Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center Emailing An Inmate
Send an Email or Text to an Inmate in the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center
Sending an Email, Text or Secure Electronic Message to an Inmate
The Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center provides a service which allows secure electronic messaging for their inmates.
The email service they use is called Smart Communications.
Smart Communications is not directly connected to the internet like normal email, but instead each correspondence is first intercepted by the jail's servers. This gives the staff an opportunity to review the messages before delivering them to both inmates and the people that the inmates are communicating with.
Electronic messages received by the inmates are read either on kiosks within the inmate's unit, or or on tablets provided by the third party service that oversees the program.
Allowing inmates access to email has many upsides:
- It is less expensive than regular mail.
- It allows for faster turnaround of communication.
- It allows the jail to monitor inmate communication in real time.
- Because the jail receives a portion of the revenue, it brings the jail revenue they wouldn't have otherwise.
- It is an inmate privilege that they don't want to have taken away, and thus can be used as a way to control behavior.
- It keeps unwanted contraband from entering the facility in the physical mail.
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Smart Communications inmate emailing and texting, scroll down for more information about it or call the jail at 337-491-3800.
Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center
Address:
5410 East Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Phone:
337-491-3800
Exchanging email messages and photos with an Inmate
Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center uses a secure messaging service call Smart Communications so that inmates can communicate electronically with friends and family members on the outside.

SmartMail allows inmates to communicate safely and quickly with family and friends outside of the jail, prison or detention center. Inmates send and receive electronic letters using a safe and secure computer kiosk or tablet stationed in their institution. THE COST IS JUST $0.50 CENTS; cheaper than a postage stamp and envelope.
- The message can be sent with postage paid and will be free to open and read for the recipient.
- Or, the message can be sent collect / "COD" for free and will be paid for by the recipient.
- To send or receive a message you MUST open a SmartJailMail.com account.
- Once you open an account, you may search for inmates, prisoners, or detainees to connect with.
- When you locate the inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
- They will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.
- Sending messages with SmartMail is just like sending an e-mail, except it is contained within the SmartJailMail web site. Messages can be delivered instantly or may be held for review depending on the destination facility.
- Electronic messages are delivered much more quickly than traditional paper mail to the correctional facility so you can stay connected.
More information on how to send and receive messages and photos with an inmate.
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Smart Communications provides the SmartJailMail digital communications system, enabling two-way electronic messaging, photo sharing, and digital mail delivery for county jails and correctional facilities across the United States. Messages and approved digital photos clear electronic screening in hours, eliminating postal delays.
Important: Postal Mail Transition and Digital Message Credits Vary
Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, and traditional postal mail rules differ across correctional agencies. While some facilities still allow regular handwritten letters, many facilities utilizing Smart Communications have completely eliminated physical mail delivery, redirecting postal letters to a central scanning hub or mandating direct digital messaging, which you can verify by checking facility rules. If you do not register online and purchase message credits immediately, your loved one may face lengthy communication delays while waiting for updates from home.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Register and Send Messages
- Visit www.smartjailmail.com and click Sign Up to create a free user profile.
- Verify your email address and primary telephone number.
- Search for the inmate by selecting the state, detention facility, and entering their legal name or booking ID.
- Send an electronic contact connection request to link your account to the inmate's profile.
- Purchase a messaging credit bundle using a debit or credit card.
- Compose your message in the text editor and attach approved JPEG photos if permitted by facility guidelines.
- Submit your message to the facility's screening queue.
What the Inmate Needs to Do
All electronic correspondence is screened by facility staff before delivery. Once approved, messages appear in the inmate's inbox on their housing unit Smart Communications kiosk or tablet. The inmate opens the message, views attached photos, and types an electronic reply using their available credits.
Official Provider: SmartJailMail Official Website
Customer Service Telephone: 1-888-253-5178
Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM EST
Supported Languages: English and Spanish
Other Services Provided by Smart Communications
In addition to Two-Way Messaging, Smart Communications operates video visitation and phone services at participating facilities:
- Remote Video Visitation: Schedule and join live face-to-face video visits from your computer or smartphone.
• Learn more on our website: Video Visitation Guide | • Visit official vendor page: SmartJailMail Video Visits - Smart Inmate Phone Services: Prepay for phone calling credits so your loved one can call your mobile phone directly.
• Learn more on our website: Inmate Phone Time Guide | • Visit official vendor page: Smart Inmate Calling