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 Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Washington 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 Washington State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Washington State Prison
   13262 GA-24
   Davisboro, GA 31018
   Phone: (478) 348-5814

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

   Visiting hours at Washington 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 (478) 348-5814 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 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 Washington State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 comprehensive programming at Washington State Prison reflects a multi-faceted approach to rehabilitation, with academic offerings ranging from literacy remedial courses to General Education Diploma preparation, alongside vocational training in computer technology, custodial maintenance, and barbering. The facility's counseling programs address various aspects of behavioral change, including Motivation for Change, Thinking for a Change, and specialized interventions such as the Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program (SOPP) and Matrix Relapse Prevention. These evidence-based programs typically work in conjunction with the facility's in-house transitional program to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into their communities.

Work details at the facility provide practical experience through Correctional Industries, kitchen operations, farm work, and maintenance assignments, while the Annex offers additional opportunities including Department of Transportation details and composting programs. Religious and spiritual services encompass diverse faith traditions with Bible study, Catholic Mass, Jumah services, and programs like KAIROS, often complemented by 12-step recovery meetings including Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. The facility may also offer additional support services such as mental health counseling, medical care, and case management services to address the comprehensive needs of the inmate population.

Recreation programs include general recreation activities and intramural sports, which often serve as important outlets for physical fitness and positive social interaction. The combination of educational advancement, vocational skill development, therapeutic programming, and structured work assignments typically creates a framework designed to reduce recidivism and support successful community reentry for the medium-security male population housed at this facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Washington State Prison begin their weekdays with structured routines that revolve around the facility's extensive work detail programs and educational opportunities. The medium-security facility, which houses both minimum and medium-security male offenders in eleven general population dormitories, typically starts each day with early morning counts and meal service. Residents may be assigned to various work details including Correctional Industries, kitchen operations, farm work, maintenance duties, or laundry services. Those housed in the 200-bed Annex often participate in specialized assignments such as Department of Transportation details, Central State Hospital work, or grounds maintenance activities that provide valuable job training and work experience.

Educational and programming activities form a significant portion of daily life, with inmates having access to literacy remedial classes, Adult Basic Education, and General Education Diploma preparation during designated hours. The facility offers numerous counseling programs throughout the week, including Motivation for Change, Thinking for a Change, and various substance abuse recovery programs like Matrix Relapse Prevention. Vocational training opportunities in areas such as Computer Technology/Customer Service, Custodial Maintenance, and Barbering provide practical skills development. Recreation time typically includes general recreation activities and intramural sports, while religious services accommodate various faiths with Bible study, Catholic Mass, Jumah prayers, and support group meetings like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Family connections remain vital through the facility's weekend visitation program, which operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The transitional program housed within the facility helps prepare inmates for eventual reintegration, while the Pre-Release Program and Re-Entry services provide additional support as residents approach their release dates. Evening hours may include additional programming, study time, or recreational activities, with lights-out and security counts marking the end of each structured day.