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 Utah State Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Utah State Correctional Facility 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 Utah State Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Utah State Correctional Facility

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 Utah State Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Utah State Correctional Facility?

   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 Utah State Correctional Facility?

   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 Utah State Correctional Facility. 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 Utah State Correctional Facility. 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 Utah State Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Utah State Correctional Facility
   1480 N 8000 W
   Salt Lake City, UT 84116
   Phone: (801) 522-7000

5. What are the visiting hours at Utah State Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Utah State Correctional Facility 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 (801) 522-7000 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 Utah State Correctional Facility?

   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 Utah State Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Utah State Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Utah State Correctional Facility 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 Utah State Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Utah State Correctional Facility, 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 Utah State Correctional Facility?

   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 Utah State Correctional Facility 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 Utah State Correctional Facility, 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

The Utah State Correctional Facility emphasizes rehabilitation through its thoughtfully designed environment and specialized housing units that support various treatment and programming needs. Since beginning operations in July 2022, this modern facility has organized its housing sections around specific purposes, with the Green building dedicated to treatment and programming activities, while the Currant building focuses on mental health, medical, and geriatric care. The facility’s design incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows throughout housing areas, recognizing that natural light and mountain views can positively impact inmates’ psychological well-being and rehabilitation outcomes.

The specialized housing structure at USCF typically supports a comprehensive range of services and programs. Mental health services may include individual and group counseling, substance abuse treatment programs, and specialized care for inmates with psychological needs. Educational opportunities often encompass basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and potentially vocational training courses that help prepare inmates for reintegration into their communities. The facility may also offer religious services, recreational activities, and life skills programming designed to support successful transitions back to society.

With its capacity to house up to many individuals across multiple specialized buildings, USCF likely provides medical services ranging from routine healthcare to specialized geriatric care, as indicated by the dedicated medical housing unit. The intake process through the Fremont building may include comprehensive assessments to determine appropriate housing placement and program participation. Additional services commonly found at facilities of this type may include library access, legal assistance programs, and family visitation opportunities, all designed to support the facility’s rehabilitation-focused mission within its modern, research-informed design.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Utah State Correctional Facility’s design emphasizes natural light and mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows in housing sections, creating an environment that supports psychological well-being throughout the daily routine. Inmates housed in the facility’s seven buildings—named after Utah waterways like Bear for general population and Dell for women’s general population—typically begin their days with structured wake-up times and headcounts. The modern facility, which opened in July 2022 on 200 acres west of Salt Lake City International Airport, incorporates research-based design principles that recognize how physical surroundings influence rehabilitation outcomes.

Daily schedules at USCF often include educational programming, vocational training, and treatment services housed in the Green building, while medical and mental health services are provided in the Currant building. Inmates may participate in work assignments, recreational activities, and structured programming designed to support their rehabilitation goals. The facility’s focus on recovery-oriented infrastructure means that common areas and housing units are designed to reduce institutional stress while maintaining necessary security protocols. Meal times, medical appointments, and visits with counselors or case managers typically follow established schedules that vary by housing assignment and security level.

Family connections remain important at the facility, and visitation procedures may include both in-person visits and video calling options, though specific policies should be confirmed directly with the facility at 801-522-7000. The intake process begins in the Fremont building, where new arrivals undergo classification and orientation to facility rules and available programs. Throughout their stay, inmates housed across the facility’s various buildings can typically access library services, recreational opportunities, and religious programming, all designed to support the facility’s rehabilitation-focused mission within its modern correctional environment.