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 North Branch Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at North Branch 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 North Branch Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about North Branch 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 North Branch Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to North Branch 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 North Branch 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 North Branch 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 North Branch 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 North Branch Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   North Branch Correctional Institution
   14100 McMullen Hwy SW
   Cumberland, MD 21502
   Phone: (301) 729-7400

   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 North Branch Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at North Branch 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 (301) 729-7400 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 North Branch 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 North Branch Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at North Branch Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at North Branch 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 North Branch Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At North Branch 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 North Branch 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 North Branch 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 North Branch 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

Personal growth and rehabilitation form the cornerstone of service delivery at North Branch Correctional Institution, where inmates engage in comprehensive programming designed to address underlying issues and build essential life skills. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to rehabilitation, recognizing that successful reintegration requires addressing educational deficits, developing marketable skills, and confronting behavioral patterns that may have contributed to criminal activity. Through structured programming and therapeutic interventions, inmates often have opportunities to work toward meaningful personal transformation during their incarceration.

Educational services may provide foundational learning opportunities for inmates seeking to complete their high school equivalency or develop basic literacy and numeracy skills. These education programs often include classroom instruction tailored to various skill levels, allowing participants to progress at their own pace while building confidence in academic settings. In addition to this, vocational training services typically offer hands-on learning experiences in trades that may enhance employment prospects upon release. These programs often focus on practical skills that align with local job market demands, helping inmates develop both technical competencies and work habits valued by employers.

Support services play a crucial role in addressing the complex needs of the inmate population, with therapeutic services often providing individual and group counseling to help participants develop coping strategies and emotional regulation skills. The facility may offer specialized programming such as sex offender treatment for inmates whose offenses require targeted intervention and behavioral modification. In addition to this, healthy relationships programming typically helps participants understand the dynamics of positive interpersonal connections, communication skills, and conflict resolution. These therapeutic services often work together to create a comprehensive support network that addresses both immediate behavioral concerns and long-term personal development goals.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of North Branch Correctional Institution define the physical boundaries where inmates navigate their daily existence. This medium-security environment currently maintains structured routines that help residents adapt to institutional life. The facility continues to operate on schedules that provide predictability and order throughout each day.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates generally have access to basic furnishings and limited personal storage space. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates often having opportunities to work in food service or other facility operations. The commissary system allows residents to purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their basic provisions. In addition to this structured environment, inmates may participate in recreational activities and exercise programs that provide physical outlets and social interaction opportunities.

Despite this controlled setting, the facility generally offers various programming options that can include educational classes, vocational training, and counseling services. Work assignments typically provide inmates with daily responsibilities and may offer modest compensation for their labor. Family connections continue through scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, though these communications are usually monitored according to standard security protocols. These elements of daily life provide structure while inmates adapt to their temporary environment and work toward their eventual reintegration into the community.