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 Natchitoches Parish Correction.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Natchitoches Parish Correction 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 Natchitoches Parish Correction.

Frequently asked questions about Natchitoches Parish Correction

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 Natchitoches Parish Correction.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Natchitoches Parish Correction?

   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 Natchitoches Parish Correction?

   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 Natchitoches Parish Correction. 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 Natchitoches Parish Correction. 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 Natchitoches Parish Correction?

   Mailing address:

   Natchitoches Parish Correction
   299 Edwina Dr
   Natchitoches, LA 71457
   Phone: (318) 357-9300

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Natchitoches Parish Correction?

   Visiting hours at Natchitoches Parish Correction 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 (318) 357-9300 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 Natchitoches Parish Correction?

   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 Natchitoches Parish Correction for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Natchitoches Parish Correction?

   You can send money to an inmate at Natchitoches Parish Correction 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 Natchitoches Parish Correction?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Natchitoches Parish Correction, 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 Natchitoches Parish Correction?

   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 Natchitoches Parish Correction 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 Natchitoches Parish Correction, 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

Personal development opportunities within Natchitoches Parish Detention Center focus on equipping those incarcerated with practical skills and emotional tools needed for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes structured learning environments that promote both personal accountability and professional growth. These offerings operate within a secure framework designed to maintain safety while fostering meaningful change through consistent participation and mentorship.

Educational offerings typically include basic literacy programs and GED preparation courses that help participants complete their high school equivalency requirements. Vocational training opportunities may furnish hands-on experience in essential trades, with culinary arts programs teaching food preparation and kitchen management skills. Additionally, plumbing instruction often provides technical knowledge that can translate into employment opportunities upon release, giving those incarcerated practical expertise in a field with consistent demand.

Support services within the facility often includes faith-based programming that addresses spiritual growth and community connection for interested participants. Anger management sessions typically focus on developing healthy coping strategies and conflict resolution skills through structured group discussions and individual reflection. These therapeutic offerings may furnish participants with tools to manage stress and interpersonal relationships more effectively, supporting their overall rehabilitation goals while maintaining the secure environment necessary for both staff and resident safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and community bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, where maintaining relationships with loved ones helps provide stability during a challenging time. The daily routine now revolves around structured activities that begin early in the morning with wake-up calls and count procedures. Those incarcerated regularly participate in scheduled meal times, work assignments, and programming opportunities that furnish both purpose and social interaction throughout the day.

Living accommodations typically consist of dormitory-style housing units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated generally share common areas where they can interact with others during designated periods. Meals are usually served in a central dining area, providing opportunities for social connection and community building among residents. Additionally, the facility may offer recreational activities and exercise periods that allow for physical activity and informal social gatherings within the structured environment.

Programming schedules often include educational opportunities, religious services, and counseling sessions that help those incarcerated maintain connections to their communities and prepare for eventual reintegration. Visitation policies typically allow family members and approved visitors to maintain regular contact, while telephone access and correspondence options provide additional means of staying connected with the outside world. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles that help residents develop skills while contributing to the facility's daily operations. While the environment maintains necessary security protocols, these various programs and activities work together to support both individual growth and community connections during incarceration.