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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security 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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security.

Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security

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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security?

   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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security?

   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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security. 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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security. 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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security?

   Mailing address:

   Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security
   40 Howard Ave
   Cranston, RI 02920
   Phone: (401) 462-2637

5. What are the visiting hours at Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security?

   Visiting hours at Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security 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 (401) 462-2637 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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security?

   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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security?

   You can send money to an inmate at Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security 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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security, 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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security?

   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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security 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 Rhode Island Department of Correction Maximum Security, 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

The Maximum Security Facility operates extensive work programs that employ approximately 190 individuals, providing valuable vocational training and institutional support across multiple areas. These employment opportunities span essential facility operations including kitchen services, laundry operations, barber shop maintenance, and library assistance, along with porter positions throughout housing modules and recreation areas. The facility's industries program features specialized training in print shop operations and carpentry, offering participants hands-on experience in skilled trades that may support their eventual reintegration into the community.

Educational and rehabilitative programming at the facility typically focuses on preparing individuals for potential classification to lower security levels through structured participation in various programs. The facility may offer educational services through its dedicated education building, which often includes basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and potentially vocational certifications. Counseling services and behavioral intervention programs are commonly available to address the specific needs of the population, particularly given that the facility houses both long-term sentenced individuals and those transferred from other facilities due to disciplinary concerns.

Support services at Maximum Security may include substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and reentry preparation programs designed to address the diverse needs of the population. The facility's recreation programs typically utilize the gymnasium and recreation yard to provide physical fitness opportunities and structured activities. Given the facility's role in housing individuals with varying sentence lengths and security classifications, programming often emphasizes behavioral modification and skills development to support successful transitions within the correctional system and eventual community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Within the Auburn-style construction of Rhode Island's oldest operational prison, approximately 297 inmates navigate structured routines centered around the facility's six housing areas and central dining hall. The 1878-built Maximum Security facility operates with nearly 190 inmate workers who maintain essential services throughout the institution, from kitchen operations that serve the entire population to library services and barbershop duties that support daily needs.

Inmates typically begin their days with scheduled meals in the central kitchen and dining area, followed by work assignments that may include positions in the print shop, carpenter shop, laundry, or as porters in housing modules and recreation areas. The facility's education and gymnasium building provides opportunities for programming aimed at preparing inmates for classification to lower security levels, while the recreation yard offers outdoor time within the secure perimeter of observation towers and double chain-link fencing.

Family connections remain important through the facility's video visitation system, though current schedules and policies are regularly updated on the Rhode Island Department of Corrections' Facebook page. Visitors should note that photograph-taking during visits is currently suspended, and specific visitation schedules vary by month. The facility's focus on rehabilitation through work programs and educational opportunities reflects its role in housing both long-term sentenced inmates and those transferred from other facilities for disciplinary reasons, creating a structured environment where daily routines serve both security and rehabilitative purposes.