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 Pontiac Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Pontiac Correctional Center 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 Pontiac Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Pontiac Correctional Center

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 Pontiac Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pontiac Correctional Center?

   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 Pontiac Correctional Center?

   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 Pontiac Correctional Center. 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 Pontiac Correctional Center. 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 Pontiac Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Pontiac Correctional Center
   700 W Lincoln St
   Pontiac, IL 61764
   Phone: (815) 842-2816

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Pontiac Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Pontiac Correctional Center 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 (815) 842-2816 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 Pontiac Correctional Center?

   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 Pontiac Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Pontiac Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Pontiac Correctional Center 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 Pontiac Correctional Center?

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

   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 Pontiac Correctional Center 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 Pontiac Correctional Center, 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 programming at Pontiac Correctional Center, with the facility maintaining a dedicated 66-bed mental health operational capacity to serve inmates requiring specialized psychological support. The institution typically provides comprehensive mental health programming that may include individual and group counseling sessions, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention services. Given the facility's maximum security classification, these mental health services often focus on helping inmates develop coping strategies, anger management skills, and behavioral modification techniques essential for successful institutional adjustment and eventual reintegration.

Educational and vocational programming at Pontiac Correctional Center may include adult basic education (ABE) and GED preparation courses to help inmates achieve fundamental academic credentials. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities that could encompass areas such as building maintenance, food service, and general labor skills that align with the institution's operational needs. Library services are typically available to support both recreational reading and educational pursuits, while religious programming may offer spiritual guidance and community support through various faith-based services and study groups.

Support services at the facility often include substance abuse treatment programs, given that many inmates enter the correctional system with addiction-related issues. Social services staff may assist inmates with maintaining family connections, preparing for release planning, and accessing community resources upon discharge. The facility's visiting program, which requires proper identification and follows established IDOC protocols, helps maintain crucial family bonds that research shows are vital for successful reentry. Additionally, the institution may offer recreational activities and physical fitness programs that promote both physical and mental well-being within the structured environment of this maximum security facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the walls of this maximum security facility in Pontiac, Illinois, which has housed inmates since June 1871, residents follow structured routines designed around security protocols and rehabilitation programming. With an operational capacity of 1,612 beds and a current population of 561 individuals as of June 2024, the facility maintains separate housing units including specialized mental health accommodations for 66 individuals. The institution serves as the parent facility for the Pontiac Medium Security Unit, creating different security levels within the complex.

Inmates typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or vocational training opportunities that may be available. The facility often provides basic services such as medical care, library access, and recreational activities, though specific programming may vary based on security classification and individual needs. Mental health services are particularly emphasized given the facility's dedicated 66-bed mental health unit, which likely offers specialized counseling and treatment programs for qualifying residents.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility through the established visitation program and communication services. Visitors must present two forms of identification, including current photo ID and documentation showing date of birth, with expired identification not accepted. The Illinois Department of Corrections has transitioned to ICSolutions for technology services, providing video visitation options and electronic messaging through ICS CorrLinks, allowing inmates to maintain contact with approved family members and friends. These communication tools help residents stay connected to their support networks while serving their sentences in this long-established correctional institution.