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 Rutledge State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Rutledge State Prison 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 Rutledge State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Rutledge State Prison

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 Rutledge State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Rutledge State Prison?

   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 Rutledge State Prison?

   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 Rutledge State Prison. 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 Rutledge State Prison. 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 Rutledge State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Rutledge State Prison
   7175 Manor Rd
   Columbus, GA 31907
   Phone: (706) 568-2340

5. What are the visiting hours at Rutledge State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Rutledge State Prison 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 (706) 568-2340 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 Rutledge State Prison?

   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 Rutledge State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Rutledge State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Rutledge State Prison 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 Rutledge State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Rutledge State Prison, 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 Rutledge State Prison?

   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 Rutledge State Prison 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 Rutledge State Prison, 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

The comprehensive counseling programs at Rutledge State Prison address a wide range of mental health and behavioral needs, including specialized services for anger management, PTSD treatment, and advanced mood disorder support. Inmates can participate in evidence-based programs such as Thinking for a Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior interventions, alongside traditional support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The facility’s counseling approach also extends to family-focused programs including parenting classes and family violence prevention, while comprehensive offerings like the Lifers Group and Reach One/Teach One program provide peer support and mentorship opportunities.

Educational and vocational training form another cornerstone of programming, with academic services spanning from remedial reading and Adult Basic Education to General Education Diploma preparation. The vocational and on-the-job training programs prepare inmates for reintegration through practical skills development in food preparation, laundry operations, barbershop services, warehouse management, and custodial maintenance. These hands-on programs typically complement the facility’s work details, which include food service positions and maintenance roles that may extend to the Columbus Transitional Center.

Recreation and spiritual services round out the program offerings, with general recreation activities and wellness walks promoting physical health alongside various worship services, Bible study sessions, and pastoral counseling for spiritual development. The facility may also offer additional support services common to Georgia correctional institutions, such as substance abuse counseling, job readiness training, and pre-release planning assistance. As a host facility for transitional centers, Rutledge State Prison often emphasizes reentry preparation programs designed to support successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Rutledge State Prison wake each morning in one of six living units, where they share two-person cells within a structured pod system. Each of the facility’s housing units contains four pods, with twelve cells per pod, creating a controlled environment that houses the prison’s 640-person capacity. The day typically begins early with count procedures, followed by breakfast and work assignments that may include outside grounds maintenance, food service operations, or support roles at the nearby Columbus Transitional Center.

The structured schedule incorporates various educational and counseling programs throughout the week. Residents may participate in General Education Diploma classes or Adult Basic Education, while others engage in specialized counseling sessions such as Anger Management, Cognitive Behavior programs, or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Vocational training opportunities include food preparation, laundry operations, barbershop services, and custodial maintenance, providing practical skills for eventual reintegration. Recreation periods and religious services offer additional structure to the daily routine, with various worship services and Bible study sessions available.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility, with visitation scheduled on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. These visits provide crucial emotional support and help maintain family bonds during incarceration. The facility also supports residents through programs like Parenting classes and Re-Entry preparation, which help prepare individuals for their eventual return to the community. Mental health services are available through specialized housing units and counseling programs, including support for conditions such as PTSD and mood disorders.