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 Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about North Central 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 North Central Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   North Central Correctional Facility
   313 Lanedale
   Rockwell City, IA 50579
   Phone: (712) 297-7521

   Business hours:

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

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

   Visiting hours at North Central 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 (712) 297-7521 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 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 North Central Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Cognitive behavioral programs form a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at North Central Correctional Facility, with initiatives like Thinking for a Change and Achieving Change Through Value-Based Behavior (ACTV) helping inmates develop critical thinking skills and value-based decision making. The facility also addresses substance abuse issues through Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, providing peer support and structured recovery programming for those struggling with addiction.

Educational opportunities are provided through a partnership with Iowa Central Community College, offering inmates pathways to academic advancement including High School Equivalency Diploma (HiSET) preparation, literacy certificates, and life skills training. The college partnership extends to vocational education programs in practical fields such as culinary arts, welding, fork-lift operation, and warehouse management, along with an online Associate of Arts degree program. Special education services are also available to meet the diverse learning needs of the inmate population.

Work programs at the facility provide valuable job training and contribute to facility operations, with opportunities in food service through the dietician program, landscaping, janitorial services, and an extensive gardening program that produces approximately 30,000 pounds of vegetables annually. These work assignments may help inmates develop practical skills, work experience, and responsibility while contributing to the facility's daily operations. The facility may also offer additional support services typical of Iowa correctional institutions, such as library services, recreational activities, and basic healthcare, though specific details about these programs would need to be confirmed through direct contact with the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at North Central Correctional Facility in Rockwell City begin their weekends with the opportunity for in-person visits from family members, with visiting hours running from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. All visitors must make reservations through the Ameelio app and undergo security screening upon arrival, which may include pat-downs, metal detectors, and electronic scanning devices. For those unable to visit in person, video calling sessions are available Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, providing an important connection to loved ones throughout the week.

The facility's minimum-security environment allows residents to participate in various work programs and educational opportunities that structure much of their daily routine. Many individuals work in food service, landscaping, or janitorial roles, while others tend to the facility's garden that produces approximately 30,000 pounds of vegetables annually. Educational programming through Iowa Central Community College offers residents the chance to pursue their High School Equivalency Diploma, participate in vocational training in areas like culinary arts and welding, or even work toward an online Associate of Arts degree. These activities typically fill the weekday hours and provide valuable skills for reintegration.

Personal development and rehabilitation form another cornerstone of daily life, with cognitive programs like Thinking for a Change and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings providing structured opportunities for growth and reflection. The facility's capacity of approximately 500 residents means that programming and activities may operate on rotating schedules to accommodate everyone's participation. Evening hours often include recreational time, additional programming sessions, or personal time for reading, correspondence, or reflection, with lights-out typically following standard correctional facility schedules that support both security needs and adequate rest.