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 St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about St. Lawrence 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 St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility
   17 Commerce Ln
   Canton, NY 13617
   Phone: (315) 379-2367

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

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

   Visiting hours at St. Lawrence 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 (315) 379-2367 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 St. Lawrence 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 St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at St. Lawrence 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 St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility?

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

Educational initiatives form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, with comprehensive services designed to address the diverse learning needs of residents. The facility typically delivers structured academic programming that may include GED preparation courses, enabling individuals to complete their high school equivalency while incarcerated. These educational opportunities often extend beyond basic academics to encompass practical life skills, with financial literacy workshops helping residents develop essential money management capabilities for successful reintegration into their communities.

Furthermore, the therapeutic component of programming recognizes the complex mental health challenges many residents face during their incarceration. Mental health support services may deliver both individual and group counseling sessions, addressing underlying issues that often contribute to criminal behavior. These initiatives typically include cognitive-behavioral interventions and substance abuse counseling, providing residents with tools to make positive behavioral changes and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Support services complement the educational and therapeutic offerings through creative and expressive programming designed to foster personal growth and emotional healing. Creative writing initiatives may provide residents with an outlet for self-expression while developing communication skills that prove valuable upon release. These therapeutic programs often include art therapy and mindfulness practices, helping individuals process their experiences and build resilience. The combination of these varied initiatives creates a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that addresses the educational, emotional, and psychological needs of the resident population.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured schedules begin before dawn and continue consistently throughout each day, creating a predictable framework that residents can rely upon. Today’s routine typically starts with early morning counts, followed by breakfast service and work assignments that may include kitchen duties, laundry operations, or facility maintenance tasks. The consistent timing of meals, programming, and recreation periods delivers stability that many residents find helpful in managing their time during incarceration.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where residents are assigned based on classification levels and security considerations. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily according to nutritional guidelines. Personal property allowances usually include basic hygiene items, limited clothing, and approved personal effects that residents may keep in their assigned living spaces. Furthermore, commissary services are often available on scheduled days, allowing residents to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials with funds from their accounts.

Recreational opportunities may include access to television viewing areas, library services, and physical exercise periods that typically occur in designated spaces or outdoor areas when weather permits. Although visitation schedules vary, family members can generally arrange visits during specified hours and days of the week, often conducted through video conferencing systems or in-person meetings depending on facility protocols. Work assignments and structured programming schedules deliver meaningful ways for residents to spend their time productively, while telephone access and correspondence options help maintain important family connections and support systems during their stay.