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 Otisville Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Otisville Correctional Facility 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 Otisville Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Otisville Correctional Facility

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 Otisville Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Otisville Correctional Facility?

   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 Otisville Correctional Facility?

   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 Otisville Correctional Facility. 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 Otisville Correctional Facility. 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 Otisville Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Otisville Correctional Facility
   57 Sanitorium Ave
   Otisville, NY 10963
   Phone: (845) 386-1490

5. What are the visiting hours at Otisville Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Otisville Correctional Facility 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 (845) 386-1490 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 Otisville Correctional Facility?

   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 Otisville Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Otisville Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Otisville Correctional Facility 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 Otisville Correctional Facility?

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

   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 Otisville Correctional Facility 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 Otisville Correctional Facility, 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

Personal growth and rehabilitation form the foundation of service delivery at Otisville C.F. The facility typically emphasizes skill-building and therapeutic support to help inmates develop the tools needed for successful community reintegration. Services are often designed to address individual needs while building confidence and practical abilities that extend beyond incarceration.

Educational services play a central role in supporting inmate development. Adult basic education programs may provide opportunities for inmates to complete their high school equivalency or improve fundamental academic skills. These educational offerings often include literacy support and basic mathematics instruction. In addition to this, vocational programs typically focus on developing marketable job skills in various trades and industries, helping participants build practical expertise for future employment opportunities.

Support services address both immediate needs and long-term success planning. Substance abuse treatment programs may offer therapeutic interventions for inmates struggling with addiction issues, providing counseling and recovery support strategies. Family reunification services often include communication workshops and relationship-building activities designed to strengthen family connections. Reentry preparation typically encompasses practical life skills training, including financial literacy, housing assistance guidance, and job search strategies to help inmates transition successfully back into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Otisville Correctional Facility feature dormitory-style accommodations where inmates adapt to shared living spaces and structured routines. Daily life currently revolves around scheduled activities that begin with morning counts and continues through work assignments, meals, and evening programs. Inmates typically wake early for breakfast and participate in various facility operations throughout the day.

Living conditions generally include multi-person housing units where inmates maintain personal belongings within designated storage areas. The facility provides three meals daily in communal dining areas, with inmates following specific schedules based on their housing assignments. In addition to this structured meal service, a commissary system allows inmates to purchase additional food items and personal care products. Despite this regimented environment, inmates often develop routines that help them manage their daily responsibilities and maintain connections with family members.

Recreation opportunities typically include outdoor exercise periods, indoor gymnasium access, and various recreational activities that provide both physical outlets and social interaction. Work assignments may involve kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or other facility operations that give inmates productive ways to spend their time. Visitation policies generally allow approved family members and friends to maintain contact through scheduled visits, while telephone access and correspondence continue to serve as important communication methods. Programming schedules often include educational classes, counseling sessions, and other structured activities designed to support inmates during their incarceration period.