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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility 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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility

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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility?

   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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility?

   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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility. 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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility. 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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility
   1200 E Washington St
   Mt Pleasant, IA 52641
   Phone: (319) 385-9511

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility 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 (319) 385-9511 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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility?

   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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility 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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility?

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

   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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility 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 Mt Pleasant Correctional Facility, 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

With its focus on preparing individuals for successful community reentry, Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility emphasizes hands-on work programs and community service initiatives. The facility operates extensive agricultural programs where residents cultivate gardens that produce approximately 100,000 pounds of food annually, providing both vocational training and significant cost savings. Residents also participate in meaningful community partnerships, including building homes with Habitat for Humanity, maintaining grounds for local law enforcement agencies, participating in roadside cleanup crews, and operating car wash services that support the facility's Hospice Program.

The facility's minimum-security classification allows for expanded programming opportunities that may include educational services such as GED preparation, adult basic education, and potentially vocational training in areas like horticulture, maintenance, and construction skills. Counseling and support services typically available may encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and pre-release planning to help individuals develop the skills necessary for successful reintegration into their communities.

Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility's 152-acre campus provides ample space for both agricultural and vocational programming, with residents gaining practical work experience through facility maintenance and grounds keeping under staff supervision. The facility may also offer additional support services such as library access, recreational activities, and family connection programs to maintain important relationships during incarceration. These comprehensive programming efforts reflect the facility's commitment to rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through practical skill development and community engagement.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, residents begin each day knowing their primary focus centers on preparing for successful reentry into the community. As a minimum-security facility established in 1976, MPCF operates with approximately 1,000 residents across its 152-acre grounds, where the daily routine emphasizes productive work and community service rather than restrictive confinement.

The work program forms the backbone of daily activities, with residents maintaining the facility's extensive grounds and contributing significantly to both institutional operations and community benefit. Many residents spend their days tending gardens that produce nearly 100,000 pounds of food annually, providing meals for the facility while generating substantial cost savings. Others participate in community service projects, including building homes for Habitat for Humanity, maintaining lawns for local law enforcement, and participating in roadside cleanup crews. The car washing program, which funds the facility's hospice program, exemplifies how daily work activities connect to meaningful causes within the institution.

Communication with family and friends follows structured protocols, with visiting arrangements currently managed through the Ameelio app system or by calling the facility directly between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. While in-person visits to the main building may experience temporary suspensions, the facility typically maintains various communication options to help residents preserve important relationships during their preparation for community reintegration. The minimum-security classification allows for a more open environment where residents can focus on developing job skills, maintaining family connections, and participating in programs designed to support their eventual return to the community.