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 Osborn Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Osborn Correctional Institution

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 Osborn Correctional Institution.

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

   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 Osborn Correctional Institution?

   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 Osborn Correctional Institution. 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 Osborn Correctional Institution. 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 Osborn Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Osborn Correctional Institution
   335 Bilton Rd
   Somers, CT 06071
   Phone: (860) 814-4600

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Osborn Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Osborn Correctional Institution 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 (860) 814-4600 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 Osborn Correctional Institution?

   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 Osborn Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Osborn Correctional Institution 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 Osborn Correctional Institution?

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

   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 Osborn Correctional Institution 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 Osborn Correctional Institution, 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

Operating under a Unit Management System with 17 inmate-housing units, Osborn Correctional Institution structures its programming around individualized support through assigned Unit Managers who direct all functions within their designated areas. This medium-security facility, housing one of the largest inmate populations in Connecticut's correctional system, typically provides comprehensive educational and vocational programming designed to prepare residents for successful reintegration into the community.

The institution may offer various educational opportunities including adult basic education, GED preparation, and potentially post-secondary educational programs through partnerships with local educational institutions. Vocational training programs often include trades such as culinary arts, maintenance, and manufacturing skills that align with employment opportunities in the surrounding Somers and Enfield communities. Counseling services typically encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and cognitive-behavioral interventions to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Support services at Osborn CI likely include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and library services to promote personal development and maintain community connections. The facility's visiting program accommodates both in-person and video visits, with professional and DCF visits available through scheduled appointments, reflecting the institution's commitment to maintaining family relationships and professional support networks that are essential for successful reentry. Medical and dental care services are typically provided on-site to ensure residents' health needs are met throughout their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Unit Management System at Osborn Correctional Institution organizes one of Connecticut's largest inmate populations across 17 housing units, each overseen by a dedicated Unit Manager who coordinates all functions within their assigned areas. This medium security facility in Somers operates on structured schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or recreational activities. Residents may participate in various institutional jobs, vocational training programs, or educational opportunities that are commonly available at Connecticut correctional facilities. The structured environment includes scheduled meal times, medical appointments when needed, and designated periods for personal activities within the housing units.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility through the visiting program, which allows one video visit and two in-person visits per week. Video visits require advance scheduling through a request form and confirmation from the facility, while in-person visits operate on an unscheduled basis. Visits are arranged according to the resident's housing location within the 17-unit system, and families should check for confirmation emails, including in junk folders. The facility also accommodates professional visits and DCF visits through a separate scheduling process. These visiting opportunities, along with typical communication methods like phone calls and mail, help residents maintain important relationships with family and friends during their time at the institution.

The facility's commitment to serving both residents and the broader community of Somers and Enfield reflects in its operations, which may include various programs aimed at rehabilitation and preparation for eventual reintegration. Like other Connecticut correctional institutions, Osborn likely offers library services, recreational activities, and religious services as part of the structured daily routine that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal development and family connection.