Maryland

How to contact an inmate at Patuxent Institution

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Patuxent Institution. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Patuxent Institution

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Patuxent Institution
  5. Overview of Patuxent Institution
  6. Inmate services at Patuxent Institution

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Patuxent Institution:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Patuxent Institution

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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Patuxent Institution .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Patuxent Institution

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Patuxent 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 Patuxent Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Patuxent 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 Patuxent Institution.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Patuxent 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 Patuxent Institution?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Patuxent 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 for 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 Patuxent 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 Patuxent Institution?
    Mailing address:

    Patuxent Institution
    7555 Waterloo Rd
    Jessup , MD 20794
    (410) 799-3400

    Business hours:
    • Monday: Open 24 hours
    • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    • Thursday: Open 24 hours
    • Friday: Open 24 hours
    • Saturday: Open 24 hours
    • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Overview of Patuxent Institution

Patuxent Institution is a prison facility located in Jessup, Maryland and is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The prison has a focus on rehabilitating offenders through individualized programming and includes a psychiatric unit for inmates with mental illnesses. It was opened in 1955 and is considered a maximum-security prison.

The facility has faced controversy surrounding its use of segregation and physical restraint in inmate treatment but has implemented reforms over the years to address these issues. The prison has various housing units for different levels of security and for specialized programming, such as the Behavioral Adjustment Unit for inmates exhibiting disruptive behavior and the Level III Special Confinement Unit for inmates requiring more intense supervision.

Educational and vocational programming options are available to inmates and can range from basic adult education courses to more high-level technical certification programs. The therapeutic community program is offered, which serves as a long-term treatment modality for recovering substance abusers. The institution also has the Connection Center, which provides assistance to released inmates in finding employment and maintaining community engagement.

Overall, Patuxent Institution seeks to ultimately benefit society as a whole and shape inmates into responsible individuals through various programs offered during their time in the facility. While there have been issues with the treatment of inmates in the past, Patuxent Institution aimed to maintain a secure environment while ensuring their emphasis on rehabilitation keeps progressing.

What services are provided by Patuxent Institution?

Patuxent Institution is a maximum security prison located in Jessup, Maryland that provides a range of programs and services aimed at rehabilitating offenders and helping them reintegrate into society. One such program is the Progression and Achievement Program (P&A) which utilizes a behavior modification system to incentivize good behavior and encourage participation in treatment programing. This program provides the foundation for all other rehabilitative efforts, as it sets expectations and fosters a positive environment that is conducive to personal growth and development. Additionally, P&A inmates are encouraged to engage in educational and vocational training opportunities, as well as community service projects, to help them develop valuable skills, build confidence, and give back to their community.

Another program that Patuxent offers is the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program, which is specifically designed to address the needs of individual inmates with substance abuse problems. The RSAT program leverages cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches to help participants not only overcome their addiction, but also learn strategies for maintaining long-term sobriety and avoiding relapse. Beyond this, Patuxent also offers a variety of counseling and therapy services, including group and individual therapy, as well as anger management education and stress management training.

To supplement these efforts, Patuxent offers a range of educational and vocational training courses. These courses are designed to help inmates acquire the knowledge and skills that are necessary to secure gainful employment upon release. Courses include General Educational Development (GED) classes, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, computer literacy and technical training, and culinary and horticultural classes. All courses are tailored to meet the unique needs of individual inmates, ensuring that they gain useful skills that can help them build success in the