California

How to contact an inmate at Pelican Bay State Prison

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Pelican Bay State Prison. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Pelican Bay State Prison

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 Pelican Bay State Prison
  5. Overview of Pelican Bay State Prison
  6. Inmate services at Pelican Bay State Prison

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Pelican Bay State Prison:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Pelican Bay State Prison

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 Pelican Bay State Prison .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Pelican Bay State Prison

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Pelican Bay State Prison 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 Pelican Bay State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Pelican Bay State Prison

  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 Pelican Bay State Prison.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pelican Bay State Prison?

    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 Pelican Bay State Prison?
    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 Pelican Bay State Prison. 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 Pelican Bay State Prison. 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 Pelican Bay State Prison?
    Mailing address:

    Pelican Bay State Prison
    5905 Lake Earl Dr
    Crescent City , CA 95532
    (707) 465-1000

    Business hours:
    • Monday: 8:15 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Tuesday: 8:15 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Wednesday: 8:15 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Thursday: 8:15 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Friday: 8:15 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Saturday: Open 24 hours
    • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Overview of Pelican Bay State Prison

Pelican Bay State Prison is a maximum-security facility located in Crescent City, California. It was established in 1989 to house California's most dangerous and violent criminals, including gang members and those convicted of organized crime. Pelican Bay State Prison is known for its strict conditions of confinement and its Security Housing Unit (SHU).

The SHU is a segregated housing unit for inmates who are believed to be involved in gang activity or other criminal activities while incarcerated. The cells in the SHU are small and windowless, and inmates spend 22-23 hours a day in their cells. They are only allowed one hour of exercise a day, which is taken alone in a small, enclosed concrete yard. Meals are delivered through a slot in the cell door, and contact with other people is heavily restricted.

Pelican Bay State Prison has been criticized for its use of solitary confinement, which can have serious effects on an inmate's mental health. In 2011, a hunger strike by inmates drew attention to the conditions in the SHU. As a result of the strike, the state of California agreed to review the policies and practices at Pelican Bay and other state prisons and to make changes to reduce the use of solitary confinement.

Despite its reputation for being one of California's toughest prisons, Pelican Bay State Prison offers programs and services to help inmates better themselves. Education and vocational classes are offered, as well as substance abuse and anger management counseling. However, these programs are only available to inmates who

What services are provided by Pelican Bay State Prison?

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