Louisiana

How to contact an inmate at USP Atwater

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for USP Atwater. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at USP Atwater

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about USP Atwater
  5. Overview of USP Atwater
  6. Inmate services at USP Atwater

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at USP Atwater:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at USP Atwater

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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at USP Atwater .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to USP Atwater

A great way to send love and support to 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 a 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 for 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
    (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

Overview of USP Atwater

USP Atwater is a high-security U.S. penitentiary located in Atwater, California. As part of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), USP Atwater is responsible for housing some of the deadliest federal criminals in the country. In fact, prison officials often refer to this facility as "the Alcatraz of the Feds."

With a capacity of more than 1,100 inmates, USP Atwater operates as a traditional prison, providing inmates with daily meals, activities, and educational resources. However, because this facility houses some of the nation's most dangerous criminals, security is of utmost importance. Inmates here can expect to face beefed-up security measures, including regular cell checks, body searches, lockdowns, and the constant presence of armed guards.

Despite being a maximum-security facility, USP Atwater currently offers an accredited bible college degree program through its Federal Prison Industries. This program allows inmates to examine different faiths and how religious philosophies affect individuals, groups, and societies. USP Atwater also offers rehabilitation programs, like drug and alcohol abuse facilities, which attempt to incentivize participating prisoners to capitalize on reentering society after incarceration. Prisoners are encouraged and resourced to learn specialized skills and well-rounded professionals that they can harness during their reentry into the larger society.

Overall, USP Atwater is known for taking harsh punishment and advanced locking spiritits. However, it also has resources to facilitate learning and rehabilitation to all

What services are provided by USP Atwater?

USP Atwater, Louisiana is a high-security prison that houses male inmates convicted of federal offenses. The institution has various programs and services available for inmates that aid in their rehabilitation and reduce the chances of reoffending.

One of these programs is educational and vocational training that helps equip inmates with skills that they can use upon release from prison. These include courses in adult basic education, literacy, life skills, and Spanish as a second language. The vocational training programs help prepare prisoners for fields like carpentry, masonry, plumbing, welding, and other trade areas through classroom lectures, apprenticeships, and entry-level work opportunity.

USP Atwater also ensures that the religious needs of inmates are met. The institution has chaplain services for various faith groups, including Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, and Native American, where clergy are available for counseling and spiritual guidance.

Besides educational and spiritual programs, USP Atwater also offers healthcare services with an on-site medical and dental clinic that offers standard and specialized medical services. Substance abuse rehabilitation programs are another vital offering for those dealing with addiction, supported by educational and behavioral treatments.

Additionally, counseling services are available where professional and purposeful communication between inmates-as-counsellors and trained counselors create a synergistic space & allow constructive cognitive maturity. In line with this service, USP Atwater provides resources for life outside of prison for interview skill training and relationship education etc.

Thus, USP Atwater being a comprehensive prison, offers considerable programs across healthcare, educational, spiritual, and appropriate sessioned posts inside & mirrors the efforts resonate through as lower rates of recidivism and preparation. With such rehabilitation sectors already in place, offenders have what it takes to improve themselves and turn their lives towards a pleased