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 Oswego County Correctional.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Oswego County Correctional 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 Oswego County Correctional.

Frequently asked questions about Oswego County Correctional

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 Oswego County Correctional.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Oswego County Correctional?

   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 Oswego County Correctional?

   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 Oswego County Correctional. 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 Oswego County Correctional. 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 Oswego County Correctional?

   Mailing address:

   Oswego County Correctional
   39 Churchill Rd
   Oswego, NY 13126
   Phone: (315) 349-3300

5. What are the visiting hours at Oswego County Correctional?

   Visiting hours at Oswego County Correctional 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 (315) 349-3300 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 Oswego County Correctional?

   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 Oswego County Correctional for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Oswego County Correctional?

   You can send money to an inmate at Oswego County Correctional 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 Oswego County Correctional?

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

   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 Oswego County Correctional 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 Oswego County Correctional, 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

Transformative personal development lies at the heart of the rehabilitative philosophy that guides service delivery at Oswego County Jail. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inmate growth, recognizing that meaningful change requires addressing multiple dimensions of an individual’s circumstances and challenges. Through carefully structured interventions and support systems, inmates may access opportunities designed to foster self-reflection, skill development, and positive behavioral change that extends well beyond their period of incarceration.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility’s development-focused approach, with GED preparation programs often serving as a primary pathway for inmates seeking to complete their secondary education. These academic initiatives may provide structured learning environments where participants can rebuild their educational foundation while developing critical thinking skills and academic confidence. The educational framework typically incorporates individualized assessment and progress tracking, allowing inmates to advance at a pace that accommodates their comprehensive learning needs and backgrounds.

Also available are comprehensive therapeutic programs that address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior and personal struggles. Mental health support services may include individual counseling sessions, group therapy, and specialized interventions designed to help inmates process trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Transitional planning services often complement these therapeutic offerings, providing inmates with practical guidance and resources as they prepare for reintegration into their communities. The facility’s commitment to trauma-informed care typically ensures that all interactions and services acknowledge the impact of past experiences while fostering an environment conducive to healing and personal growth.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of the housing units create a controlled environment where every movement follows established protocols, while common areas buzz with carefully supervised activity throughout the day. Within this structured setting, inmates currently navigate a routine that begins with early morning counts and continues to provide predictable rhythms that help maintain order and stability. The facility typically operates on a schedule that includes designated times for meals, programming, and recreation, allowing residents to gradually adapt to the institutional environment through consistent daily patterns.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates may be housed with one or more roommates depending on classification levels and available space. Personal belongings are typically limited to approved items that can be stored in designated areas, while bedding and basic necessities are provided by the facility. The dining area serves meals at scheduled times, with inmates usually eating together in supervised group settings that provide opportunities for social interaction within the structured environment. Also, commissary services may be available periodically, allowing residents to purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their basic provisions.

Recreational opportunities often include access to television areas, reading materials, and scheduled exercise periods that help inmates maintain physical and mental well-being during their stay. Work assignments within the facility may provide structure and purpose, with positions typically including kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that contribute to daily operations. However, visitation policies generally allow family members and approved visitors to maintain connections through scheduled visits, while telephone access and mail services continue to provide additional communication options that help inmates preserve important relationships with their support systems outside the facility.