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 Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Riverbend Maximum Security 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 Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Riverbend Maximum Security 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 Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Riverbend Maximum Security 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 Riverbend Maximum Security 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 Riverbend Maximum Security 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 Riverbend Maximum Security 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 Riverbend Maximum Security Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Riverbend Maximum Security Institution
   7475 Cockrill Bend Blvd
   Nashville, TN 37209
   Phone: (615) 350-3100

   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 Riverbend Maximum Security Institution?

   Visiting hours at Riverbend Maximum Security 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 (615) 350-3100 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 Riverbend Maximum Security 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 Riverbend Maximum Security Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Riverbend Maximum Security 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 Riverbend Maximum Security Institution?

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

Evidence-based programming forms the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, where residents can access Adult Basic Education alongside specialized vocational training in career management for success and Core Carpentry I & II. The facility’s comprehensive approach to behavioral health includes psychotherapy services, mental health support groups, substance use group therapy, and cognitive behavior intervention programs designed to address the diverse needs of its population. Through established community partnerships, residents may pursue higher education opportunities, including Building Construction Technology certification and associate degree programs, while the comprehensive Braille Transcription Program allows participants to transcribe textbooks into braille and large print for students at Tennessee School for the Blind, with potential certification through the National Library of Congress.

Beyond formal educational and therapeutic programming, the facility typically maintains various support services that may include religious programming, recreational activities, and library services to support residents’ personal development. Those not enrolled in academic or vocational programs participate in essential support service roles throughout the institution, including landscaping, janitorial services, and food services, which provide valuable work experience and help maintain facility operations. The institution may also offer additional counseling services, life skills training, and pre-release preparation programs to help residents successfully transition back to their communities, though specific details of these services would require direct confirmation from facility administrators.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 320,000 square feet of operating space across 20 buildings at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution creates a structured environment where inmates follow carefully regulated daily schedules. Male offenders housed at this Nashville facility, which ranges from minimum to maximum security custody levels, typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service in designated dining areas. The facility’s high-tech security systems, implemented when it opened in 1989 to replace the century-old Tennessee State Penitentiary, help maintain order while allowing for programming and work assignments throughout the day.

Inmates not enrolled in the facility’s academic programs - which may include Adult Basic Education or associate degree coursework through community college partnerships - are generally assigned to work details in support services such as landscaping the 132-acre grounds, janitorial duties, or food service operations. Those participating in vocational training like the Core Carpentry program or the specialized Braille Transcription Program often have modified schedules to accommodate classroom instruction and hands-on learning. Evening hours typically involve recreational time, additional programming such as substance use group therapy or cognitive behavior intervention sessions, and personal time for correspondence or reading.

For families maintaining contact with the 786-capacity facility’s population, correspondence should be addressed using zip code 37209-1048 as specified by the institution. Visitation schedules and communication policies are typically structured around security levels and housing assignments, with specific days and times allocated for different units within the facility. The institution’s location in Davidson County provides accessibility for Nashville-area families, though all visits and communications are subject to standard correctional facility security procedures and approval processes.