necessary for meaningful community participation upon release. This supportive framework recognizes that effective rehabilitation requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's development, from basic education to specialized vocational training.

Educational services form the foundation of the facility's offerings, typically providing opportunities for individuals to complete their high school education or pursue adult basic education coursework. The culinary arts program may supply hands-on training in food preparation and kitchen management, equipping participants with marketable skills that often translate directly to employment opportunities in the food service industry. Moreover, vocational programs extend beyond culinary training to include specialized trades such as painting and decorating, which teaches both interior and exterior application techniques, as well as electrical work that covers fundamental wiring and maintenance skills.

The facility's commitment to comprehensive support includes substance abuse treatment programs designed to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. These therapeutic services often work in conjunction with other support programs to create a holistic approach to rehabilitation, helping the population develop coping strategies and life skills essential for successful reentry. The combination of educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs creates an environment where individuals can focus on personal development while building connections to family and community that will serve them well beyond their time at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

A carefully orchestrated system of schedules and protocols shapes every aspect of life for the population at Mountain View Correctional Facility. The facility currently operates on a structured daily routine that continues to emphasize accountability and purposeful activity throughout each day. Residents typically begin their mornings with standardized count procedures, followed by breakfast service and work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations support.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units designed to supply both security and basic comfort for the population. Residents usually occupy cells or dormitory-style arrangements, depending on their classification level and available space. Personal property allowances typically include essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, and limited personal effects that can be purchased through the commissary system. Moreover, the facility maintains dining areas where meals are served according to established schedules, with menus that aim to meet basic nutritional requirements while accommodating some dietary restrictions.

Structured programming schedules often include educational opportunities, vocational training, and recreational activities that supply meaningful engagement for residents. The population may access library services, participate in physical fitness programs, and engage in various group activities designed to support rehabilitation goals. Whereas in-person visitation policies typically allow for regular family contact within designated areas and timeframes, residents also generally have access to telephone services and correspondence options to maintain connections with their support systems. These communication channels continue to serve as vital links between the population and their families during their time at the facility.