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 Ouachita Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Ouachita 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 Ouachita Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Ouachita Correctional Center
   4801 Highway 165 Byp
   Monroe, LA 71202
   Phone: (318) 327-1369

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Ouachita 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 (318) 327-1369 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 Ouachita 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 Ouachita Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Communication services at Ouachita Correctional Center have evolved to incorporate digital mail processing, with personal correspondence now handled through an electronic system managed through a Phoenix, Maryland processing center. This digital approach allows individuals to maintain contact with family and friends through both traditional mail that gets scanned and delivered electronically, as well as direct digital messaging through the GettingOut mobile application. The facility maintains specific guidelines for acceptable materials, restricting certain types of publications and images to support a secure environment focused on rehabilitation.

Beyond communication services, the facility typically provides educational programming that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy courses to help individuals develop essential academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical job skills that can support successful reintegration into the community upon release. These programs may include instruction in areas such as construction trades, food service, or maintenance skills, depending on available resources and partnerships with local organizations.

Counseling and support services commonly available at Louisiana correctional facilities often include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and behavioral intervention programs. Religious services and chaplaincy programs typically provide spiritual support and guidance, while library services offer access to educational materials and recreational reading. The facility may also coordinate with community organizations to provide reentry planning assistance, helping individuals prepare for their transition back into society through job placement support and life skills training.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with the outside world forms a central part of the experience for individuals housed at Ouachita Correctional Center in Louisiana. Since November 2022, the facility has transitioned to a digital mail system, meaning personal letters, photographs, and drawings from family members are now processed electronically through a service based in Phoenix, Maryland, before being delivered to residents in digital format. This system typically allows for faster delivery while maintaining security protocols, though residents and their families must carefully follow specific addressing requirements to ensure messages reach their intended recipients.

Throughout each day, residents may access their digital correspondence alongside other structured activities that characterize institutional life. The facility maintains strict guidelines regarding acceptable reading materials, permitting dedicated paperback books and magazines received through subscription services. Publications undergo screening to remove promotional materials and ensure content aligns with facility standards. These communication and reading policies reflect the institution’s approach to balancing security concerns with residents’ needs for connection and personal development.

Family members can also maintain contact through the GettingOut mobile application, which enables quick digital messaging between residents and their approved contacts. This technology-based communication system represents how modern correctional facilities often adapt to provide multiple avenues for maintaining family relationships while managing the logistical challenges of processing traditional mail. The facility’s emphasis on digital communication reflects broader trends in correctional operations, where electronic systems may offer both efficiency and enhanced monitoring capabilities.