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 Walnut Grove Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Walnut Grove Correctional Facility
   1650 MS-492
   Walnut Grove, MS 39189
   

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Walnut Grove Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Walnut Grove 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 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 Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Walnut Grove Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove 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 Mississippi Department of Corrections operates Walnut Grove Correctional Facility with a comprehensive focus on rehabilitation through specialized re-entry programs, alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, and vocational training opportunities. Under the leadership of Superintendent Mike Dixon, the facility emphasizes preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society through evidence-based programming. The facility also maintains security threat group management programs to address gang-related activities and promote a safer institutional environment.

Educational and vocational services typically form the foundation of inmate programming at Walnut Grove. The facility may offer GED preparation classes, adult basic education, and literacy programs to help inmates develop essential academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often include programs in areas such as construction trades, automotive repair, food service, and computer skills, providing inmates with marketable job skills upon release. These educational initiatives are frequently supported by partnerships with local educational institutions and workforce development agencies.

Counseling and support services complement the facility's rehabilitation efforts through various therapeutic programs. Mental health services may include individual and group counseling sessions, substance abuse treatment programs, and anger management classes. The facility typically provides medical care through an on-site health unit, while chaplaincy services offer spiritual guidance and religious programming. Family visitation programs and correspondence courses help maintain important social connections, while case management services assist with release planning and community resource coordination to support successful reentry outcomes.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Mississippi Department of Corrections reopened Walnut Grove Correctional Facility in November 2021, bringing structured daily routines to its capacity of 1,496 inmates housed across the 72-acre grounds in southern Leake County. Under the supervision of Superintendent Mike Dixon, residents typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or participation in the facility's various programs. The structured environment may include vocational training sessions, alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, and re-entry preparation activities designed to support successful community reintegration.

Inmates often have opportunities to participate in the facility's security threat group management programs alongside educational and skill-building activities. The daily schedule typically balances structured programming with recreation time and personal activities. Meal times are scheduled throughout the day in the facility's dining areas, and inmates may have access to commissary services and recreational facilities during designated hours. The facility's location in the small town of Walnut Grove, with its population of 1,675, provides a more rural setting compared to urban correctional facilities.

Family connections remain important aspects of daily life, though specific visitation schedules and communication policies would need to be confirmed directly with the facility at 601-253-0700. The facility's address at 1650 MS Hwy 492 makes it accessible for family visits, and inmates may typically have access to phone services and correspondence opportunities. Given the facility's focus on re-entry programs and rehabilitation services, daily life often emphasizes preparation for eventual return to the community through various support services and programming opportunities.