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 Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center.

Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center?

   Mailing address:

   Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center
   18 Slate Hill Dr
   Cranston, RI 02920
   Phone: (401) 462-2285

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center?

   Visiting hours at Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 (401) 462-2285 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 Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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 Rhode Island Department of Corrections Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service 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

As Rhode Island’s primary intake facility for male offenders, the Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center serves multiple populations including pretrial detainees, newly sentenced inmates awaiting classification, and those requiring protective custody placement. Given the facility’s role in processing approximately 1,292 commitments monthly with an average stay of 25 days for pretrial detainees, programming typically focuses on immediate needs assessment, orientation services, and preparation for potential transfers to other facilities within the Rhode Island Department of Corrections system.

The facility may offer intake screening and classification services to determine appropriate housing and program placement for incoming individuals. Educational services often include basic literacy assessment and GED preparation programs, while counseling services typically encompass substance abuse screening, mental health evaluations, and crisis intervention support. Given the transient nature of the population, programming may emphasize short-term interventions, legal preparation assistance, and reentry planning for those approaching release.

Support services at the facility often include medical and mental health care, chaplaincy programs, and limited recreational activities appropriate for a maximum security environment. The facility may provide access to legal resources, family communication services through visitation and phone systems, and basic life skills programming. Due to the intake function and shorter average stays, vocational training programs may be limited, with emphasis placed on connecting individuals with appropriate long-term programming at their designated facilities following classification and transfer processes.

Daily Life & Visitation

The constant movement of approximately many individuals to court daily creates a comprehensive rhythm at the Anthony P. Travisono Intake Service Center, where the average stay of 25 days means residents experience a highly structured but temporary environment. As Rhode Island’s primary intake facility for male offenders, the maximum security center processes around 1,292 commitments monthly, housing pretrial detainees, newly sentenced inmates awaiting classification, and those in protective custody. The facility’s dual-wing structure, with the south wing dating to 1982 and the north wing from 1992, accommodates up to many individuals across its operational capacity, though daily populations typically average around 824 residents.

Daily routines at the facility revolve around the intensive intake and classification process, with approximately many individuals per week being processed and transferred to other Department of Corrections facilities. Residents may participate in basic educational programs, recreational activities, and work assignments appropriate for a short-term stay environment. The facility maintains structured meal times, count procedures, and limited movement schedules typical of maximum security operations. Given the high turnover rate and diverse population of pretrial and newly sentenced individuals, programming focuses on immediate needs assessment and preparation for either court proceedings or transfer to longer-term housing.

Family connections remain important during this transitional period, with the facility offering both in-person and video visitation options, though specific schedules may vary and were adjusted during recent health guidelines. Inmates can receive mail at the designated P.O. Box address, and the facility typically provides access to telephone services and commissary purchases. While the temporary nature of most stays limits extensive programming, the center serves as a crucial entry point into Rhode Island’s unified corrections system, ensuring proper classification and placement for each individual’s specific circumstances and security needs.