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 State Department of Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Washington State Department of Corrections 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 State Department of Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about Washington State Department of Corrections

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 State Department of Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Washington State Department of Corrections?

   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 State Department of Corrections?

   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 State Department of Corrections. 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 State Department of Corrections. 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 State Department of Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Washington State Department of Corrections
   7345 Linderson Way SW
   Tumwater, WA 98501
   Phone: (360) 725-8213

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Washington State Department of Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Washington State Department of Corrections 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 (360) 725-8213 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 State Department of Corrections?

   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 State Department of Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Washington State Department of Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Washington State Department of Corrections 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 State Department of Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Washington State Department of Corrections, 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 State Department of Corrections?

   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 State Department of Corrections 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 State Department of Corrections, 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 Washington State Penitentiary operates with a comprehensive approach to supporting both incarcerated individuals and their families through various programs and services. The facility maintains an active Family Council program in accordance with DOC Policy 530.155, recognizing the importance of family connections in the rehabilitation process. To reduce financial barriers that families face, WSP provides the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP), which offers qualifying applicants up to two separate $50 reimbursements to help cover fuel costs and hotel stays when visiting their loved ones. The facility also hosts regularly scheduled events throughout the year, with a dedicated event calendar to keep families informed of programming that may impact visiting schedules.

As a multi-custody level facility housing maximum, close, medium, and minimum security residents, WSP typically offers educational and vocational programming appropriate for its diverse population. The facility may provide adult basic education, GED preparation, and various vocational training opportunities to help residents develop job skills for successful reentry. Counseling and therapeutic services often include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health services, and cognitive behavioral interventions designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Given its long history dating back to 1886 and substantial capacity for 2,439 male inmates, WSP likely maintains work programs that provide residents with opportunities to develop work skills while contributing to facility operations. These may include food service, maintenance, laundry operations, and other institutional support roles. The facility's programming structure often emphasizes preparing individuals for successful community reintegration through a combination of education, skill development, and therapeutic interventions tailored to each resident's custody level and individual needs.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Washington State Penitentiary, which has housed inmates since 1886, operates with a structured visiting schedule that varies by housing unit, reflecting the facility's management of its 2,439 male inmates across maximum, close, medium, and minimum custody levels. Families planning visits can reference the facility's published visiting hours for each specific living unit, though these schedules may be disrupted by the many events hosted at WSP throughout the year. The facility recognizes the financial challenges families face when traveling for visits, offering the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program that provides up to two separate $50 reimbursements to help offset fuel and hotel costs for qualifying applicants.

Inmates at WSP typically follow daily routines that align with their assigned custody level and housing unit, with those in minimum security often having more flexibility in their schedules compared to maximum security residents. The facility's programs may include educational opportunities, vocational training, and work assignments that structure much of the inmates' day. Meal times, recreation periods, and mandatory counts punctuate the daily schedule, while evenings might include programming activities or personal time in living areas. The multi-custody level design means that daily experiences can vary significantly depending on an inmate's security classification and behavior record.

Communication with the outside world remains an important aspect of daily life, with both traditional prison visits and video visits available to approved visitors who have completed the required application process. The facility's Family Council, operating under DOC Policy 530.155, provides a channel for family members to engage with facility operations and address concerns. Inmates may also participate in various scheduled events throughout the year, which can provide welcome breaks from routine while potentially affecting regular visiting schedules, making it important for families to check the facility's event calendar when planning visits.