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 Richmond Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Richmond Correctional Institution 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 Richmond Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Richmond Correctional Institution

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 Richmond Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Richmond Correctional Institution?

   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 Richmond Correctional Institution?

   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 Richmond Correctional Institution. 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 Richmond Correctional Institution. 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 Richmond Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Richmond Correctional Institution
   1573 McDonald Church Rd
   Hoffman, NC 28347
   Phone: (910) 281-3161

   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 Richmond Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Richmond Correctional Institution 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 (910) 281-3161 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 Richmond Correctional Institution?

   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 Richmond Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Richmond Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Richmond Correctional Institution 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 Richmond Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Richmond Correctional Institution, 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 Richmond Correctional Institution?

   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 Richmond Correctional Institution 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 Richmond Correctional Institution, 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

**Educational and Vocational Training Programs**

Morrison Correctional Institution emphasizes skill development through comprehensive educational and vocational programming designed to prepare inmates for successful reentry. The facility typically provides vocational training in essential trades such as brick masonry, electric service, industrial maintenance, upholstery, and culinary arts. These hands-on programs may be complemented by partnerships with local community colleges to offer accredited instruction and certification opportunities. Educational services often include adult basic education classes and preparation courses for high school equivalency testing, allowing inmates to complete their secondary education while incarcerated.

**Rehabilitative and Support Services**

The institution may offer various rehabilitative programs addressing substance abuse, anger management, and life skills development to support behavioral change and reduce recidivism. Mental health services typically include individual and group counseling sessions, with specialized programming that may focus on cognitive-behavioral interventions and therapeutic communities. Religious and spiritual services are often available through chaplaincy programs, providing inmates with opportunities for worship, counseling, and faith-based programming across multiple denominations.

**Work Assignments and Reentry Preparation**

Morrison Correctional Institution likely provides structured work assignments that may include facility maintenance, food service operations, laundry services, and grounds keeping, allowing inmates to develop work habits and job skills. Pre-release programming typically focuses on employment readiness, housing assistance, and community resource connections to facilitate successful transitions back into society. The facility may also offer family reunification services and visiting programs designed to maintain important social connections during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Male offenders at Richmond Correctional Institution wake each morning in dormitory-style housing across seven different units, with medium custody residents assigned to Aggrey, Bost, and Johnson dormitories, while minimum custody individuals stay in Edwards, Jenkins, Auman, and Newsome dormitories. The 175-acre facility near Rockingham operates with a structured schedule that typically begins before dawn, as residents prepare for work assignments, educational programs, or vocational training that forms the cornerstone of their rehabilitation. Those in the specialized 20-cell medium custody unit or 12-cell minimum custody unit may follow slightly different routines, but all residents generally move between the facility's two dining halls for meals and participate in programming throughout their day.

Education and skill development occupy significant portions of daily life, with residents attending classes taught by both Department of Adult Correction instructors and Richmond Community College faculty. The vocational programs in brick masonry, electric service, industrial maintenance, upholstery, and cooking provide hands-on training that typically runs several hours per day, while others may focus on adult education or high school equivalency preparation in one of the facility's two school buildings. Physical activity often takes place in the gymnasium, and residents may have access to recreational time depending on their custody level and behavior record.

Family connections remain vital through the facility's visiting program and communication systems, though specific visiting schedules and mail policies may vary based on security protocols and individual circumstances. Residents can typically receive mail at the Hoffman facility and may have opportunities for approved visitors, while families can often send money through established channels. The structured environment balances security requirements with rehabilitation goals, as residents work toward successful reentry into their communities while serving their sentences in this medium and minimum custody facility.