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 Santa Fe County Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Santa Fe County Corrections 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 Santa Fe County Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about Santa Fe County Corrections

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 Santa Fe County Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Santa Fe County Corrections?

   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 Santa Fe County Corrections?

   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 Santa Fe County Corrections. 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 Santa Fe County Corrections. 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 Santa Fe County Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Santa Fe County Corrections
   4250 Airport Rd
   Santa Fe, NM 87507
   Phone: (505) 424-5600

5. What are the visiting hours at Santa Fe County Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Santa Fe County Corrections 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 (505) 424-5600 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 Santa Fe County Corrections?

   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 Santa Fe County Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Santa Fe County Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Santa Fe County Corrections 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 Santa Fe County Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Santa Fe County Corrections, 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 Santa Fe County Corrections?

   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 Santa Fe County Corrections 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 Santa Fe County Corrections, 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

Personal growth and rehabilitation form the cornerstone of service delivery at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility, where comprehensive programming addresses the multifaceted needs of inmates seeking meaningful transformation. The facility's approach recognizes that successful reintegration requires more than basic containment, emphasizing instead the development of essential life skills, educational advancement, and psychological wellness through carefully structured interventions. This holistic philosophy permeates all aspects of programming, creating an environment where inmates may engage with services designed to foster self-improvement and prepare them for productive community participation upon release.

Educational services typically encompass literacy development, GED preparation, and adult basic education courses that address varying levels of academic preparation among the inmate population. These foundational offerings often complement vocational training opportunities that may include construction trades, culinary arts, and maintenance skills—practical competencies that enhance employment prospects in the broader community. The integration of classroom learning with hands-on skill development creates pathways for inmates to build both intellectual capacity and marketable expertise during their incarceration period.

Therapeutic communities within the facility often provide structured environments where inmates may participate in peer-supported recovery and personal development activities. Also available are individual counseling services that address underlying behavioral patterns, substance abuse issues, and mental health concerns through professional therapeutic intervention. Life coaching services may further support inmates in developing goal-setting abilities, conflict resolution skills, and the emotional intelligence necessary for successful community reintegration, creating a comprehensive support network that extends beyond traditional correctional programming.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secured perimeter of Central New Mexico Correctional Facility, inmates navigate a highly structured environment where concrete housing units and controlled movement define their physical world. The facility currently operates with a regimented schedule that continues to emphasize security protocols while providing opportunities for rehabilitation and personal development. Inmates typically begin their days with early morning counts and proceed through designated meal times, work assignments, and programming activities that generally follow a consistent weekly pattern.

Living accommodations at the facility usually consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates adapt to limited personal space and the constant presence of others. Each housing area typically provides basic furnishings and storage for approved personal property, while inmates generally have access to commissary services for additional items within established guidelines. Also, the dining arrangements involve scheduled meal times in designated areas, where inmates receive nutritionally planned meals that often serve as important social periods within their structured day.

However, the facility also provides various recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise yards, indoor fitness areas, and organized sports activities when security conditions permit. Work assignments typically range from kitchen duties and maintenance tasks to other facility operations that provide inmates with structure and potential skill development. Programming schedules generally include educational opportunities, counseling sessions, and other rehabilitative activities designed to support reentry preparation. Family connections continue to be maintained through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, which often serve as crucial support systems that help inmates adapt to their environment while maintaining important relationships with loved ones.