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 Sanford Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Sanford Correctional 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 Sanford Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Sanford Correctional 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 Sanford Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Sanford Correctional 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 Sanford Correctional 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 Sanford Correctional 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 Sanford Correctional 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 Sanford Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Sanford Correctional Center
   417 Prison Camp Rd
   Sanford, NC 27330
   Phone: (919) 776-4325

5. What are the visiting hours at Sanford Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Sanford Correctional 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 (919) 776-4325 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 Sanford Correctional 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 Sanford Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Sanford Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Sanford Correctional 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 Sanford Correctional Center?

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

The masonry program through Central Carolina Community College represents a cornerstone of vocational training at Sanford Correctional Center, providing adult male offenders with hands-on skills that translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. This minimum security facility emphasizes work-based rehabilitation, with offenders participating in Department of Transportation squads across Lee, Harnett, and Moore counties, as well as positions at the Correction Enterprises Sign Recycling plant and various work release opportunities in Lee County.

Educational services center around adult education and GED preparation classes provided by Central Carolina Community College, supporting offenders who may need to complete their high school equivalency. Evening programming includes Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, addressing substance abuse issues that often contribute to criminal behavior. The facility also offers Yokefellow Bible study and religious services, providing spiritual support and community connection for those seeking faith-based guidance during their incarceration.

Beyond the confirmed programs, Sanford Correctional Center may offer additional reentry services typical of minimum security facilities, such as job readiness workshops, basic computer literacy training, and life skills courses covering topics like financial management and conflict resolution. The facility's focus on work assignments—including on-site positions in food service, janitorial work, clerical duties, and groundskeeping—helps offenders maintain employment skills and work discipline. Counseling services may include individual and group therapy sessions, anger management programs, and pre-release planning to help offenders successfully transition back into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Sanford Correctional Center typically begin their days early, with many preparing for off-site work assignments that take them beyond the facility's boundaries. As a minimum security facility housing adult males, the center operates with a structured yet relatively flexible schedule that accommodates various work programs. Those assigned to Department of Transportation squads in Lee, Harnett, and Moore counties often depart in the early morning hours, while others may head to the Correction Enterprises Sign Recycling plant or fulfill labor contracts with local governments. For residents remaining on-site, daily responsibilities may include food service operations, janitorial duties, clerical work, or groundskeeping activities that help maintain the facility.

Educational and rehabilitative programming plays a significant role in the daily routine at this reentry-focused facility. During daytime hours, residents may participate in the Masonry Program offered through Central Carolina Community College or attend adult education classes and GED preparation courses. Evening hours typically feature various support programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, Yokefellow Bible study sessions, and religious services. These programs are designed to support residents' preparation for successful community reintegration upon release.

The facility's minimum security classification generally allows for more liberal visitation and communication policies compared to higher security institutions, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary. Family members and approved visitors can typically maintain regular contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence. The center's location in Sanford, North Carolina, with a capacity for approximately 298 residents, serves as both a correctional facility and a stepping stone toward community reentry, emphasizing work experience and educational advancement as key components of daily life.