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 Okaloosa Correctional.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Okaloosa Correctional

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 Okaloosa Correctional.

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

   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 Okaloosa Correctional?

   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 Okaloosa Correctional. 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 Okaloosa Correctional. 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 Okaloosa Correctional?

   Mailing address:

   Okaloosa Correctional
   3189 Colonel Greg Malloy Rd
   Crestview, FL 32539
   Phone: (850) 682-0931

5. What are the visiting hours at Okaloosa Correctional?

   Visiting hours at Okaloosa Correctional 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) 682-0931 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 Okaloosa Correctional?

   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 Okaloosa Correctional for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Okaloosa Correctional 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 Okaloosa Correctional?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Okaloosa Correctional, 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 Okaloosa Correctional?

   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 Okaloosa Correctional 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 Okaloosa Correctional, 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 correctional facilities, opportunities for personal transformation and skill development often serve as catalysts for meaningful change. Okaloosa County Corrections Institution may furnish a comprehensive framework of offerings designed to address the multifaceted needs of those incarcerated, emphasizing both immediate rehabilitation and long-term reintegration success. The facility's approach typically centers on providing structured pathways that enable participants to develop essential life skills, address underlying challenges, and prepare for successful community reentry through evidence-based interventions and educational opportunities.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the institution's developmental offerings, with education programs that may encompass basic literacy instruction through more advanced academic coursework. Those incarcerated often have access to tutoring programs that provide individualized support, helping participants overcome educational barriers and achieve personal academic goals. Also available are vocational training opportunities, including masonry instruction, which equips participants with marketable construction skills that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release, fostering both technical competency and professional confidence.

The facility's therapeutic and support services typically address the complex factors that contribute to criminal behavior while preparing individuals for successful community integration. Substance abuse treatment offerings may provide evidence-based interventions designed to help participants understand addiction patterns and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Also integral to the reintegration process are parenting classes that help those incarcerated strengthen family relationships and develop effective child-rearing skills. Work release programs often serve as a bridge between incarceration and community life, allowing eligible participants to maintain employment while completing their sentences, thereby preserving family stability and reducing recidivism through continued community connections.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building meaningful connections with family members and fellow residents forms the cornerstone of community life for those incarcerated at this facility, where maintaining social bonds often becomes a vital source of support and motivation. At present, the structured environment actively encourages interaction through shared dining areas, recreational periods, and organized group activities that furnish opportunities for individuals to build relationships and support networks within the housing units.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where those incarcerated develop daily routines alongside their assigned roommates or unit members. The facility generally provides basic furnishings and personal storage space, while residents may usually purchase additional comfort items through the commissary system to personalize their living areas. Meals are typically served in communal dining halls at scheduled times throughout the day, creating natural gathering points where individuals can maintain conversations and friendships that often extend beyond mealtimes into recreational periods and work assignments.

However, the most meaningful connections often involve maintaining ties with family members and loved ones through the facility's visitation program and communication systems. Those incarcerated may typically participate in various work assignments within the facility, from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks, which furnish structure while also creating opportunities for skill development and social interaction with staff and other residents. Also, structured programming schedules generally include educational classes, recreational activities, and group meetings that encourage community participation and personal growth, while telephone privileges and correspondence policies usually allow for regular contact with family members and friends in the outside community.