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 Hazelton.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about USP Hazelton

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 Hazelton.

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

   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 Hazelton?

   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 Hazelton. 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 Hazelton. 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 Hazelton?

   Mailing address:

   USP Hazelton
   1640 Sky View Dr
   Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
   Phone: (304) 379-5000

5. What are the visiting hours at USP Hazelton?

   Visiting hours at USP Hazelton 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 (304) 379-5000 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 Hazelton?

   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 Hazelton for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Hazelton 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 Hazelton, 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

Comprehensive rehabilitation pathways at USP Hazelton cultivate an environment where those incarcerated can pursue meaningful transformation through structured educational advancement and skill development. The facility’s approach emphasizes creating secure, systematically organized opportunities that address both immediate learning needs and long-term reintegration goals. Through carefully designed offerings, participants engage in evidence-based programming that may furnish essential tools for personal growth while maintaining the highest standards of institutional safety and security.

Educational advancement opportunities typically encompass foundational academic instruction alongside specialized vocational training initiatives. Those incarcerated often access high school diploma programs that address varying educational backgrounds and learning styles, while comprehensive education programs may furnish college-preparatory coursework and literacy enhancement services. Furthermore, vocational training offerings commonly include hands-on instruction in marketable trades and technical skills, providing participants with practical competencies that align with contemporary workforce demands and economic opportunities upon release.

Therapeutic communities represent a cornerstone of the facility’s support infrastructure, creating structured environments where those incarcerated can address underlying behavioral patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. These residential treatment settings typically integrate peer support networks with professional guidance, fostering accountability and personal responsibility within a secure framework. Furthermore, conflict resolution programming may furnish participants with essential communication skills and mediation techniques, often emphasizing de-escalation strategies and collaborative problem-solving approaches that enhance both institutional safety and individual emotional intelligence development.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and community bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated, who actively work to maintain relationships with loved ones while navigating the structured environment of federal incarceration. At present, the daily routine typically begins with early morning counts and continues through a carefully organized schedule that furnishes both structure and opportunities for personal development. Those incarcerated generally participate in work assignments, educational programming, or vocational training during designated hours, with meal times serving as important social gathering points where individuals can connect with others from their housing units and share experiences from their daily activities.

Living accommodations typically consist of two-person cells within larger housing units, where those incarcerated often develop supportive relationships with their cellmates and neighbors. Furthermore, the dormitory-style atmosphere of many housing areas encourages interaction and mutual support among residents, who may share resources, advice, and companionship throughout their daily routines. Personal property allowances generally include basic necessities and some personal items, while commissary access provides opportunities to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials that help maintain connections with family members through regular correspondence.

Although security protocols necessarily govern many aspects of daily life, recreational activities and structured programming furnish important outlets for social interaction and personal growth. Those incarcerated typically have access to library services, religious programming, and recreational facilities where they can participate in sports, games, and group activities that foster community connections within the facility. Visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with approved family members and friends, while telephone and email systems provide additional means of maintaining relationships with loved ones on the outside, helping to preserve the family bonds that often serve as crucial sources of motivation and support during incarceration.