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 Women's Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Women's 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 Women's Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Women's 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 Women's Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Women's 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 Women's 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 Women's 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 Women's 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 Women's Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Women's Prison
   3200 SD-34
   Pierre, SD 57501
   Phone: (605) 773-6636

5. What are the visiting hours at Women's Prison?

   Visiting hours at Women's 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 (605) 773-6636 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 Women's 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 Women's Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Women's Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Women's 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 Women's Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Women's 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 Women's 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 Women's 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 Women's 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 South Dakota Women’s Prison operates a specialized Mother-Infant program designed to support eligible incarcerated mothers and their children, reflecting the facility’s recognition of the comprehensive needs of its population. This program addresses the critical bond between mothers and infants during early development while supporting successful reintegration. Additionally, the facility includes Prison Industries operations with an embroidery shop, providing inmates with valuable vocational training and work experience in textile production and design.

As a Level V correctional facility, the South Dakota Women’s Prison typically offers comprehensive programming to address the diverse needs of its population. Educational services may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and potentially college coursework through distance learning partnerships. The facility likely provides various counseling and therapeutic programs, which may encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health services, trauma-informed care, and life skills development. These programs often focus on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior while preparing inmates for successful community reentry.

The facility’s connection to the nearby Pierre Minimum Center allows for a continuum of care as inmates progress through different security levels. Support services commonly available may include religious and spiritual programs, library access, recreational activities, and family visitation programs. Pre-release planning and reentry preparation services are typically emphasized to help inmates develop the skills and connections necessary for successful transition back to their communities. The facility’s location within the Solem Public Safety Center, which houses multiple law enforcement and corrections agencies, may facilitate coordination of services and resources for the incarcerated population.

Daily Life & Visitation

The South Dakota Women’s Prison operates as a Level V facility within the larger Solem Public Safety Center, where incarcerated individuals typically follow structured daily schedules that may include work assignments in the facility’s embroidery shop through Prison Industries. The 78,000 square foot building houses various programs and services, with eligible participants in the Mother-Infant program experiencing modified routines that accommodate childcare responsibilities alongside standard facility activities. Women at the facility often begin their days with scheduled counts and meals, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or other structured activities that vary based on individual custody levels and program participation.

Visitation opportunities provide important connections to family and community, with the facility maintaining specific visitation schedules that allow loved ones to maintain relationships during incarceration. The prison’s location in Pierre may present comprehensive considerations for families traveling for visits, and communication policies typically include options for phone calls and correspondence following standard correctional guidelines. Women housed at the nearby Pierre Minimum Center, located in the former DCI Training Academy, often experience different daily routines with potentially expanded movement and programming opportunities appropriate for their minimum-security classification level.

Throughout the facility, daily life typically revolves around maintaining security protocols while providing access to services such as medical care, meals, recreation, and various programs designed to support rehabilitation and preparation for eventual reintegration into the community. The comprehensive structure of the Solem Public Safety Center, which houses multiple law enforcement agencies alongside the prison, may influence certain operational aspects of daily routines while maintaining the primary focus on safety and programming for the women in custody.