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 Phillips State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Phillips 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 Phillips State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Phillips 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 Phillips State Prison.

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

   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 Phillips 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 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 Phillips 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 Phillips State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Phillips State Prison
   2989 W Rock Quarry Rd NE
   Buford, GA 30519
   Phone: (770) 932-4500

   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 Phillips State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Phillips State Prison 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 (770) 932-4500 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 Phillips State Prison?

   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 Phillips State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Phillips State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Phillips State Prison 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 Phillips State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Phillips State Prison, 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 Phillips State Prison?

   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 Phillips State Prison 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 Phillips State Prison, 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

Mental health services form a cornerstone of operations at Phillips State Prison, with the facility providing comprehensive Level IV mental health care and crisis stabilization services. The prison's specialized approach extends to housing arrangements, where combination single-cell units are specifically designated for mental health and special management inmates. This therapeutic focus is reinforced through various counseling programs including Motivation For Change, Thinking For A Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, and specialized groups for lifers and family violence issues.

Educational and vocational opportunities are robust, featuring General Education Diploma preparation, Adult Basic Education, and Special Education services alongside literacy programs. The vocational training component includes hands-on instruction in auto body repair, auto mechanics, welding, and small engine repair, providing inmates with marketable skills for post-release employment. These programs may be supplemented by partnerships with Georgia Correctional Industries, offering additional work experience opportunities. The facility also maintains various work details that serve surrounding communities while providing inmates with structured employment experience.

Substance abuse recovery and reentry preparation receive significant attention through programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings, Matrix Relapse Prevention, and Matrix Early Recovery Skills training. The prison's faith-based initiatives include worship services, scriptural studies, and pastoral care, while recreational activities and an In-Reach dormitory program may provide additional support structures. These comprehensive services are designed to address the complex needs of inmates who have experienced management challenges at other facilities, supporting their rehabilitation while maintaining institutional security.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekend visitation at Phillips State Prison operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, providing families with consistent opportunities to maintain connections with their incarcerated loved ones. The facility's 10 living units, each containing two dormitories, house inmates in various configurations including two-man cells and single-man cells, with specialized housing available for those requiring mental health support. With a capacity of 918 inmates, the prison typically maintains structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities within the secure environment.

Inmates at Phillips often participate in one of the 10 work details that serve surrounding cities and counties, or may work on the facility's grounds through Georgia Correctional Industries programs. The prison offers comprehensive educational opportunities including General Education Diploma preparation, Adult Basic Education, and literacy programs, alongside vocational training in areas such as auto body repair, auto mechanics, welding, and small engine repair. Mental health services are available at all levels, including specialized crisis stabilization support, reflecting the facility's mission to house inmates who may have experienced management challenges at other institutions.

The facility's extensive programming includes various counseling initiatives such as Thinking for a Change, substance abuse recovery programs through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and faith-based programs that may incorporate worship services and scriptural studies. Recreation and religious activities typically provide inmates with structured leisure time and spiritual support, while reentry programs help prepare individuals for eventual release. The presence of specialized units including the Special Management Unit and transitional center with 310 additional beds demonstrates the facility's comprehensive approach to addressing diverse inmate needs within a secure correctional environment.