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 Olympic Corrections Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections Center.

Frequently asked questions about Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections Center?

   Mailing address:

   Olympic Corrections Center
   11235 Hoh Mainline
   Forks, WA 98331
   Phone: (360) 374-6181

5. What are the visiting hours at Olympic Corrections Center?

   Visiting hours at Olympic Corrections 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 (360) 374-6181 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 Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Olympic Corrections Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections 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 Olympic Corrections Center emphasizes family connection and community reintegration through its comprehensive visiting program and support services. The facility operates a Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) that provides qualifying families with up to two separate $50 reimbursements to help cover fuel and hotel costs when visiting incarcerated loved ones, recognizing the financial challenges families face in maintaining these crucial relationships. With structured visiting hours across different housing units and both in-person and video visit options, the facility prioritizes maintaining family bonds as a cornerstone of successful rehabilitation.

As a minimum-security facility housing 272 male inmates, Olympic Corrections Center typically offers educational and vocational programming designed to prepare individuals for community reentry. The facility may provide adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities that align with local job market demands in the Olympic Peninsula region. Counseling services often include substance abuse treatment programs, cognitive behavioral interventions, and mental health support to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

The center's community-focused approach may extend to work release programs, community service opportunities, and pre-release planning services that help inmates establish housing, employment, and support networks before their return to society. Given its minimum-security classification and location, the facility often emphasizes preparing inmates for successful community integration through gradual increases in responsibility and community connections, supported by the active Family Council that works to enhance communication between families, inmates, and facility administration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Located south of Forks, Washington, Olympic Corrections Center operates as a minimum-security facility housing up to 272 male inmates in various living units since opening in 1968. The facility's minimum custody level typically allows for more relaxed daily routines compared to higher-security institutions, with inmates often participating in work assignments, educational programs, and community-based activities that may extend beyond the facility grounds. Daily schedules generally revolve around structured meal times, count procedures, work details, and recreational periods, though the specific timing of these activities varies by housing unit and individual program assignments.

Family connections remain a central focus of daily life at OCC, with the facility maintaining regular visiting hours that vary by housing unit and offering both in-person and video visit options. The Washington Department of Corrections recognizes the financial challenges families face when traveling to visit loved ones, particularly given OCC's remote location, and provides the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) offering up to two $50 reimbursements for qualifying families to help cover fuel and hotel costs. All visitors must complete a comprehensive application process before being approved for either prison visits or video visits, ensuring facility security while maintaining these important family connections.

The facility operates under DOC Policy guidelines that govern visiting procedures, daily operations, and inmate programs, with additional facility-specific visitor guidelines that address local considerations and rules. Like other Washington state correctional facilities, OCC typically offers various programs aimed at rehabilitation and reentry preparation, though the specific offerings may include educational opportunities, vocational training, and community work programs that take advantage of the minimum-security environment to help prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.