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 Rapid City Community Work Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work Center.

Frequently asked questions about Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work Center?

   Mailing address:

   Rapid City Community Work Center
   2725 Creek Dr
   Rapid City, SD 57703
   

5. What are the visiting hours at Rapid City Community Work Center?

   Visiting hours at Rapid City Community Work 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 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 Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Rapid City Community Work Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work 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 Rapid City Community Work 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

Community service projects form the cornerstone of daily operations at the Rapid City Community Work Center, where inmates actively contribute to local firefighting efforts and forest management activities in the Black Hills region. This minimum-security male facility operates under the oversight of the Mike Durfee State Prison and emphasizes practical work experience through both community service initiatives and work release programs that allow eligible individuals to maintain employment with area businesses while serving their sentences.

The facility houses participants in the Community Transition Program, providing parolees with structured support as they reintegrate into society. Medical, dental, and optometric services are provided through the state Department of Health, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage for residents. The center may also offer educational programming such as GED preparation, basic literacy courses, and vocational training opportunities that complement the hands-on work experience gained through community projects. Counseling services typically include substance abuse treatment, anger management, and life skills development to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Beyond the core work and transition programs, the facility often provides case management services to help individuals develop reentry plans, access community resources, and maintain family connections through scheduled visitation programs. Support services may include financial literacy education, job placement assistance, and coordination with community organizations to facilitate successful reintegration. The combination of meaningful work experience, structured programming, and transitional support creates a comprehensive approach to preparing individuals for successful return to their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Rapid City Community Work Center begin their days knowing they'll be contributing directly to their local community through meaningful work assignments. As a minimum-security facility housing male offenders, the center operates under the oversight of the Mike Durfee State Prison, with residents typically engaging in essential community service projects like firefighting support and timber management in the Black Hills region. Many inmates participate in work release programs, traveling to various local businesses where they maintain regular employment while serving their sentences.

The facility's structured environment balances accountability with preparation for reintegration, as evidenced by its Community Transition Program that houses parolees alongside work-release participants. Medical, dental, and optometric services are provided through the state Department of Health, ensuring residents receive necessary healthcare throughout their stay. The center's location at 2725 Creek Drive places it within Rapid City's community fabric, reinforcing the facility's mission of maintaining connections between residents and the broader community they serve.

Family connections remain important during an inmate's time at the facility, with visitation opportunities available through advance scheduling and registration. Families should be aware that visits may occasionally be delayed, suspended, or rescheduled due to security considerations or special facility activities. Those traveling from out of town are encouraged to call the facility's control room at (605) 394-5294 to verify current visitation schedules, helping ensure successful visits that support both the inmate's rehabilitation and family relationships during this transitional period.