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 USP Atwater.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at USP Atwater 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 USP Atwater.

Frequently asked questions about USP Atwater

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 USP Atwater.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to USP Atwater?

   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 USP Atwater?

   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 USP Atwater. 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 USP Atwater. 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 USP Atwater?

   Mailing address:

   USP Atwater
   1 Federal Way
   Atwater, CA 95301
   Phone: (209) 386-0257

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at USP Atwater?

   Visiting hours at USP Atwater 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 (209) 386-0257 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 USP Atwater?

   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 USP Atwater for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at USP Atwater?

   You can send money to an inmate at USP Atwater 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 USP Atwater?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At USP Atwater, 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 USP Atwater?

   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 USP Atwater 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 USP Atwater, 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

I notice there's a significant discrepancy in your request. You've asked me to write about "USP Atwater, FL" (Florida), but the website content you've provided is about a federal prison in Atwater, California (Merced County). Additionally, the website content is a news article about a tragic incident involving a mailroom supervisor's death, and it doesn't contain information about programs and services at the facility.

The article mentions that the facility is a high-security federal prison for men with a minimum-security satellite camp, housing approximately 1,225 inmates total, but it doesn't describe any educational, vocational, or rehabilitative programs.

Could you please clarify: 1. Are you looking for information about the federal prison in Atwater, California (not Florida)? 2. Do you have different website content that actually discusses programs and services at this facility?

Without program information from the website, I cannot create the content you've requested while following the guidelines to base the content on the provided website information.

Daily Life & Visitation

The federal correctional facility in Atwater, California operates as a high-security institution housing male inmates, with mail processing serving as a critical daily function that connects residents to the outside world. The facility, located in Merced County, typically processes correspondence through a centralized mailroom system where staff carefully screen incoming materials before distribution to the inmate population. This mail system represents one of the primary ways inmates maintain contact with family members and legal representatives during their incarceration.

The complex houses approximately 1,225 individuals across two distinct security levels - with the main high-security prison accommodating over 1,000 inmates and an additional minimum-security satellite camp serving around 139 residents. Daily routines at facilities of this type generally include structured meal times, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods, though specific schedules may vary based on security classifications and individual housing assignments. Inmates in the minimum-security camp often experience somewhat different daily patterns compared to those in the main facility, potentially including more outdoor work opportunities and varied movement privileges.

Visitation policies at the facility may occasionally be subject to temporary modifications based on operational needs or security considerations. Family members and approved visitors typically must follow specific scheduling procedures and security protocols when planning visits. The facility generally maintains various communication options for inmates to stay connected with their support networks, including monitored telephone access and the mail system, though all correspondence is subject to standard correctional facility screening procedures.