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 The Five Points.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at The Five Points 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 The Five Points.

Frequently asked questions about The Five Points

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 The Five Points.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to The Five Points?

   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 The Five Points?

   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 The Five Points. 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 The Five Points. 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 The Five Points?

   Mailing address:

   The Five Points
   158 Worth St
   New York, NY 10013
   

   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 The Five Points?

   Visiting hours at The Five Points 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 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 The Five Points?

   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 The Five Points for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at The Five Points?

   You can send money to an inmate at The Five Points 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 The Five Points?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At The Five Points, 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 The Five Points?

   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 The Five Points 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 The Five Points, 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 and vocational training programs form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at Five Points Correctional Facility, working alongside comprehensive substance abuse treatment and anger management services to address the diverse needs of the incarcerated population. The facility provides educational opportunities that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in various trades, helping individuals develop marketable skills for successful reentry. Substance abuse treatment programs and anger management courses address underlying behavioral issues, while specialized sex offender treatment programs offer targeted therapeutic interventions for those requiring such services.

The facility’s approach to rehabilitation extends beyond traditional programming through family development initiatives and transitional services that help maintain crucial community connections. Religious services provide spiritual support and guidance, while library and law library services ensure access to educational resources and legal materials. Veterans services may offer specialized support for formerly incarcerated military personnel, recognizing their comprehensive needs and experiences. Recreational programs provide healthy outlets for physical activity and social interaction, contributing to overall well-being and institutional stability.

Comprehensive support services at Five Points include guidance and counseling services that address mental health needs and provide individual case management. Trauma programs may help individuals process past experiences and develop coping strategies, while temporary release programs can facilitate gradual reintegration into the community for eligible participants. Volunteer services and programs bring community members into the facility to support various educational, recreational, and mentoring activities, creating valuable connections between incarcerated individuals and the broader community that can continue beyond release.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, New York, incarcerated individuals can receive visits daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with visitors required to arrive by 2:00 PM to ensure a minimum three-hour visit. The maximum security facility accommodates up to three visitors per visit, though those in the Special Housing Unit are limited to one non-legal visit within each seven-day period. Family connections remain a vital part of the experience, with mail delivery to Caller Box 119 providing another avenue for maintaining relationships with loved ones.

The facility typically operates on structured daily schedules that may include educational and vocational programming, recreational activities, and various treatment programs. Incarcerated individuals often have access to library services, including legal research materials, and may participate in religious services, substance abuse treatment, or anger management programs depending on their individual needs and security classification. The facility commonly provides guidance and counseling services, and some individuals may be eligible for temporary release programs as part of their rehabilitation process.

Throughout the week, the routine often incorporates time for personal care, meals, work assignments, and program participation within the secure environment. Veterans may have access to specialized services, while volunteer programs frequently provide additional support and programming opportunities. The facility’s location in Seneca County allows for family visits from the surrounding region, though the maximum security designation means that all activities and movements are carefully supervised and regulated according to Department of Corrections protocols.