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 Santiam Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Santiam 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 Santiam Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Santiam Correctional Institution
   4005 Aumsville Hwy SE
   Salem, OR 97317
   Phone: (503) 378-5808

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:15 PM
   • Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:15 PM
   • Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:15 PM
   • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:15 PM
   • Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:15 PM
   • Saturday: 12:45 – 3:15 PM
   • Sunday: 12:45 – 3:15 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Santiam 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 (503) 378-5808 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 Santiam 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 Santiam Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

From academic advancement to practical skill development, the comprehensive array of opportunities at Santiam Correctional Institution reflects a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of individuals in custody. The facility typically operates under a philosophy that recognizes education and personal development as fundamental components of successful reintegration. This approach often encompasses multiple pathways for growth, allowing individuals to pursue various forms of learning and skill-building that align with their personal goals and circumstances.

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility’s comprehensive offerings, with services that may include GED preparation programs designed to help individuals complete their high school equivalency. ESL courses often provide crucial language development support for non-native English speakers, while tutoring programs typically offer additional academic assistance across various subjects. Furthermore, education services may extend beyond basic academics to include computer literacy and other foundational skills that support continued learning and employment preparation.

The facility’s vocational programs typically complement educational opportunities by providing hands-on training in practical skills that may enhance employment prospects upon release. Cognitive behavioral programs often address thinking patterns and decision-making processes, helping individuals develop more effective strategies for navigating challenges. These therapeutic opportunities frequently include specialized curricula focused on decision-making skills, which may incorporate conflict resolution techniques and problem-solving strategies that support long-term behavioral change and community success.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of count times punctuates each day, creating a predictable framework that individuals at Santiam Correctional Institution currently navigate as part of their routine. These scheduled accountability checks continue to serve as anchoring points around which other daily activities revolve. Wake-up typically occurs in the early morning hours, followed by cell inspections and the established count of the day, after which individuals generally prepare for breakfast and begin their assigned responsibilities.

Living accommodations at the facility vary depending on housing assignments and security classifications. Individuals typically reside in cells or dormitory-style housing units, with personal space that may include basic furnishings such as a bed, desk area, and storage for approved personal items. Furthermore, the commissary system allows individuals to purchase additional comfort items and snacks to supplement their daily needs, though purchasing power often depends on funds from family support or earnings from facility work assignments. Meals are generally served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with menu planning that aims to meet basic nutritional requirements while accommodating various dietary restrictions and religious observances.

Although daily schedules remain structured, the facility typically offers various programming opportunities that provide both education and recreation. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, laundry services, or other facility operations that offer individuals a sense of purpose and modest compensation. Recreation time usually includes access to outdoor yards, gymnasium facilities, and common areas where individuals can engage in physical exercise, games, or social interaction. Visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors, while communication options may include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping individuals maintain important connections with their support systems throughout their incarceration.