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 Annex.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Northwest Florida Reception Center Annex

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 Annex.

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

   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 Annex?

   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 Annex. 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 Annex. 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 Annex?

   Mailing address:

   Northwest Florida Reception Center Annex
   4455 Sam Mitchell Dr
   Chipley, FL 32428
   Phone: (850) 773-6500

   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 Annex?

   Visiting hours at Northwest Florida Reception Center Annex 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) 773-6500 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 Annex?

   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 Annex for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Annex 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 Annex, 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

Through comprehensive assessment and individualized planning, supportive services at NW Florida Reception Center Annex are designed to address the diverse needs of the population during their initial processing and classification period. The facility’s approach emphasizes early intervention and skill development, recognizing that meaningful engagement in structured programs can significantly influence successful outcomes. This philosophy permeates throughout the various offerings, creating an environment where participants may access resources tailored to their specific circumstances and rehabilitation goals.

Educational programs typically form the foundation of academic advancement opportunities, allowing the population to pursue literacy improvement and basic educational credentials. These services often include preparation for high school equivalency examinations and fundamental skill development in reading, writing, and mathematics. Additionally, vocational training in carpentry may supply practical trade skills that enhance employment prospects upon release. Such hands-on instruction typically combines theoretical knowledge with applied learning experiences, enabling participants to develop marketable competencies while contributing to facility maintenance and improvement projects.

The therapeutic component encompasses substance abuse treatment programs that address underlying addiction issues through evidence-based approaches. Group therapy sessions often provide peer support and shared learning experiences, while cognitive behavioral therapy may offer individualized strategies for addressing thought patterns and behavioral challenges. Furthermore, support services such as work release programs typically facilitate gradual community reintegration, and barbering or cosmetology training may supply specialized vocational skills. These comprehensive offerings work collectively to support the population’s transition toward productive community involvement following their classification and potential transfer to other facilities within the correctional system.

Daily Life & Visitation

The carefully orchestrated framework of institutional operations currently shapes every aspect of daily existence for the population, with structured schedules that begin before dawn and continue to guide activities throughout each day. Security protocols and administrative procedures establish the foundation upon which all daily routines are built, ensuring that meal times, work assignments, and recreational periods flow seamlessly from one to the next. The facility typically maintains consistent scheduling patterns that help the population understand expectations and navigate their daily responsibilities within the correctional environment.

Housing arrangements generally place residents in dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and security requirements. Living spaces typically include basic furnishings such as beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities, with the population usually responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization within their assigned areas. Additionally, commissary privileges may allow residents to purchase personal hygiene items, snacks, and writing materials, while personal property policies generally permit limited personal belongings that must comply with facility regulations.

Structured programming schedules supply educational opportunities, vocational training, and recreational activities that help fill the daily routine beyond basic institutional requirements. Work assignments often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and facility operations that provide the population with productive activities while supporting institutional functions. While recreational time may offer opportunities for physical exercise, television viewing, or library access, visitation policies typically allow family members and approved contacts to maintain connections through scheduled visits and phone calls, helping residents preserve important relationships during their time at the facility.