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 River Bend Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at River Bend Detention 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 River Bend Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about River Bend Detention 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 River Bend Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to River Bend Detention 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 River Bend Detention 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 River Bend Detention 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 River Bend Detention 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 River Bend Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   River Bend Detention Center
   9450 US-65
   Lake Providence, LA 71254
   Phone: (318) 559-5980

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at River Bend Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at River Bend Detention 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 (318) 559-5980 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 River Bend Detention 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 River Bend Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at River Bend Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at River Bend Detention 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 River Bend Detention Center?

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

Through a multifaceted approach to personal development, the comprehensive opportunities at Riverbend Correctional Facility in Louisiana encompass educational advancement, practical skill building, and therapeutic support services. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful transformation occurs when individuals have access to diverse pathways for growth, each addressing different aspects of personal and professional development. The facility's programming philosophy emphasizes the interconnected nature of education, vocational preparation, and emotional well-being in supporting successful outcomes.

Educational opportunities typically form the cornerstone of individual development, with programs designed to address varying academic backgrounds and career aspirations. Individuals may pursue educational advancement through structured coursework that builds foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training opportunities often include specialized instruction in practical trades, with small engine repair representing one area where participants can develop marketable technical skills. These hands-on learning experiences provide individuals with concrete abilities that may translate directly into employment opportunities upon release.

The facility's support services framework recognizes that personal growth extends beyond academic and vocational preparation to encompass spiritual and emotional development. Faith-based services typically provide individuals with opportunities for reflection, community connection, and spiritual guidance according to their personal beliefs and traditions. Peer support groups may offer structured environments where individuals can share experiences, develop interpersonal skills, and build networks of mutual assistance. Community service opportunities often allow participants to contribute meaningfully to their environment while developing a sense of civic responsibility and personal accomplishment through service to others.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of morning announcements echoes through housing units, marking the beginning of another structured day where individuals must navigate a carefully orchestrated routine that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal growth and connection. Today's schedule typically unfolds with consistent meal times, work assignments, and programming activities that offer structure while allowing individuals to maintain some degree of personal routine within the facility's framework. The daily routine generally begins early with count procedures, followed by breakfast service, and then transitions into various work details, educational programs, or recreational periods that help individuals stay engaged and productive throughout their time at the facility.

In addition to this structured schedule, living accommodations at the facility typically consist of housing units designed to provide individuals with basic necessities while maintaining security protocols appropriate for the facility's classification level. Individuals usually share living spaces that include sleeping areas, storage for personal belongings, and access to common areas where they may interact with others during designated times. The dining arrangements generally involve scheduled meal times in communal areas, where individuals receive nutritionally planned meals that often accommodate dietary restrictions and cultural preferences when possible, though personal food items may also be available through commissary services.

Despite this structured environment, the facility typically offers various recreational and exercise opportunities that may include outdoor activities, indoor fitness options, and organized sports when weather and security conditions permit. Visitation policies generally allow individuals to maintain connections with family members and approved visitors through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, which often serve as vital links to support systems outside the facility. Work assignments and programming schedules usually provide individuals with opportunities to develop skills, earn modest wages, and participate in educational or vocational training that may assist with future reintegration efforts, while structured programming often includes counseling services, substance abuse treatment, and other rehabilitative activities designed to address individual needs and circumstances.