Illinois

How to contact an inmate at USP Marion

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

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

How to contact an inmate at USP Marion

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 Marion
  5. Overview of USP Marion
  6. Inmate services at USP Marion

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

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at USP Marion

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 Marion .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to USP Marion

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

Frequently asked questions about USP Marion

  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 Marion.

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

    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 Marion?
    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 Marion. 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 Marion. 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 Marion?
    Mailing address:

    USP Marion
    4500 Prison Rd
    Marion , IL 62959
    (618) 964-1441

    Business hours:
    • Monday: Open 24 hours
    • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    • Thursday: Open 24 hours
    • Friday: Open 24 hours
    • Saturday: Open 24 hours
    • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Overview of USP Marion

USP Marion, located in Southern Illinois, is a high-security federal prison that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the United States. The facility is primarily composed of concrete-and-steel cell blocks that stretch up to six stories high. Due to the strict levels of security and the nature of its inmates, USP Marion is known as a "control unit," meaning prisoners are heavily monitored and any misbehavior results in immediate retaliation by prison staff.

Originally, USP Marion was intended to be a medium-security prison, but in 1983, due to a rising number of inmate protests and riots, the prison took a dramatic shift. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) then modified the facility to become a high-security prison, and as a result, most prisoners were individually held in lockdown for the majority of their stay. The prison has become synonymous with its harsh conditions, which heavily restrict all forms of interaction and communication, including physical movement, reading materials, and access to visitors.

Although USP Marion is heavily secured and is known for these controversial methods, there are some programs which aim to reduce the stay of their inmates and prepare them to be reintegrated into society. For instance, there are GED as well as remedial and vocational courses available for prisoners to undertake. There are mentoring programs for young inmates between the ages of 18 and 24, allowing them to modify their habits and behaviors before their return to the society. Additionally, there are voluntary programs that enable the

What services are provided by USP Marion?

USP Marion is a United States penitentiary located in Marion, Illinois. This maximum-security facility is known for its strict rules and regulations. One of the primary goals of USP Marion is to provide education and vocational training programs to its inmates that will help them lead successful and productive lives upon their release. They offer several programs, such as academic education, apprenticeships, and vocational training. This penitentiary has been involved in leading several prison reform policies that have changed the face of the country's criminal justice system.

The academic education programs offered by USP Marion are designed to give the inmates a chance to earn their GED, high school diplomas, associate's, and bachelor's degrees. These programs help inmates brush up on areas like mathematics, critical thinking, and essay writing while providing access to college-level courses. The inmates can choose from majors like psychology, business, history, marketing, and several others. In addition to these programs, USP Marion offers adult basic literacy instruction for non-english speaking inmates. This helps those whose first language isn't English to become more adept at the language's nuances, leading someone on the path to communication ease within the English language.

Apart from academic education, USP Marion also offers its inmates apprenticeships in several areas like bricklaying, electrical works, and welding. These options help the inmates learn specialized skills and have access to paid union apprenticeship programs from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/NECA National Electrical Contractors Association. The institution provides vocational training in various areas like plumbing, electrical works, welding, and general trade. With the courses and training offered by USP Marion, inmates can pass trade or vocational licensing certification.

Inmate as victims of crime are