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 Socorro County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Socorro County Detention 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 Socorro County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Socorro County Detention 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 Socorro County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Socorro County Detention 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 Socorro County Detention 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 Socorro County Detention 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 Socorro County Detention 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 Socorro County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Socorro County Detention Center
   1001 Grefco
   Socorro, NM 87801
   Phone: (575) 835-0945

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Socorro County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Socorro County Detention 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 (575) 835-0945 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 Socorro County Detention 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 Socorro County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Socorro County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Socorro County Detention 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 Socorro County Detention Center?

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

Personal growth begins with access to meaningful opportunities that build skills and strengthen connections. Socorro County Detention Center typically provides a structured environment where those incarcerated can engage in various developmental offerings designed to support their journey toward positive change. The facility often emphasizes creating pathways for individuals to develop practical abilities while maintaining strong security protocols and safety standards.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the center's approach to rehabilitation. Those incarcerated may access education programs that help them work toward completing their academic goals in a controlled setting. Moreover, vocational training opportunities are often available to help participants develop marketable skills. The facility may furnish hands-on instruction in areas such as small engine repair, providing practical experience that can translate into employment opportunities upon release.

Therapeutic communities typically offer those incarcerated a supportive framework for addressing personal challenges and building healthier relationships. The center often includes peer support groups that allow participants to connect with others facing similar circumstances. Family reunification services may help strengthen bonds with loved ones, while intramural sports programs provide structured physical activity and teamwork opportunities. These offerings work together to create an environment where personal development can flourish within the facility's secure framework.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at Socorro County Detention. The facility currently operates on a structured daily schedule that continues to emphasize both individual accountability and community interaction. Those incarcerated typically begin their day with scheduled counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or programming activities that furnish opportunities for meaningful engagement with peers and staff.

Housing units generally accommodate multiple individuals in dormitory-style or cell arrangements, where residents may develop supportive relationships with their housing unit peers. Moreover, the facility typically provides common areas where those incarcerated can gather for meals, recreation, and social interaction during designated periods. Living spaces usually include basic amenities and allow for personal property within established guidelines, while commissary services generally enable residents to purchase additional items to enhance their daily comfort.

Whereas the structured environment maintains necessary security protocols, the facility often offers various programs and activities designed to support personal growth and family connections. Recreation opportunities may include physical exercise, games, and organized activities that help maintain physical and mental well-being. Those incarcerated typically have access to visitation programs and communication options such as phone calls and correspondence, which furnish vital links to family members and community support systems. Work assignments within the facility generally provide structure while allowing residents to contribute to facility operations and develop workplace skills alongside their peers.