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 Orange Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Orange 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 Orange Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Orange Correctional Center
   2110 Clarence Walters Road
   Hillsborough, NC 27278
   Phone: (919) 732-9301

5. What are the visiting hours at Orange Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Orange 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 (919) 732-9301 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 Orange 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 Orange Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Orange 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 Orange Correctional Center?

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

**Educational and Vocational Programs**

Durham Tech Community College partners with Orange Correctional Center to deliver specialized vocational training in food service technology and light construction, providing incarcerated individuals with marketable skills for successful reentry. The facility's educational programming extends beyond vocational training to include adult education classes and HiSet/GED test preparation, ensuring participants can achieve fundamental academic credentials. Individual tutoring support is enhanced through regular visits from Orange County Literacy Council volunteers, who work one-on-one with those seeking to improve their reading and writing abilities.

**Work Programs and Community Integration**

As a major work release center, Orange Correctional Center emphasizes practical work experience through multiple pathways. Participants may be assigned to Department of Transportation road crews, Community Work Program initiatives, or contract work with local government agencies. The facility's work release program allows eligible individuals to leave during the day for employment with community businesses, while study release opportunities are available at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Internal work assignments typically include positions in maintenance, kitchen operations, yard work, the clothes house, or library services.

**Treatment and Support Services**

Substance abuse treatment programs are strongly encouraged for all participants, addressing one of the most significant barriers to successful reentry. The Alamance/Orange Prison Ministry funds a full-time chaplain position, providing spiritual guidance and counseling services. The facility may also offer additional counseling programs, life skills training, and reentry preparation services typical of minimum-security correctional facilities. With its 200-person capacity and specialized 40-bed segregation unit, Orange Correctional Center maintains a structured environment that balances security needs with comprehensive rehabilitation programming.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 200-capacity facility in Hillsborough operates as both a minimum-security prison and major work release center, where many residents leave each morning for employment in the surrounding community. Those participating in work release programs maintain structured schedules that typically begin with early morning preparation before departing for their assigned jobs at local businesses. Meanwhile, other residents may report to Department of Transportation road crews, Community Work Program assignments, or contract work with local government agencies. Inside the facility, residents work in essential operations including maintenance, kitchen services, yard work, the clothes house, or library.

Educational opportunities form a significant part of the weekly routine, with Durham Tech Community College providing vocational training in food service technology and light construction. Adult education classes and HiSet/GED preparation are regularly scheduled, while individual tutoring sessions are conducted by Orange County Literacy Council volunteers who visit the facility. For those eligible, study release at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill offers another pathway for personal development. The facility strongly encourages participation in substance abuse treatment programs, and spiritual support is available through a full-time chaplain funded by the Alamance/Orange Prison Ministry.

The minimum-security environment typically allows for more relaxed movement within the facility during designated hours, though specific visitation schedules and communication policies would need to be confirmed by contacting the facility directly at 919-732-9301. The single-cell housing unit accommodates those assigned to restrictive housing when necessary, while the 40-bed segregation facility that opened in December 2009 serves specialized housing needs. Families seeking information about visiting procedures, mail policies, or phone call schedules should contact the facility administration for current guidelines and any COVID-related modifications to standard operations.