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 Dakota State Penitentiary.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at North Dakota State Penitentiary 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 Dakota State Penitentiary.

Frequently asked questions about North Dakota State Penitentiary

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 Dakota State Penitentiary.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to North Dakota State Penitentiary?

   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 Dakota State Penitentiary?

   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 Dakota State Penitentiary. 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 Dakota State Penitentiary. 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 Dakota State Penitentiary?

   Mailing address:

   North Dakota State Penitentiary
   3100 Railroad Ave
   Bismarck, ND 58501
   Phone: (701) 328-6100

5. What are the visiting hours at North Dakota State Penitentiary?

   Visiting hours at North Dakota State Penitentiary 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 (701) 328-6100 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 Dakota State Penitentiary?

   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 Dakota State Penitentiary for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at North Dakota State Penitentiary?

   You can send money to an inmate at North Dakota State Penitentiary 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 Dakota State Penitentiary?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At North Dakota State Penitentiary, 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 Dakota State Penitentiary?

   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 Dakota State Penitentiary 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 Dakota State Penitentiary, 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 the North Dakota Penitentiary, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive array of opportunities designed to foster personal transformation and prepare them for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes skill development and educational advancement, recognizing that meaningful engagement in constructive activities often serves as a cornerstone for rehabilitation. Through carefully structured offerings, participants may access resources that address both immediate needs and long-term goals, creating pathways for positive change during their period of incarceration.

Educational advancement forms a fundamental component of the facility's comprehensive programming structure. Those incarcerated typically have access to adult basic education courses that may furnish foundational literacy and numeracy skills essential for future success. Moreover, vocational training opportunities often include specialized instruction in culinary arts, providing participants with marketable skills that translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. These educational offerings frequently operate within a framework that emphasizes both academic achievement and practical skill acquisition.

Support services and structured work programs complement the educational foundation by offering those incarcerated opportunities to develop responsibility and work ethic. The facility may furnish various work assignments that provide valuable experience while contributing to facility operations and maintenance. Additionally, arts and crafts programming often serves as both a therapeutic outlet and a means of developing creative skills, allowing participants to explore personal expression while building concentration and fine motor abilities. These diverse offerings collectively create an environment where those incarcerated may engage in meaningful activities that support their personal development and preparation for eventual community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong bonds between families and those incarcerated often serve as anchors of hope and motivation throughout the correctional experience. At present, the North Dakota Penitentiary actively maintains structured daily routines that begin early in the morning with count procedures, followed by breakfast service in communal dining areas where residents typically gather at assigned tables. The day generally unfolds with work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, laundry operations, or facility cleaning responsibilities, while structured programming schedules furnish educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training sessions that prepare individuals for eventual reintegration into their communities.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where those incarcerated often develop supportive relationships with their roommates and fellow residents. Moreover, these living spaces usually allow for personal belongings within established guidelines, including family photographs, letters, and approved items purchased through the commissary system. Meals are generally served at designated times in central dining halls, creating natural opportunities for social interaction and community building among residents who may form lasting friendships and support networks during their time at the facility.

Recreation and exercise opportunities typically furnish essential outlets for physical activity and social engagement, with outdoor recreation yards, indoor gymnasium facilities, and organized sports leagues that help maintain both physical and mental well-being. Whereas daily routines provide necessary structure, visitation policies usually allow family members and approved visitors to maintain meaningful connections through scheduled visits, while telephone privileges and correspondence systems enable regular communication with loved ones on the outside. These communication channels often serve as vital lifelines that help those incarcerated stay connected to their support systems and work toward successful reentry into their communities upon release.