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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility 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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility

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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

   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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

   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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. 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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. 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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility
   480 Alta Rd
   San Diego, CA 92179
   Phone: (619) 661-6500

   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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility 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 (619) 661-6500 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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

   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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility 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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, 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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility?

   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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility 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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, 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 Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility operates comprehensive substance abuse treatment through its Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program, which provides evidence-based pathways including intensive outpatient treatment, standard outpatient services, and life skills development. This multi-tiered approach addresses varying levels of addiction severity, with programs ranging from daily intensive sessions to focused life skills training that spans several months of structured intervention.

Educational and vocational opportunities form a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at the facility. Academic programs encompass Adult Basic Education, High School/GED completion, English as a Second Language instruction, literacy development, and limited college coursework to support inmates' educational advancement. The vocational training component includes welding, machine shop operations, and HVAC certification, while CALPIA work programs operate a bakery, laundry services, and casual shoe factory that provide practical job skills and work experience.

Additional rehabilitative services typically include religious programming, victim awareness initiatives, and specialized programs such as bicycle refurbishing and youth diversion efforts. The facility may also offer mental health counseling, anger management classes, and parenting programs that support successful reintegration. Family reunification receives particular attention through an on-site case manager who serves as a liaison between inmates and their families, helping to maintain and strengthen these crucial support relationships throughout incarceration and preparation for release.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, incarcerated individuals may begin their day with participation in the facility's comprehensive program offerings, including academic classes ranging from Adult Basic Education to limited college courses, or vocational training in areas such as welding, machine shop operations, and HVAC. Those enrolled in the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program typically attend Cognitive Behavioral Interventions sessions that may run 2 hours daily, depending on their classification level and treatment pathway. The facility's CALPIA work assignments in the bakery, laundry, or casual shoe factory often provide structured employment opportunities that help establish routine and develop job skills.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at RJD, with visiting procedures available for those who wish to maintain relationships with incarcerated loved ones. The facility provides an on-site Family Liaison Service Specialist through a community-based organization contract, offering case management support for family reunification efforts. Communication with family and friends typically follows standard CDCR policies for phone calls, mail, and package procedures, with specific guidelines available through the facility's family and friends resources.

Educational and rehabilitative programming forms a significant portion of structured time, with opportunities ranging from English as a Second Language classes to specialized programs like bicycle refurbishing, victim awareness, and community service crews. The facility's Youth Diversion program and religious services may provide additional meaningful activities. Recreation time, meals, and housing unit activities typically fill the remaining hours, with schedules varying based on individual program assignments, security level, and facility operations. The comprehensive nature of programming at RJD often allows individuals to engage in multiple activities throughout their incarceration, supporting both personal development and preparation for eventual reintegration.