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 Oshkosh Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Oshkosh Correctional Institution
   1730 W Snell Rd
   Oshkosh, WI 54901
   Phone: (920) 231-4010

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

   Visiting hours at Oshkosh 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 (920) 231-4010 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 Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Oshkosh Correctional Institution operates with a clear focus on “productive adjustment” as part of its rehabilitation mission, recognizing that protecting society requires comprehensive programming that addresses the needs of those in custody. The facility’s Training Kitchen program exemplifies this approach, operating within the visiting room and offering inmates the opportunity to purchase restaurant-style meals for their approved visitors, which may help maintain important family connections during the incarceration period.

Educational and vocational programming typically forms the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at medium-security facilities like OSCI. The institution may offer adult basic education classes, GED preparation, and vocational training programs that help individuals develop marketable skills for successful reentry. Counseling services often include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and cognitive-behavioral interventions designed to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. These programs are frequently complemented by religious services, library access, and recreational activities that support overall well-being.

Support services at the facility may include case management assistance, reentry planning, and programs that help individuals maintain connections with their families and communities. The institution typically provides medical and dental care, along with specialized programming that may address anger management, life skills development, and employment readiness. Work assignments within the facility often provide valuable experience and may include food service, maintenance, and other institutional operations that help individuals develop a strong work ethic while contributing to the facility’s daily operations.

Daily Life & Visitation

The OSCI Training Kitchen operates within the institution’s visiting room, offering inmates the opportunity to purchase restaurant-style meals for their approved visitors during designated hours. This comprehensive feature reflects the facility’s approach to maintaining family connections, as inmates can share meals with loved ones in a more normalized setting. Visiting guidelines are available in both English and Spanish, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to serving diverse families, while the facility’s location at 1730 W. Snell Road in Oshkosh provides a structured environment focused on what administrators call “productive adjustment.”

As a medium-security facility that began operations in September 1986, Oshkosh Correctional Institution typically follows structured daily routines common to Wisconsin correctional facilities. Inmates may participate in work assignments, educational programs, and rehabilitation activities designed to support their eventual reintegration into society. The institution’s purpose statement emphasizes protecting society through offender rehabilitation, which often translates into daily programming that may include vocational training, counseling sessions, and structured recreational time.

Communication with family members remains an important aspect of life at the facility, with specific guidelines governing mail, phone calls, and visits. The institution provides inmate handbooks in both English and Spanish to help individuals understand daily expectations and available services. Like most Wisconsin correctional facilities, OSCI likely maintains regular meal times, count procedures, and designated periods for various activities, all designed to create a structured environment that supports both security and rehabilitation goals.