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 MCCREARY.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about USP MCCREARY

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 MCCREARY.

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

   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 MCCREARY?

   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 MCCREARY. 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 MCCREARY. 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 MCCREARY?

   Mailing address:

   USP MCCREARY
   330 Federal Way
   Pine Knot, KY 42635
   Phone: (606) 354-7000

5. What are the visiting hours at USP MCCREARY?

   Visiting hours at USP MCCREARY 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 (606) 354-7000 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 MCCREARY?

   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 MCCREARY for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 MCCREARY 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 MCCREARY, 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

Educational services form the cornerstone of rehabilitation initiatives at USP McCreary, with comprehensive literacy programs and tutoring opportunities designed to address fundamental learning gaps. The facility typically operates under a philosophy that views education as a transformative pathway, recognizing that many residents arrive with interrupted academic histories that require individualized attention. Through structured classroom environments and peer-to-peer learning models, these educational initiatives may deliver both basic literacy instruction and advanced coursework, enabling residents to pursue their General Educational Development credentials while developing critical thinking skills essential for successful reintegration.

Vocational training initiatives complement the educational foundation by providing residents with marketable skills through hands-on learning experiences. The masonry program often includes comprehensive instruction in construction techniques, safety protocols, and project management, preparing participants for employment opportunities in the building trades upon release. In addition to this, tutoring programs create a collaborative learning environment where residents with stronger academic backgrounds assist their peers, fostering both educational advancement and leadership development within the institutional community.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives address the underlying factors that may have contributed to criminal behavior, with substance abuse treatment programs typically offering evidence-based interventions and counseling services. Family reunification efforts may deliver structured communication opportunities and relationship-building workshops designed to strengthen familial bonds that are crucial for post-release stability. These therapeutic approaches often include group counseling sessions, individual treatment planning, and skill-building workshops that equip residents with coping strategies and decision-making tools necessary for maintaining sobriety and building productive community connections.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of structured schedules currently forms the backbone of residential life, where each day unfolds according to carefully planned routines that continue to provide predictability and order. Residents typically begin their mornings with standardized wake-up procedures, followed by personal hygiene time and preparation for the day ahead. Meal times generally occur at regular intervals throughout the day, with residents moving to designated dining areas where they receive nutritionally planned meals. Work assignments and programming activities deliver consistent structure, as residents may participate in facility maintenance, food service operations, or various institutional jobs that help maintain daily operations.

In addition to this structured framework, living accommodations typically consist of shared housing units where residents maintain personal spaces within the facility’s security parameters. The housing areas generally include basic furnishings and allow for limited personal property that residents may keep according to established guidelines. Residents usually have access to commissary services where they can purchase approved items to supplement their daily needs, and common areas often provide spaces for reading, watching television, or engaging in quiet recreational activities during designated free time periods.

Despite this controlled environment, the facility typically offers various opportunities for physical activity and family connection that help maintain important relationships and personal well-being. Recreation periods may include access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness facilities, or organized sports activities, depending on security level and scheduling availability. Visitation policies generally allow approved family members and friends to maintain contact through scheduled visits, while telephone and correspondence privileges continue to provide additional communication options. Educational programs and structured activities often deliver meaningful ways for residents to use their time productively, contributing to the overall stability that consistent daily routines provide within the correctional environment.