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 South Mississippi Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about South Mississippi 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 South Mississippi Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   South Mississippi Correctional Institution
   22689 MS-63
   Leakesville, MS 39451
   Phone: (601) 394-5600

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at South Mississippi Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at South Mississippi 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 (601) 394-5600 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 South Mississippi 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 South Mississippi Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at South Mississippi 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 South Mississippi Correctional Institution?

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

The blueberry orchard program at South Mississippi Correctional Institution demonstrates the facility's commitment to addressing inmate idleness while providing valuable vocational training. Established in 2006, this agricultural initiative teaches residents practical skills in the blueberry industry while contributing to the facility's food services and reducing operational costs. Beyond the orchard operations, inmates participate in community service through the Greene County Road Crew and mobile work crews, providing essential labor services to local municipalities and state agencies.

Educational and vocational programming at SMCI may include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and job readiness training to complement the hands-on agricultural experience. The facility typically offers counseling services, substance abuse programs, and reentry preparation to support successful community reintegration. Mental health services and medical care are generally available to address the diverse needs of the minimum and medium-security population, as well as those in protective custody.

Support services at the institution often include library access, recreational activities, and religious programming to promote personal development and maintain family connections. The facility may provide visitation programs and correspondence opportunities to help residents maintain important relationships during their incarceration. These comprehensive services work together to create a structured environment focused on rehabilitation and preparing individuals for successful return to their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at South Mississippi Correctional Institution begin their days within one of 16 housing units spread across the facility's 360-acre campus in Leakesville. The structured environment accommodates men classified at minimum and medium security levels, along with those requiring protective custody, with living arrangements designed to maintain safety while providing necessary services. Housing assignments typically consider security classification, program participation, and individual needs, with each unit maintaining specific schedules for meals, recreation, and other daily activities.

Work assignments play a central role in the daily routine, with many residents participating in programs that benefit both the facility and surrounding community. The Greene County Road Crew provides opportunities for outdoor work, while others may be assigned to the mobile work crew or the facility's blueberry operations. The blueberry orchard, established as both a vocational training program and food production initiative, offers residents hands-on experience in agricultural work while contributing to the facility's meal programs. These work assignments typically begin early in the morning and provide structure throughout the day, along with opportunities to develop job skills.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life, though specific visitation schedules and communication policies may vary based on security level and individual circumstances. The facility generally maintains standard procedures for phone calls, mail correspondence, and scheduled visits, allowing residents to maintain relationships with loved ones. Educational and recreational programs often fill evening hours and weekends, providing opportunities for personal development and constructive use of free time within the facility's structured environment.