Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Inmate Guide

Overview of the Facility

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) is responsible for the management and operation of all state prisons in Mississippi. It oversees multiple correctional facilities across the state, including maximum, medium, and minimum-security prisons, as well as work centers and restitution centers.

Contact Information

Address: 301 N. Lamar Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 359-5600
Website: https://www.mdoc.ms.gov/
Email: [email protected]

How to Locate an Inmate

To find an inmate in the MDOC system, you can use the online inmate search tool available on the MDOC website. You'll need the inmate's name or MDOC number to perform a search. Visit https://www.ms.gov/mdoc/inmate-search to access the search tool.

Visitation Information and Hours

Visitation policies and hours vary by facility. Generally, visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list. Contact the specific facility where the inmate is housed for exact visitation schedules and requirements. All visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID.

How to Send Money

There are several ways to send money to inmates in MDOC facilities:

Online: Through JPay
Phone: Call 1-800-574-5729
MoneyGram: Use receive code 1279
Mail: Send a money order to JPay, PO Box 260010, Hollywood, FL 33026

Phone Calls and Video Options

Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Video visitation is available at some facilities through GTL. Family and friends can set up accounts to receive calls or schedule video visits.

Inmate Services and Programs

MDOC offers various programs for inmates, including:

Educational programs (GED, vocational training)
Substance abuse treatment
Religious services
Work programs
Pre-release programs

History of the Facility

The Mississippi Department of Corrections was established in 1976 to centralize the state's correctional system. Prior to this, individual prisons were managed separately. The MDOC has since expanded and modernized its facilities and programs to meet evolving correctional standards and inmate needs.

Security and Management Information

MDOC operates facilities with various security levels, from minimum to maximum security. Each facility has its own security protocols and management structure. The department employs trained correctional officers, administrative staff, and support personnel to maintain security and manage daily operations.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. They also have the right to receive visits from approved family and friends, subject to facility rules and schedules. Inmates retain certain constitutional rights, including protection from cruel and unusual punishment and access to medical care.

Booking and Release Process

Upon arrival, inmates go through a classification process to determine their security level and facility placement. This includes medical screening, risk assessment, and review of criminal history. The release process involves pre-release programming, coordination with probation and parole services, and ensuring inmates have necessary identification and resources upon release.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I send mail to an inmate?

Address the envelope with the inmate's full name, MDOC number, and the full address of the facility where they are housed. All mail is subject to inspection.

What items can I send to an inmate?

Generally, only letters, photos, and approved publications can be sent. No packages or personal items are allowed. Check with the specific facility for their mail policies.

How can I get on an inmate's visitation list?

The inmate must submit a visitation list with your information to the facility for approval. Once approved, you will be notified and can schedule visits according to the facility's policies.

Famous Prisoners

While specific information about famous prisoners in MDOC facilities is limited, some notable cases have included:

Edgar Ray Killen - Convicted for his role in the 1964 murders of three civil rights workers
Luke Woodham - Convicted for the 1997 Pearl High School shooting
Byron De La Beckwith - Convicted for the 1963 assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). If you are have completed a Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

633 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39202

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 601-359-5600 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

Visitor must not be a prior felon.
Visitor must have a valid government ID.
A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.

Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Inmate Searcher

Fill out the form below and receive a detailed report on an inmate. This includes current and previous arrest records, social media handles, current and previous addresses & phone numbers.

First Name*

Last Name*

State