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 New Haven Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at New Haven Correctional Center 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 New Haven Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about New Haven Correctional Center

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 New Haven Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to New Haven Correctional Center?

   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 New Haven Correctional Center?

   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 New Haven Correctional Center. 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 New Haven Correctional Center. 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 New Haven Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   New Haven Correctional Center
   245 Whalley Ave
   New Haven, CT 06511
   Phone: (203) 974-4111

   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 New Haven Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at New Haven Correctional Center 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 (203) 974-4111 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 New Haven Correctional Center?

   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 New Haven Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at New Haven Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at New Haven Correctional Center 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 New Haven Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At New Haven Correctional Center, 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 New Haven Correctional Center?

   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 New Haven Correctional Center 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 New Haven Correctional Center, 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

Based on the limited information available from the facility’s website, New Haven Correctional Center primarily serves as a pretrial detention facility for individuals awaiting court proceedings in the superior courts. While the website does not detail specific programming, correctional facilities in Connecticut typically provide essential services to support individuals during their time in custody.

The facility may offer basic educational services, including GED preparation and literacy programs, to help individuals continue their learning while awaiting trial. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are often available to address underlying issues that may have contributed to legal difficulties. Given its role as a pretrial facility, New Haven Correctional Center likely focuses on maintaining connections between individuals and their families through structured visiting programs, including both in-person and video visits as outlined in their visiting policies.

Support services may include religious programming, basic life skills workshops, and reentry planning assistance for those preparing to return to the community. The facility typically works to ensure individuals have access to legal resources and maintain contact with their attorneys during the pretrial process. While specific vocational training programs are not detailed on the website, the facility may offer basic work assignments and educational opportunities that help individuals maintain structure and purpose during their stay.

Daily Life & Visitation

The New Haven Correctional Center operates as a Level 4 security facility primarily housing pretrial offenders while they await court proceedings. Located on Whalley Avenue, this facility maintains structured operations that balance security requirements with the comprehensive needs of individuals who have not yet been convicted of crimes.

Family connections remain a vital aspect of life at the facility through its comprehensive visiting program. The center allows two in-person visits per week, which no longer require pre-scheduling as of December 2024, providing families with more flexibility to maintain contact. Additionally, one video visit per week is available, though these must be scheduled in advance through the facility’s request system. Professional visits are also accommodated for legal counsel and other authorized representatives, requiring prior coordination through the facility’s professional visit process. All visitors must appear on an approved visiting list and follow specific attire guidelines to ensure facility security.

The facility’s role in serving the superior courts in the Meriden area means that many residents may have frequent court appearances and legal meetings as part of their pretrial process. This typically involves coordination with transportation schedules and legal counsel visits. Like other Connecticut Department of Correction facilities, New Haven Correctional Center likely provides basic services such as meals, medical care, and limited recreational opportunities, though specific programming may be tailored to the shorter-term nature of pretrial detention compared to facilities housing sentenced individuals.