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 Racine Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Racine 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 Racine Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Racine Correctional Institution
   2019 Wisconsin St
   Sturtevant, WI 53177
   Phone: (262) 886-3214

   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 Racine Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Racine 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 (262) 886-3214 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 Racine 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 Racine Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Racine 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 Racine 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 Racine 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 Racine 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

Dedicated to creating a safe environment while supporting the rehabilitative process, Racine Correctional Institution focuses on preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their communities through comprehensive programming. The medium-security facility, which opened in 1991 on the site of the former St. Bonaventure Prep School, maintains this educational legacy by typically offering academic programs that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses. Educational services often extend to vocational training opportunities that help residents develop marketable skills for employment upon release.

The institution’s commitment to rehabilitation typically encompasses various counseling and therapeutic programs designed to address substance abuse, anger management, and cognitive behavioral interventions. Mental health services may include individual and group counseling sessions, while specialized programs often focus on life skills development, job readiness training, and pre-release planning. Religious and spiritual services are generally available to support residents’ personal growth and community connections.

Support services at the facility may include library access, recreational activities, and family connection programs that help maintain important relationships during incarceration. The institution typically coordinates with community organizations to facilitate reentry planning, which often includes assistance with housing, employment placement, and continued treatment services. These comprehensive programs work together to support the facility’s mission of preparing individuals for successful community reintegration while maintaining safety for staff, residents, and the broader community.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Racine Correctional Institution, residents follow structured schedules designed to support rehabilitation and prepare them for successful community reintegration. The medium-security facility, which officially opened its doors on May 6, 1991, operates with a clear purpose of creating a safe environment for the community, staff, and those under their care. Located at 2019 Wisconsin Street in Sturtevant, the institution incorporates portions of the former St. Bonaventure Prep School, lending a comprehensive architectural character to the facility’s daily operations.

Family connections remain a priority through the institution’s visiting program, which offers both video and in-person visitation options as outlined in materials available in both English and Spanish. The facility typically maintains regular visiting schedules that allow residents to maintain important relationships with loved ones, supporting their rehabilitation process. Communication with family members may also include supervised phone calls and correspondence, helping residents stay connected to their support networks during their incarceration.

Throughout each day, residents participate in various programming activities that often include educational opportunities, vocational training, and therapeutic services designed to address individual needs. The facility’s dedicated staff work to implement responsible and safe practices while supporting the rehabilitative process. Meal times, recreational periods, and structured programming fill the daily schedule, with security procedures integrated throughout to maintain the safe environment emphasized in the institution’s mission. The inmate handbook, available in multiple languages, provides residents with detailed information about expectations, procedures, and available resources during their time at the facility.