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 Walker State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Walker State Prison 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 Walker State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Walker State Prison

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 Walker State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Walker State Prison?

   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 Walker State Prison?

   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 Walker State Prison. 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 Walker State Prison. 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 Walker State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Walker State Prison
   97 Kevin Ln
   Rock Spring, GA 30739
   Phone: (706) 764-3600

   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

5. What are the visiting hours at Walker State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Walker State Prison 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 (706) 764-3600 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 Walker State Prison?

   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 Walker State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Walker State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Walker State Prison 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 Walker State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Walker State Prison, 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 Walker State Prison?

   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 Walker State Prison 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 Walker State Prison, 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 Faith & Character Based programming at Walker State Prison creates a foundation for moral character development and spiritual enrichment, serving as the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at this medium-security facility. Through programs like Motivation for Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, and Thinking for a Change, incarcerated individuals can engage in evidence-based interventions designed to address cognitive patterns and promote positive behavioral changes. The facility's Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program provides comprehensive support through individual and group counseling, while specialized services include Veterans Services, Family Services, and Fatherhood Services to address the diverse needs of the population.

Vocational training opportunities at Walker State Prison encompass practical skills development in areas such as food preparation, building maintenance, mechanics, and metal fabrication. Participants may also receive training in laundry operations, warehousing, custodial maintenance, baking, cooking, and barbering, providing marketable skills for successful reintegration. The facility's work programs extend beyond the prison walls, with inmates providing services to Catoosa and Walker counties as well as the City of Fort Oglethorpe, offering real-world work experience and community connection.

The facility typically supports educational advancement through academic programming, while recreational activities may include general wellness programs and structured physical activities. Religious programming features various worship services and Bible study opportunities, complementing the faith-based mission of the institution. Additional support services often include career counseling through the Career Center, mentoring programs, and specialized tracks like the Gateway program, all designed to prepare individuals for successful community reentry and reduce recidivism rates.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekend mornings at Walker State Prison begin with anticipation as residents prepare for visitation hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. The facility's open dormitory housing arrangement, with 12 dormitories accommodating between 50 to 74 individuals each, creates a communal living environment where residents typically wake early for count and meal preparation duties. Those participating in the Faith & Character Based programming often start their days with reflection or group discussions, while others may head to their assigned work details that serve Catoosa and Walker counties, as well as the City of Fort Oglethorpe.

The structured environment emphasizes personal development through various programs including Moral Reconation Therapy, Thinking for a Change, and the comprehensive Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program. Residents may spend portions of their day in individual or group counseling sessions, academic programming, or working in vocational areas such as food preparation, building maintenance, mechanics, or metal fabrication. The facility's Career Center provides additional opportunities for skill development, while specialized services for veterans and fathers offer targeted support. Recreation time typically includes general wellness activities and walking programs, providing physical outlets within the structured schedule.

Evening hours often center around the facility's religious programming, with various worship services and Bible study sessions reflecting Walker's designation as a Faith & Character Based institution. The dormitory setting allows for informal interaction among residents, though structured programming continues with mentoring opportunities and ongoing counseling services. Those housed in the incentive dormitory, which accommodates nine individuals, may have additional privileges or responsibilities as part of their participation in the facility's character development mission.