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 Rapides Parish Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Rapides Parish Detention 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 Rapides Parish Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Rapides Parish Detention 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 Rapides Parish Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Rapides Parish Detention 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 Rapides Parish Detention 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 Rapides Parish Detention 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 Rapides Parish Detention 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 Rapides Parish Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Rapides Parish Detention Center
   400C John Allison Dr
   Alexandria, LA 71303
   Phone: (318) 449-4360

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Rapides Parish Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Rapides Parish Detention 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 (318) 449-4360 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 Rapides Parish Detention 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 Rapides Parish Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Rapides Parish Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Rapides Parish Detention 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 Rapides Parish Detention Center?

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

A wide array of development opportunities reflects the facility's commitment to addressing the diverse needs of individuals during their time in custody. Multiple pathways for growth and skill-building typically span educational advancement, vocational preparation, and personal development. This comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change often requires addressing various aspects of an individual's life and future goals.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of available opportunities, with education programs designed to help individuals complete their academic goals. College correspondence courses may offer pathways for those seeking higher education, allowing participants to work toward degrees while maintaining their commitment to personal growth. In addition to this, vocational training opportunities often provide hands-on experience in practical skills that can translate directly to employment prospects upon release.

Support services and specialized programming round out the comprehensive offerings available to participants. Faith-based services typically provide spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking this type of support. Practical skills training, such as barbering and cosmetology programs, may offer certification pathways in service industries. Intramural sports opportunities often promote physical wellness while building teamwork and leadership skills, contributing to overall personal development and positive social interaction within the facility environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Security checks punctuate every aspect of life, yet individuals at Rapides Parish Detention Center work to maintain personal routines within the facility's structured environment. Today typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service and scheduled activities that offer consistency throughout the week. The daily schedule generally includes designated times for housing unit cleaning, personal hygiene, and movement between different areas of the facility.

Living accommodations vary based on classification levels and available space, with individuals typically housed in dormitory-style units or individual cells depending on their custody status. Personal property allowances usually include basic hygiene items, limited clothing, and approved reading materials that can be obtained through the commissary system. Despite this controlled environment, individuals often find ways to personalize their immediate living space within facility guidelines.

In addition to this structured daily routine, the facility may offer recreational activities such as television viewing, card games, and limited outdoor time when weather and security conditions permit. Work assignments typically include kitchen duties, facility maintenance, and cleaning responsibilities that provide individuals with purposeful activity during their stay. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, though these services generally operate within specific timeframes and security protocols established by facility administration.