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 Wilcox State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Wilcox 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 Wilcox State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Wilcox State Prison
   470 S Broad St
   Abbeville, GA 31001
   Phone: (229) 467-3000

   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: Open 24 hours

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

   Visiting hours at Wilcox 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 (229) 467-3000 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 Wilcox 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 Wilcox State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

At Wilcox State Prison, comprehensive substance abuse treatment takes center stage through the Turner Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, which provides specialized programming for inmates struggling with addiction. The facility's educational offerings include General Education Diploma preparation, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language instruction, and literacy programs designed to address various learning levels. Counseling services encompass evidence-based programs such as Thinking for a Change, Motivation for Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, and Matrix Early Recovery Skills, while traditional support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provide peer-based recovery assistance. The facility also operates a Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program and re-entry services to help prepare inmates for successful community reintegration.

Vocational training opportunities at Wilcox State Prison focus on practical skills development through programs in food preparation, warehouse operations, barbering, and laundry services, with some inmates serving as teacher aides to support educational programming. Work details provide hands-on experience in maintenance, general labor, food service, grounds keeping, and custodial work, while external partnerships may include assignments with the Georgia Department of Transportation and various contract details in surrounding communities like Cordele and Abbeville. The facility typically offers general recreation programming and various religious worship services and counseling to support inmates' spiritual and physical well-being.

Beyond these core services, the facility may provide additional support programs common to Georgia correctional institutions, such as mental health counseling, medical services, and library access. The combination of substance abuse treatment, educational advancement, vocational skills training, and therapeutic programming creates a framework designed to address the diverse needs of the medium-security population while preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their communities upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Wilcox State Prison wake each morning in dormitory-style housing units, with some residing in double-bunked or triple-bunked cells while others live in open dormitories that house between 48 to 94 individuals per unit. The facility's medium-security environment allows for a structured daily routine that typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include maintenance duties, food service operations, grounds keeping, or specialized details like the fire station or Georgia Department of Transportation projects. Educational opportunities are woven throughout the day, with inmates able to participate in General Education Diploma programs, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language classes, or vocational training in areas such as food preparation, barbering, or warehouse operations.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility, with visitation occurring on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. These visits provide crucial support for inmates as they work through various counseling programs, including Thinking for a Change, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and re-entry preparation services. The facility also serves as the host location for the Turner Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, offering specialized programming for those addressing addiction issues. Evening hours often include recreational activities, religious services and counseling, or continued participation in therapeutic programs like Moral Reconation Therapy, all designed to support rehabilitation and prepare individuals for eventual reintegration into their communities.