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 Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about North Central Correctional Institute

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 Institute.

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

   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 Institute?

   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 Institute. 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 Institute. 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 Institute?

   Mailing address:

   North Central Correctional Institute
   500 Colony Rd
   Gardner, MA 01440
   Phone: (978) 630-6000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: 1:00 – 8:30 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

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

   Visiting hours at North Central Correctional Institute 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 (978) 630-6000 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 Institute?

   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 Institute for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Institute 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 Institute, 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

Located in Gardner, Massachusetts, the North Central Correctional Institution (NCCI) operates as a medium/minimum security facility that houses criminally sentenced males. The facility maintains structured visiting procedures that support family connections, with scheduled visits available Friday through Sunday and specialized non-contact sessions for residents in the Behavior Assessment Unit. These visiting programs typically play a crucial role in maintaining community ties and supporting successful reintegration efforts.

NCCI may offer a range of educational and vocational programs designed to prepare residents for their eventual return to the community. Like many Massachusetts correctional facilities, the institution often provides GED preparation classes, adult basic education, and various vocational training opportunities that might include skills in construction trades, food service, or maintenance. Counseling services are typically available to address substance abuse issues, anger management, and other behavioral concerns, while mental health support may be provided through individual and group therapy sessions.

The facility's programming approach often emphasizes rehabilitation and skill-building to reduce recidivism rates. Residents may have access to library services, recreational activities, and religious programs that support personal development and community building within the institution. Work assignments and institutional maintenance programs typically provide residents with job skills and work experience while contributing to facility operations. These comprehensive services work together to create an environment focused on personal growth and preparation for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured visiting schedule at North Central Correctional Institution reflects the facility's approach to maintaining family connections while managing security protocols. Inmates housed at this medium/minimum security facility in Gardner can receive visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with specific time slots determined by the visitor's last name. All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling the facility, and visitors should arrive no more than 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment to report to the lobby.

For inmates in the general population, the visiting experience typically includes both contact and non-contact options depending on security classification and behavior status. Those in the Behavior Assessment Unit receive specialized one-hour non-contact visits that can be scheduled Tuesday through Sunday, requiring advance coordination with facility staff. Between visits, inmates may maintain contact with family through monitored phone calls and correspondence, following standard Massachusetts Department of Correction guidelines for mail and communication.

The facility's medium/minimum security classification generally allows for more programming opportunities and movement within the institution compared to higher-security facilities. Inmates typically participate in work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities as part of their structured daily routine. The location in Gardner provides access to various rehabilitative services, though specific program availability may vary based on individual classification levels, sentence length, and institutional needs. Housing arrangements and daily schedules are designed to balance security requirements with preparation for eventual community reintegration.