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 Robinson Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Robinson 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 Robinson Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Robinson Correctional Institution
   285 Shaker Rd
   Enfield, CT 06082
   Phone: (860) 253-8000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Robinson Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Robinson 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 (860) 253-8000 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 Robinson 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 Robinson Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

At the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution in Enfield, Connecticut, individuals housed at this Level 3 medium-security facility have access to structured visiting programs designed to maintain family connections during incarceration. The facility operates a comprehensive visiting system that includes both in-person and video visitation options, allowing up to two in-person visits and one video visit per week. With visiting hours that extend into the evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the institution recognizes the importance of accommodating families and supporters who may have work or other daytime commitments.

Beyond the visiting programs, Carl Robinson Correctional Institution typically provides educational and vocational training opportunities that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and various trade skills programs. The facility often offers substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and cognitive behavioral programs designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. These rehabilitative services are commonly complemented by library access, recreational activities, and religious services that support personal development and community building within the facility.

The institution may also provide work assignments and job training programs that help individuals develop marketable skills for successful reentry into the community. Medical and dental care services are typically available on-site, along with case management support that assists with discharge planning and community resource connections. These comprehensive services work together to support rehabilitation goals while maintaining the security requirements of a Level 3 correctional facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution in Enfield, Connecticut, residents navigate life within a Level 3 medium-security environment where structured routines and family connections play essential roles. The facility's visiting policies reflect the importance of maintaining relationships, with residents typically allowed two in-person visits and one video visit per week, accommodating up to three visitors at a time. Evening visiting hours from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM provide opportunities for working family members to maintain contact, though all visits must be pre-scheduled and visitors must appear on approved lists.

The medium-security classification at Robinson Correctional Institution often means residents may have access to various programming opportunities and work assignments throughout their typical day. Like most Connecticut Department of Correction facilities, the daily schedule likely includes structured meal times, educational or vocational programming, recreational periods, and work details that help maintain facility operations. Residents generally follow established routines that may include morning count procedures, scheduled programming activities, and designated times for personal activities such as commissary visits, library access, or telephone calls to approved contacts.

Living arrangements at this Level 3 facility typically provide residents with more privileges than higher-security institutions while maintaining necessary safety protocols. The facility's location on Shaker Road in Enfield allows for family visits that don't require extensive travel for many Connecticut residents, and the availability of both in-person and video visiting options helps accommodate different family circumstances. Throughout their time at Robinson, residents often participate in programs designed to prepare them for eventual reintegration into their communities, though specific program offerings may vary based on individual needs and facility resources.