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 Wyoming State Penitentiary.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Wyoming 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 Wyoming State Penitentiary.

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

   Mailing address:

   Wyoming State Penitentiary
   2900 S Higley Blvd
   Rawlins, WY 82301
   Phone: (307) 328-1442

   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 Wyoming State Penitentiary?

   Visiting hours at Wyoming 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 (307) 328-1442 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming State Penitentiary for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Wyoming 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 Wyoming State Penitentiary?

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

The Wyoming State Penitentiary operates a comprehensive Youthful Offender Treatment Program (YOTP), which evolved from the original Wyoming Boot Camp established by the state legislature in 1987. This specialized program, housed within the facility's confines, can accommodate up to 45 inmates across multiple custody levels and has expanded from its original 90-day format to provide more intensive rehabilitation services. The Education Department at WSP maintains a primary focus on delivering basic educational foundations that enable inmates to successfully engage with society upon release, offering adult male offenders various classroom and video-based educational and vocational programs.

The facility typically provides a range of rehabilitative services designed to address diverse inmate needs. Educational opportunities may include GED preparation, literacy programs, and basic academic courses, while vocational training often encompasses practical skills development in various trades. The institution maintains a growing correctional industries program that likely offers inmates work experience and job skills training. Counseling services may include substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and behavioral modification programs, particularly given the facility's role in housing both general population and administrative segregation inmates.

Additional support services at WSP may encompass religious programming, recreational activities, and reentry preparation assistance. The facility's staff training emphasis, including an intensive Field Training Officer program, suggests a commitment to maintaining professional standards that support effective program delivery. Library services, medical care, and family visitation programs are typically available to help maintain inmates' connections to their communities and support their rehabilitation goals throughout their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Within the confines of the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins, adult male offenders navigate structured days centered around educational opportunities and vocational training. The facility's Education Department provides classroom and video-based programs designed to equip inmates with basic skills necessary for successful reintegration into society. Those participating in the specialized Youthful Offender Treatment Program (YOTP) experience an intensive therapeutic environment within the larger institution, where up to 45 multiple custody inmates work through a structured program that has evolved from its original 90-day Boot Camp format to a comprehensive 120-day treatment model.

The high custody environment at WSP means that movement and activities operate under strict security protocols, with inmates typically following scheduled routines for meals, work assignments, and educational programming. Many inmates may participate in the facility's growing correctional industries program, which provides valuable work experience and skills training. Recreation time and personal activities are generally scheduled within designated areas and timeframes, allowing inmates to maintain physical fitness and engage in approved leisure activities while adhering to the facility's security requirements.

For families seeking to maintain contact, visitors to the Wyoming State Penitentiary can access the facility by taking Exit #214 off Interstate 80 at Higley Boulevard, proceeding south past the truck stop to the security gates and parking in the designated Administration Building lot. Given Rawlins' location, those traveling by bus should verify taxi service availability in advance, as transportation options from the bus station may be limited. Communication with loved ones typically includes regulated phone calls, correspondence, and scheduled visitation periods that allow families to maintain important connections while respecting the facility's security protocols.