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 Parnall Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Parnall 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 Parnall Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Parnall Correctional Facility
   1780 E Parnall Rd
   Jackson, MI 49201
   Phone: (517) 780-6004

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

   Visiting hours at Parnall 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 (517) 780-6004 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 Parnall 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 Parnall Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Parnall 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 Parnall 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 Parnall 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 Parnall 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 skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, where inmates engage in structured services designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. The facility's approach emphasizes building practical competencies alongside personal responsibility, creating pathways for individuals to develop the tools necessary for successful community reentry. This comprehensive framework recognizes that meaningful change occurs through consistent participation in evidence-based services that address educational gaps, vocational skills, and behavioral patterns.

Educational and vocational services typically provide inmates with opportunities to advance their academic credentials and develop marketable job skills. Education programs may offer basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and post-secondary coursework to help participants build foundational knowledge. In addition to this academic focus, vocational education services often include specialized training in areas such as small engine repair, where inmates can develop hands-on technical skills that translate directly to employment opportunities upon release.

Support services and therapeutic interventions address the broader challenges inmates face during incarceration and reentry planning. The prisoner reentry initiative may provide comprehensive case management and transition planning, while job placement assistance helps connect participants with potential employers in their home communities. Healthy relationships programming typically focuses on communication skills and conflict resolution strategies. Chaplaincy programs often serve inmates seeking spiritual guidance and community connection, providing counseling and religious services that support personal reflection and growth throughout the rehabilitation process.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of housing units at Parnall Correctional Facility define much of the physical landscape where inmates navigate their daily existence. At present, the facility operates with structured schedules that actively guide residents through each day, typically beginning with early morning counts and meal service. Inmates generally follow established routines that include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods, with security procedures woven throughout these activities to maintain order and safety.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates may personalize their limited space with approved personal items and commissary purchases. The dining halls provide scheduled meal service, usually offering three meals per day with inmates moving in designated groups to maintain facility security. Despite this structured environment, inmates often adapt by establishing routines within the broader schedule, finding ways to maintain connections with family through approved communication methods and developing relationships with fellow residents who share similar daily experiences.

In addition to this basic framework, various programming opportunities may provide structure and purpose to inmates' days, including vocational training, educational classes, and library access. Recreation periods typically offer opportunities for physical exercise, sports activities, and outdoor time when weather permits. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation programs and approved communication options such as phone calls and correspondence, helping inmates maintain important relationships that support their adaptation to facility life and eventual reintegration into the community.