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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Saratoga County Correctional Facility 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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Saratoga County Correctional Facility

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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Saratoga County Correctional Facility?

   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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility?

   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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility. 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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility. 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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Saratoga County Correctional Facility
   6010 County Farm Rd
   Ballston Spa, NY 12020
   Phone: (518) 885-2480

5. What are the visiting hours at Saratoga County Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Saratoga County Correctional Facility 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 (518) 885-2480 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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility?

   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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Saratoga County Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Saratoga County Correctional Facility 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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Saratoga County Correctional Facility, 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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility?

   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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility 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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility, 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 Saratoga County Correctional Facility in Ballston Spa maintains comprehensive support systems for inmates through structured commissary services and communication programs. Located at 6010 County Farm Road, the facility operates a weekly commissary system that provides inmates access to essential items including hygiene products, writing materials, clothing, sneakers, and food items. Families can support inmates through multiple funding options including online deposits via Access Corrections, telephone services, kiosk systems in the visitor lobby, or mail deposits up to $20. Additionally, the facility partners with Securepak to offer monthly delivery services, allowing family members to purchase and send approved items directly to inmates during the established full week of each month.

Beyond basic services, the facility typically may offer educational and vocational programming common to New York correctional institutions. These programs often include GED preparation classes, basic literacy instruction, and potentially job readiness training to help prepare inmates for successful reintegration. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and religious programming to address various rehabilitation needs. Library services are commonly available, and the facility maintains specific guidelines for printed materials and publications, requiring books and periodicals to be sent directly from publishers or approved retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble to ensure security protocols are maintained.

The facility’s approach to inmate correspondence reflects a balance between maintaining family connections and institutional security. All mail must be properly addressed to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, and the institution reserves the right to review publications that may threaten facility safety and security. These communication policies, combined with the structured commissary and package systems, support the facility’s broader mission of maintaining order while providing inmates with necessary resources and family contact opportunities during their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in Ballston Spa maintain connection with the outside world through carefully regulated correspondence and commissary systems. Mail addressed to the facility at 6010 County Farm Road follows strict guidelines, with cash deposits limited to $20 maximum that automatically transfers to an inmate’s commissary account. Family members can supplement these funds through various methods including lobby kiosks, online platforms, or telephone services available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

The weekly commissary system provides inmates with essential items and small comforts that help structure their routine. Once per week, inmates can order hygiene products, writing materials, clothing, sneakers, food items, and snacks using funds from their accounts. Additionally, the monthly Securepak program allows families to send care packages with similar items, which are processed and delivered during the established full week of each month. These scheduled deliveries often become anticipated events that help mark time and maintain family connections during incarceration.

Reading materials play an important role in inmates’ daily activities, though all printed publications must be mailed directly from publishers through USPS, UPS, or FedEx to ensure security protocols. Books from major retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble may be accepted, providing inmates with educational and recreational reading opportunities. The facility reserves the right to review all materials to ensure they don’t compromise safety or security, while religious materials in soft-cover format are permitted as part of the package allowances that also include one set of court clothes and shoes for legal proceedings.