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 Old Colony Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Old Colony 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 Old Colony Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Old Colony 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 Old Colony Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Old Colony 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 Old Colony 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 Old Colony 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 Old Colony 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 Old Colony Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Old Colony Correctional Center
   1 Admin Rd
   Bridgewater, MA 02324
   Phone: (508) 279-6000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 4:30 PM
   • 5:30 – 8:45 PM
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM
   • 5:30 – 8:45 PM
   • Saturday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 9:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Old Colony Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Old Colony 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 (508) 279-6000 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 Old Colony 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 Old Colony Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Old Colony Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Old Colony 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 Old Colony Correctional Center?

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

Mental health services form the cornerstone of programming at Old Colony Correctional Center, reflecting the facility's specialized focus on providing comprehensive behavioral health support to incarcerated individuals. The center operates several specialized housing units designed to address varying levels of mental health needs, including the Behavior Assessment Unit (B.A.U.), Intensive Stabilization and Observation Unit (I.S.O.U.), and Intensive Stabilization Unit (I.S.U.), each offering targeted therapeutic interventions. These specialized units typically provide individual and group counseling sessions, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention services to support inmates' mental health stabilization and recovery.

Beyond its mental health specialization, Old Colony Correctional Center may offer educational programming that often includes adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy development courses to help inmates improve their academic skills. Vocational training opportunities might encompass programs in areas such as building maintenance, food service, or computer skills, designed to provide practical job readiness upon release. The facility's rehabilitation-focused approach likely includes substance abuse treatment programs, anger management classes, and cognitive behavioral therapy groups that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.

The center's commitment to promoting successful re-entry typically extends to pre-release planning services that may include job placement assistance, housing coordination, and connections to community-based mental health providers. Family engagement programs often complement these efforts, with structured visiting schedules that support maintaining important relationships during incarceration. Additional support services might include religious programming, recreational activities, and peer support groups that contribute to the overall therapeutic environment and help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Old Colony Correctional Center in Bridgewater must plan their family connections carefully, as all visits require scheduling at least 24 hours in advance through the facility's appointment system. The medium-security facility operates with structured visiting schedules that vary by housing unit - general population residents can receive visitors Sunday through Tuesday from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, while those in specialized units like the Behavior Assessment Unit have more limited one-hour visiting sessions throughout the week.

The facility's focus on mental health services typically influences the daily structure for residents, who may participate in therapeutic programming alongside standard correctional activities. Those housed in units such as the Intensive Stabilization and Observation Unit or Recovery Unit often follow modified schedules designed to support their treatment needs. Residents generally wake early for institutional count and meals, with programming, work assignments, and recreational activities filling the daylight hours. The facility's emphasis on rehabilitation and re-entry preparation means many inmates may engage in educational programs, vocational training, or counseling sessions as part of their daily routine.

Communication with family members extends beyond the scheduled visiting hours, as inmates typically have access to phone privileges and may be able to send and receive mail according to standard Massachusetts Department of Correction policies. The facility's location on Administration Road in Bridgewater provides a controlled environment where security procedures, including vehicle searches in the parking areas, maintain safety while allowing for meaningful family connections that support the rehabilitation process.