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 Northeast Correctional Complex.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Northeast 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 Northeast Correctional Complex.

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

   Mailing address:

   Northeast Correctional Complex
   5249 Highway 67 West
   Mountain City, TN 37683
   Phone: (423) 727-7387

   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 Northeast Correctional Complex?

   Visiting hours at Northeast 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 (423) 727-7387 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 Northeast 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 Northeast Correctional Complex for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Northeast 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 Northeast Correctional Complex?

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

The Northeast Correctional Complex emphasizes evidence-based programming to address the rehabilitative needs of its male offender population. Through partnerships with Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), inmates can pursue specialized training in Computer Information Technology, Industrial Electricity, and Masonry, while Northeast State Community College provides an associate degree program in business administration. The facility's comprehensive vocational offerings include Core Carpentry I & II, Core Electrical I & II, Core Masonry I & II, Core Plumbing I & II, and Core Construction programs, designed to equip inmates with marketable skills for successful reentry.

Educational opportunities extend beyond vocational training to include Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Higher Education Equivalency (HiSET) preparation courses, ensuring inmates can achieve fundamental academic credentials. To address behavioral health needs, the facility provides cognitive behavior intervention, substance use group therapy, substance use aftercare services, and workforce development programming. These therapeutic interventions typically work alongside the educational components to support comprehensive rehabilitation efforts.

Inmates not participating in academic or vocational programs are required to work in various support service roles throughout the facility, including landscaping, janitorial services, and food services operations. The facility may also offer additional support services commonly found in Tennessee correctional institutions, such as library access, recreational activities, and religious services. Healthcare services are typically available to address both routine medical needs and specialized treatment requirements, while family visitation programs often help maintain important community connections during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Northeast Correctional Complex in Mountain City wake each morning to structured schedules that typically revolve around educational programs, vocational training, or work assignments throughout the facility. Those enrolled in the facility's evidence-based programs may begin their day attending Adult Basic Education classes or HiSET preparation courses, while others head to vocational workshops for Core Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Plumbing, or Construction training. The facility's partnership with Tennessee College of Applied Technology provides additional opportunities in Computer Information Technology, Industrial Electricity, and Masonry, while some inmates pursue associate degree coursework in business administration through Northeast State Community College.

For inmates not participating in academic or vocational programs, daily routines center around mandatory work assignments in support service roles including landscaping, janitorial services, and food services throughout the prison. These work details typically operate on regular schedules that help maintain the facility's operations while providing inmates with job skills and structure. The facility also offers behavioral health programming, including cognitive behavior intervention and substance use group therapy sessions, which may be scheduled throughout the week for participating inmates.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life, with correspondence directed to the facility's P.O. Box 5000 address for mail delivery. Visitation schedules and communication policies typically follow Tennessee Department of Correction guidelines, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary. The facility's location in Johnson County provides a mountain setting, and inmates often have opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities when weather and security conditions permit. Evening hours usually include additional programming time, recreational activities, or personal time in housing units before lights-out procedures.