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 Pender Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Pender Correctional 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 Pender Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Pender Correctional 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 Pender Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pender Correctional 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 Pender Correctional Institution?

   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 Pender Correctional 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 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 Pender Correctional 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 Pender Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Pender Correctional Institution
   906 Penderlea Hwy
   Burgaw, NC 28425
   Phone: (910) 259-8735

   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

5. What are the visiting hours at Pender Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Pender Correctional Institution 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 (910) 259-8735 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 Pender Correctional Institution?

   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 Pender Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Pender Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Pender Correctional Institution 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 Pender Correctional Institution?

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

   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 Pender Correctional Institution 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 Pender Correctional Institution, 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

Through comprehensive programming initiatives, the population at Pender County Jail receives multifaceted support designed to address underlying challenges while building essential life skills. The facility's approach emphasizes holistic development, recognizing that successful reintegration requires addressing educational deficits, vocational preparedness, and personal wellness simultaneously. These programs typically operate with the understanding that meaningful change occurs when individuals are provided with both practical tools and emotional support systems.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, often including basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and adult education courses that enable participants to advance their academic credentials. In addition to this foundational learning, vocational training programs may supply hands-on experience in various trade skills, helping the population develop marketable abilities that enhance employment prospects upon release. These educational and vocational components work synergistically to create pathways toward economic stability and personal growth.

The facility's therapeutic and support programming addresses the complex needs that frequently contribute to incarceration cycles. Substance abuse programs typically provide both group and individual counseling sessions, utilizing evidence-based approaches to help participants understand and overcome addiction challenges. Complementing these therapeutic interventions, stress management services often include mindfulness techniques and coping strategies, while housing assistance programs may supply guidance for securing stable living arrangements. Additionally, animal care programs frequently offer unique opportunities for the population to develop nurturing skills and emotional connections, fostering personal responsibility while providing therapeutic benefits that support overall rehabilitation goals.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational systems and structured protocols at present shape every aspect of the experience for the population housed within Pender County Jail, where carefully coordinated schedules actively govern the flow of daily activities from early morning wake-up calls through evening lockdown procedures. The facility typically operates on a regimented timeline that includes designated periods for meals, recreation, programming, and personal hygiene, with corrections staff maintaining oversight to ensure safety and security throughout each housing unit. Generally, the population moves through their daily routine in organized groups, with specific times allocated for activities such as commissary visits, medical appointments, and telephone access, while security protocols require regular headcounts and movement restrictions between different areas of the facility.

In addition to this structured scheduling, living accommodations within the facility typically consist of dormitory-style housing units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space, where the population may share common areas for television viewing and social interaction during designated recreational periods. Housing assignments usually take into account factors such as security classification, medical needs, and behavioral considerations, with corrections staff working to maintain appropriate supervision ratios throughout different areas of the facility. Personal property allowances generally include basic hygiene items, limited clothing, and approved reading materials, while commissary services typically supply additional food items, personal care products, and writing supplies for those with available funds.

Despite this highly regulated environment, the facility often includes recreational opportunities such as television viewing, card games, and limited exercise periods in designated areas, while educational programming and work assignments may supply meaningful structure for eligible members of the population. Visitation policies typically allow scheduled contact with approved family members and friends through secure visiting areas, with specific guidelines governing the frequency and duration of these interactions. Communication options generally include monitored telephone access and mail services, enabling the population to maintain important connections with their support systems in the community, while various programming initiatives may offer opportunities for personal development, substance abuse education, or vocational training depending on available resources and individual eligibility requirements.