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 Westate Corrections Network.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Westate Corrections Network 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 Westate Corrections Network.

Frequently asked questions about Westate Corrections Network

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 Westate Corrections Network.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Westate Corrections Network?

   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 Westate Corrections Network?

   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 Westate Corrections Network. 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 Westate Corrections Network. 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 Westate Corrections Network?

   Mailing address:

   Westate Corrections Network
   507 W Market St
   Dyersburg, TN 38024
   Phone: (731) 287-8006

5. What are the visiting hours at Westate Corrections Network?

   Visiting hours at Westate Corrections Network 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) 287-8006 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 Westate Corrections Network?

   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 Westate Corrections Network for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Westate Corrections Network?

   You can send money to an inmate at Westate Corrections Network 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 Westate Corrections Network?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Westate Corrections Network, 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 Westate Corrections Network?

   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 Westate Corrections Network 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 Westate Corrections Network, 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

Personal transformation lies at the heart of the comprehensive service framework that defines the rehabilitative approach within Tennessee’s correctional environment. The philosophy underlying these initiatives emphasizes skill acquisition, character development, and the cultivation of productive habits that extend far beyond incarceration. Through carefully structured programming, inmates encounter opportunities to rebuild their lives while developing the competencies necessary for successful community reintegration.

Educational services typically form the cornerstone of personal development efforts, encompassing basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and various academic advancement opportunities. These foundational learning experiences often complement vocational training in specialized trades such as welding, where inmates may acquire marketable skills through hands-on instruction and certification programs. The integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application creates a robust framework for career preparation that addresses both immediate learning needs and long-term employment prospects.

Additionally, support services encompass a diverse array of programming designed to address the multifaceted nature of rehabilitation. Vocational programs often extend beyond individual trades to include comprehensive job readiness training and workplace behavior development. Faith-based programs may provide spiritual guidance and moral development opportunities for those seeking such support, while intramural sports activities contribute to physical wellness and team-building skills. These complementary services typically work in concert to address the emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of personal growth, creating a holistic approach to inmate development that recognizes the complexity of successful rehabilitation.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of the housing units at Westate Correction Network create a stark, institutional environment where inmates now navigate carefully structured routines that define their daily existence. Each morning begins with count procedures, followed by regulated meal times in the dining hall where inmates regularly gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner served according to the facility’s established schedule. The rhythm of institutional life provides a predictable framework that inmates typically adapt to over time, with movement between different areas of the facility generally requiring proper authorization and escort procedures.

Living accommodations consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where inmates maintain their personal belongings within strictly regulated limits, while common areas provide spaces for television viewing and limited social interaction during designated hours. The physical environment includes recreational facilities where inmates may participate in exercise programs, outdoor yard time when weather permits, and various indoor activities that help structure their time. Additionally, the facility typically offers work assignments in areas such as kitchen services, maintenance, or laundry operations, which provide inmates with daily responsibilities and may offer modest compensation for their labor.

Programming schedules usually include educational opportunities, counseling sessions, and structured activities designed to support rehabilitation goals, while visitation policies generally allow for regular family contact through scheduled visits and monitored phone calls. While the institutional setting presents significant adjustments for new arrivals, inmates often develop coping strategies and routines that help them manage the challenges of confined living. The commissary system typically provides access to approved personal items and snacks, offering inmates some degree of choice within the controlled environment, and mail correspondence serves as an important connection to family members and support networks on the outside.