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 Sterling Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Sterling 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 Sterling Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Sterling Correctional Facility
   12101 CO-61
   Sterling, CO 80751
   Phone: (970) 521-5010

5. What are the visiting hours at Sterling Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Sterling 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 (970) 521-5010 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 Sterling 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 Sterling Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Sterling 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 Sterling Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Sterling 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 Sterling 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 Sterling 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 Sterling 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 visiting program at Sterling Correctional Facility demonstrates the institution's commitment to maintaining family connections and community ties through its structured 28-day session system. This comprehensive approach to visitation scheduling ensures equitable access for families while supporting the facility's operational needs across its multiple custody levels, from minimum security to close custody management control units.

Sterling Correctional Facility typically provides educational programming that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and potentially vocational training opportunities suited to the diverse population housed across its various security levels. The facility often offers substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling services, and anger management courses to address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Religious and spiritual services are commonly available, along with library access and recreational activities that support positive behavioral changes.

Given the facility's capacity to house offenders across multiple custody classifications, Sterling Correctional Facility may also provide work programs that could include facility maintenance, food service, and potentially agricultural operations given the rural Colorado location. Career readiness programs and life skills training are often integrated into the facility's programming to help prepare individuals for successful reentry into the community. The institution typically coordinates with community organizations and may offer reentry planning services to assist offenders in developing post-release plans for housing, employment, and continued treatment services.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured visitation system at Sterling Correctional Facility operates on carefully planned 28-day sessions, with each session divided into four weekly blocks that rotate among different housing areas to ensure equitable access. Families planning visits must navigate Mountain Standard Time scheduling and can participate in up to three in-person visits per block, with specific day combinations available for weekend visits. The facility's comprehensive custody classification system accommodates inmates across multiple security levels, from Minimum to Close Management Control Comprehensive (MCC), which typically influences daily routines and available programming opportunities.

Within Sterling's 80-acre interior perimeter, inmates generally follow structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities appropriate to their custody classification. Those in minimum security levels often have greater freedom of movement and may participate in facility maintenance, kitchen operations, or grounds keeping, while higher security classifications typically maintain more restricted movement patterns with scheduled times for meals, programming, and recreation. The facility's location in northeast Colorado, approximately 120 miles from Denver, means that inmates often develop routines around limited but meaningful contact with family members who must travel considerable distances for visits.

Communication with the outside world follows established Department of Corrections protocols, with phone calls, correspondence, and the carefully scheduled visitation system serving as primary means of maintaining family connections. Inmates across all custody levels typically have access to commissary services, basic medical care, and religious services, though the frequency and manner of access varies significantly based on their security classification and behavioral record. The facility's operations staff work to balance security requirements with opportunities for personal growth and family connection, recognizing that maintaining these relationships often plays a crucial role in successful reintegration planning.