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 Powder River Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Powder River Correctional Facility 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 Powder River Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Powder River Correctional Facility

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 Powder River Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Powder River Correctional Facility?

   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 Powder River Correctional Facility?

   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 Powder River Correctional Facility. 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 Powder River Correctional Facility. 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 Powder River Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Powder River Correctional Facility
   3600 13th St
   Baker City, OR 97814
   Phone: (541) 523-6680

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 8:00 – 10:00 AM
   • 1:30 – 3:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 – 10:00 AM
   • 1:30 – 3:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Powder River Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Powder River Correctional Facility 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 (541) 523-6680 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 Powder River Correctional Facility?

   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 Powder River Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Powder River Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Powder River Correctional Facility 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 Powder River Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Powder River Correctional Facility, 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 Powder River Correctional Facility?

   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 Powder River Correctional Facility 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 Powder River Correctional Facility, 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

Therapeutic and educational initiatives form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts, with individual counseling sessions typically addressing personal challenges and behavioral patterns. Residents may participate in structured cognitive behavioral programs that focus on developing healthy coping strategies and decision-making skills. These evidence-based approaches often help individuals understand the underlying factors that contributed to their incarceration while building essential life skills for successful reintegration.

Educational services may deliver basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities that allow residents to advance their academic credentials. Vocational programs typically include hands-on training in various trades and technical skills that align with local employment demands. Moreover, landscaping initiatives often provide residents with outdoor work experience while maintaining facility grounds, combining practical skill development with physical activity and environmental stewardship.

Support services encompass mentoring programs that may connect residents with positive role models and guidance throughout their incarceration and transition period. Work release programs typically allow eligible residents to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences, facilitating gradual reintegration and financial responsibility. These comprehensive initiatives often work together to address the multiple factors that contribute to successful rehabilitation, providing residents with tools and opportunities to build productive lives upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured schedules currently anchor every aspect of residential life, with consistent wake-up calls, meal times, and programming blocks that continue to provide predictable frameworks throughout each day. The routine typically begins early in the morning and progresses through designated periods for meals, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities. This systematic approach generally helps residents adapt to institutional expectations while maintaining regular sleep and activity patterns.

Housing arrangements at the facility typically feature dormitory-style accommodations or smaller residential units, where residents share living spaces with assigned roommates. Personal property allowances usually include basic clothing, hygiene items, and limited personal effects that may be stored in designated areas. Meals are generally served in communal dining areas at scheduled times, with menus that often rotate weekly to provide variety. Moreover, residents typically have access to commissary services where they may purchase additional food items, personal care products, and other approved goods using funds from their institutional accounts.

Work assignments deliver structure through various facility maintenance roles, kitchen duties, and grounds keeping responsibilities that residents may be assigned based on their skills and facility needs. Programming schedules usually include educational opportunities, vocational training, and recreational periods that often feature outdoor exercise time, library access, and organized activities. Whereas daily routines remain consistent, visitation policies typically allow for scheduled family visits and phone communication during designated hours, helping residents maintain important connections with their support systems throughout their time at the facility.