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 Trenton Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Trenton Correctional Institution 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 Trenton Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Trenton Correctional Institution

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 Trenton Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Trenton Correctional Institution?

   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 Trenton Correctional Institution?

   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 Trenton Correctional Institution. 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 Trenton Correctional Institution. 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 Trenton Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Trenton Correctional Institution
   84 State Hwy S-19-29
   Trenton, SC 29847
   Phone: (803) 275-3301

5. What are the visiting hours at Trenton Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Trenton Correctional Institution 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 (803) 275-3301 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 Trenton Correctional Institution?

   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 Trenton Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Trenton Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Trenton Correctional Institution 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 Trenton Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Trenton Correctional Institution, 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 Trenton Correctional Institution?

   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 Trenton Correctional Institution 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 Trenton Correctional Institution, 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

A multifaceted approach to personal development defines the comprehensive programming landscape at Trenton Correctional Institution, where individuals encounter diverse pathways for growth and skill acquisition. The facility's philosophy centers on addressing the varied needs of its population through carefully structured opportunities that span educational advancement, vocational preparation, and therapeutic intervention. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful rehabilitation requires multiple touchpoints, creating an environment where individuals may engage with different aspects of personal development simultaneously.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of available opportunities, with adult basic education serving as a foundation for those seeking to strengthen their academic credentials. Furthermore, vocational training opportunities typically provide individuals with practical skills that translate directly to employment prospects upon release. These hands-on learning experiences often include specialized training such as forklift operation, which may offer participants industry-recognized certifications that enhance their marketability in warehouse and logistics sectors.

The facility's support infrastructure encompasses both therapeutic interventions and practical preparation for community reintegration. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses the complex needs of individuals managing both substance use disorders and mental health challenges, while work programs provide structured environments for developing professional habits and responsibilities. Faith-based initiatives may offer spiritual guidance and community support, complementing the facility's transitional planning services that typically focus on preparing individuals for successful reentry into their communities through comprehensive discharge planning and resource coordination.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of institutional bells and announcements punctuates each day, creating a structured framework that individuals at Trenton Correctional Institution currently navigate as they adapt to their environment. Daily routines typically begin with early morning counts and continue through carefully scheduled meal times, work assignments, and recreational periods that offer structure and purpose. Although the pace may feel regimented, these schedules generally provide individuals with opportunities to participate in various activities, maintain personal hygiene, and engage in educational or vocational programming throughout the day.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals usually store personal belongings in designated areas and maintain their living spaces according to institutional standards. Furthermore, the dining arrangements generally involve scheduled meal times in communal areas, where individuals receive nutritionally planned meals and may have opportunities to socialize with others during these periods. Although personal property is typically limited to approved items, individuals can often purchase additional necessities and approved comfort items through the commissary system.

The facility generally offers various recreational activities and exercise opportunities that may include outdoor time, gymnasium access, and organized sports or fitness programs when available. Furthermore, visitation policies typically allow individuals to maintain connections with family members and friends through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, though these communications are usually subject to institutional guidelines and monitoring procedures. Although work assignments and structured programming schedules vary based on individual circumstances and facility needs, these opportunities often provide individuals with ways to develop skills, contribute to facility operations, and maintain productive daily routines during their time at the institution.