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 Ridgeland Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Ridgeland Correctional Institution
   5 Correctional Rd
   Ridgeland, SC 29936
   Phone: (843) 726-6888

   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 Ridgeland Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Ridgeland 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 (843) 726-6888 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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal transformation and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Ridgeland Correctional Institution, where comprehensive programming addresses the multifaceted needs of the inmate population. The facility's approach emphasizes building foundational competencies while fostering personal accountability and growth through structured interventions. This holistic methodology recognizes that successful reintegration requires addressing educational deficits, developing marketable skills, and cultivating the emotional and spiritual resources necessary for sustained behavioral change.

Educational services typically encompass adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy enhancement programs designed to address varying levels of academic preparedness among participants. These foundational offerings often serve as stepping stones to more specialized vocational training opportunities that may include construction trades, culinary arts, or maintenance skills relevant to post-release employment prospects. The facility's educational framework generally emphasizes practical application alongside theoretical knowledge, ensuring that inmates develop both cognitive abilities and hands-on competencies that translate directly to workplace environments.

Faith-based initiatives provide spiritual guidance and moral development opportunities for inmates seeking to explore religious practices and ethical frameworks during their incarceration. Also available are restorative justice services that focus on accountability, victim awareness, and community healing processes. Physical fitness programs typically support overall wellness while teaching discipline and stress management techniques. These complementary services work synergistically to address the psychological, social, and emotional dimensions of rehabilitation, creating a comprehensive support system that may facilitate lasting personal transformation and successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure perimeter of Ridgeland Correctional Institution, the structured environment shapes every aspect of inmate existence through carefully regulated routines and living spaces designed for both security and rehabilitation. Today's schedule typically begins with early morning counts and continues consistently through predetermined meal times, work assignments, and evening lockdown procedures. The institutional framework provides inmates with predictable daily patterns that generally include designated periods for personal hygiene, facility maintenance duties, and structured programming activities.

Housing units at the facility typically feature multi-occupancy cells or dormitory-style accommodations where inmates adapt to shared living spaces with limited personal storage and basic furnishings. The dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in communal areas, with inmates receiving nutritionally planned meals that may accommodate certain dietary restrictions or medical needs. Also, recreational opportunities often include access to outdoor exercise yards, indoor common areas, and various physical fitness activities that provide inmates with outlets for maintaining their health and managing institutional stress.

However, the facility's programming schedule typically encompasses educational classes, vocational training opportunities, and counseling sessions designed to support rehabilitation goals. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, laundry operations, and grounds keeping responsibilities that provide inmates with daily structure and potential skill development. Family connections remain vital through regulated visitation schedules and communication options that may include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping inmates maintain important relationships while serving their sentences.