Rapides Parish Detention Center III Inmate Mail

Type of Mail Allowed for Rapides Parish Detention Center III

Rapides Parish Detention Center III Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Rapides Parish Detention Center III allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Rapides Parish Detention Center III also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Inmate's Full Name
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Inmate's Full Name
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Rapides Parish Detention Center III allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Rapides Parish Detention Center III standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Inmate's Full Name
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303


 

What is Inmate mail?

By law, every inmate is entitled to receive mail delivered through the United State Postal Service. While for years, this mail was always delivered in the form of a letter or a postcard from friends and loved ones directly to the inmate, the definition of inmate mail has changed a bit.

Inmate mail can be:

•    A letter in an envelope,
•    A postcard,
•    A greeting card, or
•    A digital letter

Because of security and contraband concerns, mainly the paper and envelope that a letter is written on or enclosed in, being soaked in a liquid form of drugs, many jails are increasingly limiting the type of mail inmates can get.

Some still allow regular mail in an envelope with a stamp, but many now have the letter sent to a third-party that opens the letter, scans it and the envelope into a computer, emails the letter to the jail where they print it out, giving the photocopies to the inmate, or they send it to a computer kiosk or tablet digitally that the inmate can access.

Others only allow postcards, specifically the white, pre-stamped postcards that you can purchase from the post office. 

When greeting cards are allowed, they can’t be cards with glitter, music or other do-dads. They can only be plain paper cards.

Some jails, in fact most, require that mail be written or typed with only black or blue ink. Some allow black pencils to be used.

None allow crayons, markers, lipstick prints, etc. 

All require white envelopes, white paper or lined paper such as from a pad. Very few allow paper that is card stock. It must be plain white, 20-lb. printer paper.

To see the inmate mail policies for Rapides Parish Detention Center III check out the inmate mail details above or call the jail at 318-449-4389 for specific information.

What is my inmate’s mailing address?

There are five different types of addresses for every jail:

1.    The physical address of the jail
2.    The mailing address for an inmate’s personal mail
3.    The mailing address for the inmate’s legal mail
4.    The mailing address for the jail’s administrative staff
5.    The mailing address for sending money to the inmate’s trust or commissary fund
       Visit the Inmate Money page for this information

In general, the only three addresses that friends and family of inmates need to be concerned about are:

•    The inmate address for personal mail.
•    The address for sending money orders to the inmate’s commissary account.
      Visit the Inmate Money page for this information.
•    The physical address of the jail.

Because this section is about mailing an inmate, the address for mailing an inmate is:

Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Inmate's Full Name
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303

or 
Inmate's Full Name
Inmate ID#
Rapides Parish Detention Center III
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303

If the red address is visible, then use that address, as that is the new address the jail is using for an inmate's personal mail to combat contraband entering the facility.

How do I mail a letter to an inmate in jail?

To mail a letter to an inmate in the Rapides Parish Detention Center III, first completely read all the mail policies and guidelines that are on this page. Also read any updated mail guidelines that are on the official page for facility. If you still have questions, then call the jail at 318-449-4389 and ask specifics.

It is important to understand that if even one thing is done incorrectly when sending a letter to the jail, even if everything else is done correctly, then your letter will not be delivered to the inmate.  In fact, even though the jail claims they will mail your letter back to you so that you will know it was not delivered, there is always the chance it will be disposed of. 

So here you are at home, wondering why your inmate is not responding to your letter, when in fact, they may not have even received it.

How do I address an inmate?

All mail to the inmate must be addressed as follows:

A full return address, which includes your full name and full address.  Without this the mail will not be delivered to the inmate.

A complete address to the inmate, including:

Full Name (name that they were booked under)
Inmate ID# (booking #, SO #, etc.)
Inmate’s Housing location (if you know it)
Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip code

Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Inmate's Full Name
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303



A letter that is not addressed completely may not get delivered. Keep in mind that often there is more than one inmate in a jail with the same name. You certainly don’t want the wrong inmate getting your private mail, do you?

If a letter is not delivered to an inmate, will they be notified?

Sometimes. There are some jails that will deliver you a notification that a letter which was intended for you was returned because it was either improperly addressed, did not have return address, contained contraband of some sort, had things written in it that were against mail and jail policies, or were sent by someone you were not allowed contact with such as co-defendant or someone the court had forbidden contact with such as a spouse in a domestic violence case.

Most of the time though, the letter is either returned or destroyed, and if there are illegal substances in the letter, it will be turned over to the Rapides Parish Sheriff or District Attorney for possible criminal investigation and/or indictment.

What can I send to an inmate by mail?

Generally nothing but a letter, printouts from a computer printer or photographs can be sent to an inmate in the mail. If there is anything else enclosed, the entire letter and the contents will be returned to you or destroyed.

There are a few exceptions to this, such as several county jails in New York, including the infamous Riker’s Island. Riker’s allows all kinds of things to be mailed to an inmate, including a box of items every month.

Can I send pictures to an inmate?

Every jail has their own policy regarding allowing inmates to receive photographs in the mail, if at all. For Rapides Parish Detention Center III’s policy, review the information on this page.

In general, most jails allow an inmate to have anywhere from four to six photographs in their possession at any one time. These cannot be polaroids, and the photos cannot be construed as even mildly sexual (such as a woman or child in a bathing suit), gang related, drug related or violent.

Some jails allow only photocopied photos.

Some jails only allow photos that are sent digitally and must remain digital.

There are only a few jails that do not allow any photos of any kind.

If you are still uncertain as the policy regarding photographs at this facility, call them at 318-449-4389.

Can I send newspapers, magazines and books to an inmate in the Rapides Parish Detention Center III?

Most jails allow newspapers, magazines and books to be sent to an inmate, if they come directly from the publisher, such as directly from the newspaper or magazine themselves, or from the specific book publisher or trusted mail order source such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

There is often a limit of the quantity of books and magazines an inmate can either receive at one time, receive each month, or have in their possession at any one time. 

Hardcover books, or books with wire spiral binders are never allowed.

Any publications that portray or discuss violence, sex, gang activity, drugs, jail escapes or anything else against jail policies are not allowed and will be returned.

The policy of the Rapides Parish Detention Center III should be detailed on this page. However, if it is not, then call the jail at 318-449-4389 and ask.

Keep in mind that the address the publications should be mailed to is not always the mailing address of where the inmate gets their regular mail, the mail that is scanned and forwarded digitally to them.

The mailing address for publications is:

Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Inmate's Full Name
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303

or 
Inmate's Full Name
Inmate ID#
Rapides Parish Detention Center III
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303

Use the address in red if it is visible to you.

NOTE: There are a few New York jails that allow publications to be sent directly to them as opposed to having it sent through the publisher. One of the most notable exceptions is Riker’s Island in New York City.

How often can I send letters or cards to an inmate?

There is no limit to how often you can send letters or cards to an inmate. You are only limited to the types of letters and cards that you can send, considering Rapides Parish Detention Center III’s policies, which are outlined on this page.

How often can the inmate mail letters?

An inmate can mail letters as often as they like.  There is no limit to the number of letters that an inmate can write and send.  They are only limited by the number of stamps they can afford to purchase through commissary, and the amount of commissary spend that the Rapides Parish Detention Center III allows.

What is considered contraband in the mail?

Contraband is defined as anything that the jail does not allow to be mailed to an inmate, which is just about everything. The list would fill ten sets of encyclopedias. 

It easier to say what is allowed to be sent through the mail:

•    When allowed, a certain number of photographs.
•    When allowed, newspapers, magazines and books, if they are sent from a publisher.
•    When allowed, a care package of snacks, hygiene products or clothing from a commissary company that has contracted with the jail.

Can I send printouts from my computer to an inmate?

Some jails allow printouts of photographs and information to be sent to an inmate through the mail. Refer to the mail policy on this page or by calling the jail directly at 318-449-4389.

Can I send an inmate a package?

Many jails contract with companies that send food, hygiene products and/or clothing to inmates. These can be purchased and sent by friends and family on a weekly or monthly basis.

You can only send items from the one that your jail has a contract with. 

Check this page, the Money Page or the Commissary Page for further information, or call the jail at 318-449-4389 to see which one that the Rapides Parish Detention Center III works with.

Here are the commissary package companies, in alphabetical order, that provide this service to jails in the United States:

Access Securepak
Care A Cell
Commissary order
Correct Pay
Express Account
icare
Inmate Canteen
Jail ATM
Jail Pack Store (McDaniel Supply)
My Care Pack
Oasis (jailcanteen)
Prodigy Solutions
Tiger
Union Supply Direct

Can I send an inmate a gift?

The only gifts you can send an inmate must come from one of the stores above, and Rapides Parish Detention Center III must contract with them.

If I send something to an inmate that is not allowed, can the inmate or I get in trouble?

If the item that you send an inmate is illegal, then you and/or your inmate can get in trouble, otherwise if it is not illegal, it will just be destroyed or in some cases, returned to you.

Note that if you continue to send items that are considered contraband, some of your communication privileges with your inmate, such as visitation or phone calls, may be suspended.

Can I send an inmate postage stamps?

No, you cannot send postage stamps. Stamps must be purchased by the inmate through commissary. You can send them the money for stamps, but not the stamps.

How can an inmate get stamps while in jail or prison?

Stamps can be purchased in the jail commissary be the inmate.

If an inmate has no money, will the Rapides Parish Detention Center III give them stamps?

Yes. If an inmate is indigent, the jail will provide them 2-3 stamps, and an equal amount of envelopes and stationery each week. 

What happens if I send the inmate drugs or something that can be a weapon, will I get in trouble?

Yes. If you send the inmate drugs, a weapon or anything illegal, it will be turned over to the Rapides Parish Sheriff or District Attorney and it is most likely that you will be prosecuted. 

How do I Communicate by Email with an Inmate in Rapides Parish Detention Center III

Rapides Parish Detention Center III uses the services of correctpay.com (aka JailFunds) for you to deposit funds into your inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.

You can deposit money four different ways:

  • Deposit online at correctpay.com.
  • Deposit at the VendEngine kiosk in the jail lobby.
  • Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 855-836-3364
  • Deposit through their iOS or Android app.

Go directly here to send a message

Uploading photos to Inmate’s email
Make sure the file size is less than 5MB.
Also make sure your file is a .jpg, .jpeg or .gif.

correctpay.com Help, Contact and FAQ
24/7 Customer Service - 855-836-3364
Frequently Asked Questions

How to address your Inmate's Postcard or Envelope

Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Inmate's Full Name
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303

  • All personal mail sent to an inmate at the Rapides Parish Detention Center III must include the senders name and mailing address in the top left corner of the envelope or postcard.
  • Failure to include your return address will most likely result in your mail NOT being delivered and discarded.

Mailed Items NOT Allowed

If your inmate is mailed anything other than a letter or postcard (or sometimes) greeting cards it won't get through.
However as stated above, because of the increased smuggling of drugs, more and more jails are only allowing pre-stamped or metered, solid color or white postcards to be received by inmates, or even using a third-party service that scans the letters and delivers paper or digital copies.
Examples of prohibited items include:

  • Stamps and stickers.
  • Musical greeting cards.
  • Altered mail such as perfumed or lipstick covered.
  • Paper with any type of stains such as grease.
  • News clippings.
  • Crayon, felt tip or hand painted drawings.

POLICIES REGARDING MAILING PHOTOS TO Rapides Parish Detention Center III

  • Photos should not exceed 4 inches high x 6 inches wide.
  • Send no more than five photos at one time.
  • Polaroid Photos are prohibited.
  • Photos of weapons are prohibited.
  • Photos of drugs, the consuming of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
  • Photos of lewd behavior or people exhibiting too much skin is prohibited.

Important Mail Tips

  • Mail is always scanned and inspected for contraband, obscenity and other rule infractions.
  • Assume that everything you write will be read by jail staff and can and will be used against you or your inmate in court.  
  • Never write anything about the inmate's court case you wouldn't want read aloud in court.
  • Mail is considered by the jail to be a privilege. Any violations of the mail policies can result in the inmate's mail privileges being suspended.
  • The introduction of contraband by you into the jail through the mail could result in criminal charges being filed against both you and the inmate.

Rapides Parish Detention Center III Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Rapides Parish Detention Center III there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Rapides Parish Detention Center III:
Rapides Parish Detention Center III
Inmate's Full Name
7400 Academy Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303


For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.


 

Rapides Parish Bail Bond Information

Because Rapides Parish and Louisiana can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Rapides Parish Detention Center III at 318-449-4389, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Rapides Parish Detention Center III or the Rapides Parish Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to pay it?
  4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
  5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
  6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.


 

How to Send Money to an Inmate in Rapides Parish

To send commissary money to an inmate in Rapides Parish Detention Center III follow these steps:

  • Register with correctpay by creating an account.
  • Select Louisiana, then select Rapides Parish Detention Center III, and then the inmate you want to send money to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to send, and input your payment method.
  • You can deposit money four ways:
  • Deposit online at correctpay.com.
  • Deposit at the VendEngine kiosk in the Rapides Parish Detention Center III lobby.
  • Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 855-836-3364
  • Deposit through their iOS or Android app.

For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account, what the fees are, how long it takes to hit their account and more, check out our full money and commissary guide for Rapides Parish Detention Center III.


 

How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Rapides Parish Detention Center III?

To receive phone calls from an inmate in Rapides Parish follow these instructions:

Rapides Parish Detention Center III uses the services of NCIC for inmate phone calling. It is called a ‘friends & family account”.

In order to receive phone calls from your inmate, you need to do the following:

  • Register here, or by phone 800-943-2189
  • Choose Louisiana.
  • Choose Rapides Parish Detention Center III
  • Select your Inmate.
  • Enter the phone number your Inmate will be calling.
  • Fund your Account. ($10-$100 at a time)

NOTE:
1.   You cannot receive any calls to your phone number from your inmate until both you and your phone number are registered.
2.  When you do receive a call, the number you will view on your phone from the incoming call is: 800-943-2189.
3.  When allowed by Rapides Parish Detention Center III, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.

Fees

  • Adding funds to your account - $3.00 
  • Cost of phone call of a Prepaid Collect Account - $0.21 per minute
  • Cost of an interstate (ex. Louisiana to a different state) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost of an intrastate (ex. Louisiana to Louisiana) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost if you set up your account (or fund it) by phone using a live agent, you will be charged a one-time fee of $5.95.

NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]
Full list of participating jails.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Rapides Parish inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, fees, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.


 

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account in Rapides Parish Detention Center III

To deposit money into the account of an inmate in Rapides Parish, follow these instructions:

  • Create an account with Touchpay Services, a GTL company.
  • Select Louisiana.
  • Select Rapides Parish Detention Center III
  • Enter the Inmate ID of your inmate.  This can be found by calling 318-449-4389 or by looking up the inmate's name in the Inmate Search link.
  • Enter your billing information and send money.
  • You can also deposit cash using the kiosk at the Rapides Parish Detention Center III.  To do this you need the Inmate's ID Number and the Facility Locator Number for Rapides Parish.

For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.


 

How to Have Remote Video Visits and 'At the Jail' Visits with an Inmate in Rapides Parish

To register and sign up for a remote visitation account with correctpay.com to communicate with your Rapides Parish Detention Center III inmate, follow the instructions below:

Rapides Parish Detention Center III uses the services of correctpay.com (aka JailFunds) for you to schedule and visit your inmate via remote video visitation.

You can ‘video visit’ your inmate one of three ways:

  • Visit from your home computer.
  • Visit from the correctpay VendEngine Kiosk in the Rapides Parish Detention Center III lobby.
  • Visit by using the JailFunds iphone or Android app

Begin the process to schedule a visit:

  • Register by creating an account.
  • Add a payment method.
  • Select Louisiana
  • Select Rapides Parish Detention Center III
  • Select your inmate
  • Schedule a visit.

24/7 Customer Service - 855-836-3364

For all the information on remote video visits and 'at the jail' visitation for Rapides Parish Detention Center III, including fees, schedules, how it works and more, check out our Visit Inmate Page.


 

How to Send a Secure Email or Text Message to an Inmate in Rapides Parish

To send a secure email message and digital photos to an inmate in Rapides Parish Detention Center III follow these steps:

  • Register with correctpay by creating an account.
  • Select Louisiana, then select Rapides Parish Detention Center III, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Choose the amount of money you want to spend, and input your payment method. The funds can also be used by the inmate to send a message back to you.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court... So be careful what you write.
  • Uploading photos to Inmate’s email
    Make sure the file size is less than 5MB.
    Also make sure your file is a .jpg, .jpeg or .gif.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Rapides Parish Detention Center III and send them photos, check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Rapides Parish. 
24/7 Customer Service - 855-836-3364


 

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