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 Washington Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Washington 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 Washington Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Washington Correctional Facility
   72 Lock 11 Rd
   Comstock, NY 12821
   Phone: (518) 639-4486

5. What are the visiting hours at Washington Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Washington 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 (518) 639-4486 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 Washington 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 Washington Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Washington 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 Washington Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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

Incarcerated individuals at Washington Correctional Facility have access to comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs alongside anger management services, reflecting the facility's commitment to addressing underlying behavioral issues. The medium-security facility in Comstock, New York, provides educational and vocational programs designed to prepare inmates for successful reintegration, while family development programs help maintain crucial connections with loved ones during incarceration.

The facility's program offerings extend to specialized services including sex offender treatment programs, trauma-focused interventions, and dedicated veterans services for those who have served in the military. Religious services provide spiritual support, while guidance and counseling services offer individualized assistance for personal development. Library and law library services ensure inmates can pursue self-directed learning and legal research, complemented by recreational programs that promote physical and mental well-being.

Transitional services programs and temporary release opportunities may help facilitate the gradual reintegration process as inmates prepare for release. The facility typically incorporates volunteer services and programs that bring community members into the correctional environment, fostering connections that can continue post-release. These comprehensive programming efforts, combined with regular visitation opportunities on weekends and holidays, create a structured environment focused on rehabilitation and maintaining family ties throughout the incarceration period.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Washington Correctional Facility in Comstock, New York, incarcerated individuals follow structured schedules that balance rehabilitation programming with security protocols typical of medium-security facilities. The facility operates under the supervision of Superintendent Christopher Collins and serves male inmates with a comprehensive approach to daily programming. Weekdays typically begin early with count procedures and meals, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or vocational training. The facility may offer various educational opportunities ranging from basic literacy courses to GED preparation, along with vocational programs that help individuals develop job skills for eventual reintegration into society.

Family connections play an important role in daily life, with visitation scheduled exclusively on weekends and holidays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with the latest arrival time at 1:00 PM. The facility implements an alphabetical scheduling system based on inmates' last names for weekend visits, while holidays remain open to all residents. Each visit allows up to three visitors plus one child under five years old, and inmates are limited to one visit per day. Those in the Special Housing Unit receive one non-legal visit within each seven-day period during regular visiting hours.

Throughout the week, inmates may participate in various programs designed to address different aspects of rehabilitation, including alcohol and substance abuse treatment, anger management, educational and vocational training, and religious services. The facility typically provides access to library services, recreational activities, and counseling programs. Evening hours often include additional programming, recreational time, or personal activities before the final count of the day. This structured environment aims to provide stability while offering opportunities for personal growth and preparation for eventual release.