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 Central Correctional Complex.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at North Central Correctional Complex 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 Central Correctional Complex.

Frequently asked questions about North Central Correctional Complex

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 Central Correctional Complex.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to North Central Correctional Complex?

   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 Central Correctional Complex?

   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 Central Correctional Complex. 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 Central Correctional Complex. 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 Central Correctional Complex?

   Mailing address:

   North Central Correctional Complex
   670 Marion-Williamsport Rd E
   Marion, OH 43302
   Phone: (740) 387-7040

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at North Central Correctional Complex?

   Visiting hours at North Central Correctional Complex 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 (740) 387-7040 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 Central Correctional Complex?

   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 Central Correctional Complex for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at North Central Correctional Complex?

   You can send money to an inmate at North Central Correctional Complex 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 Central Correctional Complex?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At North Central Correctional Complex, 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 Central Correctional Complex?

   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 Central Correctional Complex 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 Central Correctional Complex, 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

Within the structured environment of North Central Correctional Institution, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive framework of developmental opportunities designed to cultivate personal growth and prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. The facility’s philosophy centers on the belief that meaningful transformation occurs through purposeful engagement in educational pursuits, vocational skill development, and therapeutic interventions. This multifaceted approach recognizes that rehabilitation extends beyond mere confinement, emphasizing the cultivation of practical competencies and personal insights that may serve as foundations for productive citizenship upon release.

Educational initiatives form a cornerstone of the institution’s developmental offerings, typically encompassing basic literacy advancement, high school equivalency preparation, and civic education components that foster understanding of community responsibility and democratic participation. These academic pursuits often complement robust vocational training opportunities that may furnish those incarcerated with marketable skills in various trades and industries. The institution’s job training initiatives frequently focus on practical competencies that align with regional employment demands, enabling participants to develop technical proficiencies while building confidence in their professional capabilities.

In addition to these foundational educational and vocational components, North Central Correctional Institution may offer comprehensive support services that address the complex challenges individuals face during incarceration and beyond. Recovery services typically provide therapeutic interventions for those struggling with substance abuse issues, while specialized veteran services often recognize the comprehensive needs of formerly enlisted individuals. The facility’s agriculture programs frequently offer hands-on learning experiences that combine practical skill development with therapeutic benefits, and job placement assistance may help bridge the transition from institutional life to community employment, supporting long-term stability and reducing recidivism through structured reentry support.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building meaningful connections with fellow residents and maintaining bonds with family members serves as a cornerstone of the experience for those incarcerated at North Central Correctional Institution. The facility’s structured environment now provides multiple opportunities for social interaction throughout each day, with residents regularly participating in shared activities that help foster a sense of community within the housing units. Mealtimes typically bring together individuals from different backgrounds, creating natural opportunities for conversation and relationship-building in the dining areas.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where those incarcerated develop daily routines alongside their assigned roommates or unit neighbors. The close quarters often lead to supportive relationships, with residents looking out for one another and sharing resources when possible. In addition to this residential community structure, the facility furnishes common areas where individuals can gather during designated recreation periods, watch television together, or engage in quiet conversations that help maintain social connections despite the institutional setting.

Structured programming schedules typically include work assignments that allow those incarcerated to collaborate on various facility operations, from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks that require teamwork and communication. Despite this institutional environment, the facility generally maintains visiting policies that enable regular contact with family members and loved ones, while telephone access and correspondence opportunities help preserve these crucial outside relationships. Recreation periods may offer group activities such as basketball, card games, or educational programs that further strengthen the bonds between residents and provide constructive outlets for social interaction throughout their daily routines.