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 Northwest Florida Reception Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Northwest Florida Reception Center 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 Northwest Florida Reception Center.

Frequently asked questions about Northwest Florida Reception Center

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 Northwest Florida Reception Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Northwest Florida Reception Center?

   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 Northwest Florida Reception Center?

   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 Northwest Florida Reception Center. 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 Northwest Florida Reception Center. 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 Northwest Florida Reception Center?

   Mailing address:

   Northwest Florida Reception Center
   4455 Sam Mitchell Dr
   Chipley, FL 32428
   Phone: (850) 773-6100

   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 Northwest Florida Reception Center?

   Visiting hours at Northwest Florida Reception Center 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 (850) 773-6100 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 Northwest Florida Reception Center?

   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 Northwest Florida Reception Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Northwest Florida Reception Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Northwest Florida Reception Center 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 Northwest Florida Reception Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Northwest Florida Reception Center, 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 Northwest Florida Reception Center?

   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 Northwest Florida Reception Center 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 Northwest Florida Reception Center, 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

Personal growth and rehabilitation form the foundation of services at Northwest Florida Reception Center, where inmates participate in comprehensive assessment and classification processes designed to identify individual needs and strengths. The facility typically emphasizes a structured approach to personal development, helping participants build essential life skills while addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. Through careful evaluation during the intake process, staff members work to match inmates with appropriate services that support their journey toward successful reintegration into the community.

Educational services often include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities that help inmates develop marketable skills for their future. These learning opportunities may provide inmates with the academic foundation necessary for continued growth, while practical training programs typically focus on building competencies in various trades and technical fields. Furthermore, the facility's educational approach often emphasizes both personal achievement and the development of critical thinking skills that support long-term success.

Support services at the facility may include work release programs that allow eligible inmates to maintain employment connections, along with essential facility maintenance training that teaches valuable job skills. Housing assistance services typically help inmates prepare for their transition back to the community, while practical programs in areas such as laundry services and painting and decorating often provide hands-on experience in service industries. Furthermore, substance abuse treatment services may offer therapeutic support for inmates struggling with addiction issues, addressing these challenges as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of housing units create a controlled environment where inmates at Northwest Florida Reception Center must quickly learn new routines and expectations. At present, the facility actively maintains structured schedules that begin early each morning with count procedures and meal service. Inmates typically move through their days following established timeframes for meals, work assignments, and programming activities. The regimented nature of institutional life requires residents to adapt to constant supervision and limited personal space.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates may be assigned with one or more roommates. Personal belongings are typically limited to approved items that can be stored in designated areas within each housing space. Furthermore, the dining experience involves scheduled meal times in common areas, where inmates receive standardized portions prepared by facility food services. Although personal preferences cannot always be accommodated, dietary restrictions for medical or religious reasons are generally addressed through appropriate channels.

The facility typically provides various recreational opportunities, including outdoor exercise periods and indoor activities that help inmates maintain physical fitness and social connections. Work assignments often include maintenance duties, food service positions, and other institutional support roles that provide structure and may offer modest compensation. Although visitation schedules and communication options are subject to security protocols, inmates can usually maintain contact with family members through scheduled visits, telephone calls, and correspondence. These connections often prove essential as residents work to adapt to their temporary environment while preparing for their next placement within the correctional system.