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 New Mexico Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Northwest New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Northwest New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Northwest New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center
   1700 East Old Highway 66
   Grants, NM 87020
   Phone: (505) 287-2941

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Northwest New Mexico Correctional 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 (505) 287-2941 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 New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Northwest New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Northwest New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional 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 New Mexico Correctional 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

The New Mexico Corrections Department's implementation of Smart Communications tablets represents a significant modernization in how correctional facilities maintain connections between residents and their families. This digital communication system, which began rolling out in July 2024, transforms traditional mail delivery by digitally uploading correspondence directly to individual tablets, enhancing both safety protocols and communication efficiency across the state's correctional network.

Northwest New Mexico Corrections typically provides a comprehensive range of rehabilitative services designed to support successful reintegration into the community. Educational programs may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses, while vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills such as construction trades, food service, and maintenance work. The facility likely offers substance abuse counseling programs, mental health services, and cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Support services at the facility may encompass religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and library access to promote personal development and positive use of time. Work programs typically provide residents with opportunities to develop job skills and work experience through facility maintenance, kitchen operations, and other institutional assignments. These comprehensive programming efforts, combined with modern communication technologies like the Smart Communications tablets, work together to create an environment focused on rehabilitation and maintaining crucial family connections during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication has been revolutionized at New Mexico correctional facilities through the implementation of Smart Communications tablets, which became operational in July 2024. These digital devices have replaced the traditional physical mail system, allowing inmates to receive correspondence electronically while maintaining secure communication channels with family and friends outside the facility walls.

The tablet system represents a significant modernization effort that typically enhances daily routines for inmates. Throughout the day, individuals may access their digital messages, which are uploaded directly to their personal devices after being processed through the facility's security protocols. This technological advancement often allows for more timely communication compared to traditional mail delivery, while maintaining the safety and security standards required in correctional environments. The digital format may also provide inmates with additional features that support their daily activities and connection to the outside world.

Daily schedules at New Mexico correctional facilities generally follow structured routines that balance security requirements with rehabilitation programming. Inmates typically participate in work assignments, educational programs, or vocational training during designated hours, while meal times and recreational periods are scheduled throughout the day. The new communication system integrates seamlessly into these established routines, allowing inmates to check messages during approved periods while maintaining the facility's operational security. Family members can continue to send correspondence through the centralized mailing system, with all mail being digitally processed and delivered to the appropriate facility's tablet network.