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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at West Tennessee State Penitentiary 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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary.

Frequently asked questions about West Tennessee State Penitentiary

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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to West Tennessee State Penitentiary?

   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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary?

   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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary. 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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary. 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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary?

   Mailing address:

   West Tennessee State Penitentiary
   480 Green Chapel Rd
   Henning, TN 38041
   Phone: (731) 738-5044

   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: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at West Tennessee State Penitentiary?

   Visiting hours at West Tennessee State Penitentiary 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 (731) 738-5044 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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary?

   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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at West Tennessee State Penitentiary?

   You can send money to an inmate at West Tennessee State Penitentiary 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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At West Tennessee State Penitentiary, 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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary?

   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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary 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 West Tennessee State Penitentiary, 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

Evidence-based programming forms the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at West Tennessee State Penitentiary, where inmates have access to comprehensive educational and vocational opportunities designed to support successful reentry. The facility provides Adult Basic Education (ABE) services alongside specialized vocational training in Computer Aided Drafting and Core HVAC & Refrigeration. Through partnerships with local educational institutions, inmates can pursue an Associate degree program through Dyersburg State Community College and earn certification in Building Construction Technology through Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Additional programming includes Career Management for Success training and computer programming classes, while TRICOR partnerships provide hands-on experience in agriculture programs and textile operations.

Behavioral health services address the diverse mental health and substance use needs of the inmate population through multiple therapeutic interventions. The facility offers cognitive behavior intervention programs, special management group therapy, and comprehensive substance use treatment including group therapy, therapeutic community programming, veterans' community support, recovery education, and aftercare planning. These evidence-based approaches typically work in conjunction with individual counseling services and may include mental health assessments, crisis intervention, and ongoing psychiatric care as needed.

Inmates not participating in academic or vocational programs contribute to facility operations through work assignments in landscaping, janitorial services, and food services, providing valuable job skills and work experience. The facility may also offer additional support services commonly found in correctional settings, such as library services, recreational activities, religious programming, and family visitation opportunities. These comprehensive services work together to address the rehabilitative needs of the male offender population across all custody levels, from minimum to maximum security.

Daily Life & Visitation

At West Tennessee State Penitentiary in Henning, inmates typically begin their days early with structured schedules that vary based on their custody level and program participation. The facility, which houses male offenders ranging from minimum to maximum security with an operating capacity of 980 inmates, maintains different routines depending on whether residents are enrolled in educational programs, vocational training, or assigned to support service roles throughout the prison.

Inmates enrolled in academic programs may attend Adult Basic Education classes or work toward an associate degree through Dyersburg State Community College, while those in vocational training participate in programs like Computer Aided Drafting, Core HVAC & Refrigeration, or Career Management for Success. Those not involved in formal educational programs are typically required to work in support services including landscaping, janitorial duties, or food services. The facility also operates specialized programs addressing behavioral health needs, including various substance use treatment programs and cognitive behavior interventions that may structure portions of participants' daily schedules.

Communication with family and friends follows standard Tennessee Department of Correction policies, with inmates able to receive correspondence sent to P.O. Box 1150 in Henning. The facility typically maintains visiting schedules that allow approved family members and friends to maintain contact, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary based on security levels and operational needs. Meals, recreation time, and evening activities round out the daily structure, with lights-out times generally determined by housing unit and security classification.