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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit 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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit.

Frequently asked questions about TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit

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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit?

   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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit?

   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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit. 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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit. 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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit?

   Mailing address:

   TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit
   1098 South Ranch Road 2037
   Fort Stockton, TX 79735
   Phone: (432) 395-2938

5. What are the visiting hours at TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit?

   Visiting hours at TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit 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 (432) 395-2938 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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit?

   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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit 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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit, 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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit?

   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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit 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 TDCJ James Lynaugh Unit, 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

Comprehensive rehabilitation through structured skill development forms the cornerstone of resident transformation initiatives, where evidence-based approaches typically integrate vocational competency building with therapeutic support systems. This multifaceted methodology often emphasizes practical workforce preparation alongside personal development, creating pathways that may facilitate successful community reintegration upon release.

Educational and vocational initiatives encompass diverse training opportunities that often include specialized vocational training designed to develop marketable skills in various industries. These hands-on learning environments typically provide residents with technical competencies while simultaneously fostering work ethic and professional responsibility. Moreover, work programs may deliver structured employment experiences that often include food service operations and printing services, allowing participants to gain real-world experience while contributing to facility operations and developing transferable skills valued in the employment market.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives typically encompass faith-based programs that may offer spiritual guidance and community building opportunities for interested residents. Transitional planning services often include comprehensive reentry preparation that typically addresses housing, employment placement, and community resource connections. These supportive frameworks may deliver individualized case management approaches that often focus on addressing underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior while building resilience and coping strategies essential for long-term success in community settings.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythm of structured schedules creates a foundation that residents at present actively rely upon to navigate their daily experiences, with consistent wake-up calls, meal times, and programmed activities delivering predictable anchors throughout each day. This carefully organized framework typically begins before dawn and extends through evening hours, encompassing work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods that residents generally find help establish routine and purpose. Moreover, the facility actively maintains these structured programming schedules to ensure residents have opportunities for personal development, skill building, and maintaining connections with their support systems outside the facility walls.

Living accommodations typically consist of housing units designed to provide basic necessities while emphasizing security and order, with residents generally assigned to cells or dormitory-style arrangements based on classification levels and behavioral considerations. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled intervals, with residents following established procedures for movement between housing units and common areas. The commissary system generally allows residents to purchase approved personal items and food products, whereas personal property is typically limited to essential items and those approved through facility guidelines.

Recreation and exercise opportunities often include outdoor yard time, gymnasium access, and organized sports activities that deliver both physical fitness benefits and social interaction within the structured environment. Work assignments may encompass facility maintenance, kitchen duties, laundry operations, and other institutional jobs that provide residents with daily responsibilities and potential skill development. Furthermore, visitation policies typically allow approved family members and friends to maintain contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, helping residents preserve important relationships while serving their sentences in this controlled environment.