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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks 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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks.

Frequently asked questions about Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks

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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks?

   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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks?

   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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks. 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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks. 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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks?

   Mailing address:

   Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks
   3225 John Conley Dr
   Lapeer, MI 48446
   Phone: (810) 667-2045

5. What are the visiting hours at Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks?

   Visiting hours at Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks 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 (810) 667-2045 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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks?

   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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks?

   You can send money to an inmate at Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks 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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks, 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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks?

   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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks 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 Thumb Correctional Facility, Warden Chandler Cheeks, 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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at this Michigan correctional facility. The approach typically emphasizes building practical abilities while addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Inmates may participate in various services designed to prepare them for successful community reintegration through structured learning opportunities and personal accountability programs.

Educational services often include comprehensive programs ranging from basic literacy instruction to advanced vocational training. Tutoring programs may provide individualized support to help inmates achieve educational milestones and develop critical thinking skills. The facility typically offers vocational education opportunities, including HVAC certification programs that prepare participants for employment in the heating and cooling industry upon release. These technical training services often focus on hands-on learning experiences that build marketable job skills.

In addition to educational offerings, support services may include prisoner reentry initiatives that help inmates develop transition plans and connect with community resources. Work release programs typically allow qualified participants to maintain employment while completing their sentences, fostering responsibility and financial stability. The facility often provides victim awareness services that encourage inmates to understand the impact of their actions and develop empathy. These therapeutic services may complement other rehabilitation efforts by addressing behavioral patterns and promoting personal accountability throughout the incarceration period.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the security perimeter of Thumb Correctional Facility, inmates navigate a structured environment designed around predictable routines and regulated movement. Today's schedule typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service in designated dining areas. Inmates consistently move through predetermined pathways between housing units, work assignments, and common areas under staff supervision. The facility generally maintains regular meal times, with inmates eating in shifts to accommodate the population size.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates store their approved personal belongings and maintain their assigned living spaces. Each housing area usually includes common rooms where inmates may watch television, play games, or socialize during designated recreation periods. The facility generally provides basic furnishings and bedding, while inmates can purchase additional approved items through the commissary system. Despite this structured environment, inmates often develop routines that help them adapt to the confined living conditions.

In addition to this daily structure, the facility typically offers various work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations roles. Recreational opportunities usually include access to outdoor exercise areas, gymnasium facilities, and organized activities during specified time periods. Programming schedules often provide educational classes, counseling sessions, and skill-building workshops throughout the week. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, which generally allow inmates to maintain contact with their support systems outside the facility walls.