Communication Guide

How to Contact Someone

Learn how to communicate with an incarcerated individual through Securus messaging, telephone calls, video visits, and traditional postal mail.

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Information You Will Need

Before trying to contact someone, review their All-In Connections profile and write down their full name, Washington DOC number, and current correctional facility.

Communication options vary by facility, account status, approval requirements, technology availability, and current Washington Department of Corrections rules.

Before You Begin

Gather the correct information before creating an account or sending communication.

1

Full Name

Use the incarcerated individual’s full name as shown on their profile or official DOC record.

2

DOC Number

The Washington DOC number helps Securus and the facility identify the correct individual.

3

Current Facility

Confirm the person’s current correctional facility because transfers may affect contact information.

Available Contact Options

Follow the instructions for the communication method you would like to use.

1

Create a Securus Account

A Securus account may be needed for messaging, telephone funding, and video communication.

Steps to Get Started

  1. Visit the official Securus website or download the official Securus Mobile app.
  2. Select the option to create or register an account.
  3. Enter your legal name, email address, telephone number, and requested account information.
  4. Verify your email address or telephone number if verification is requested.
  5. Search for or add the incarcerated individual using their name, DOC number, state, and facility.
  6. Review which services are available for that individual and facility.
Important: Use your correct legal information when registering. Video visitation information may need to match your government-issued identification.
Visit Securus Securus Mobile App
2

Send a Securus Message

Electronic messages may be available through the person’s facility.

  1. Sign in to your Securus account.
  2. Add or select the incarcerated individual from your approved contacts.
  3. Open the messaging or eMessaging section.
  4. Purchase message credits or stamps if required.
  5. Write your message and review it before submitting.
  6. Submit the message and allow time for screening and delivery.

Messaging Reminders

  • Messages may be screened or monitored.
  • Delivery may follow the facility’s processing schedule.
  • Attachments, photographs, eCards, and VideoGrams may depend on availability.
  • Do not include prohibited, threatening, illegal, or sexually explicit content.
Securus Messaging Washington DOC Information
3

Receive Telephone Calls

Incarcerated individuals generally place outgoing calls through the facility’s telephone system.

  1. Create or sign in to your Securus account.
  2. Add the telephone number where you want to receive calls.
  3. Select the available telephone account or funding option.
  4. Add funds when required and review any applicable rates or transaction fees.
  5. Give the incarcerated individual your correct telephone number through an approved communication method.
  6. Answer the call and follow the recorded instructions to accept it.
Call rules: Calls may be recorded and monitored. Three-way calling, call forwarding, or other prohibited custom calling features should not be used.
Washington DOC Phone Rules Securus Calls
4

Schedule a Video Visit

Video communication may require visitor approval, identity verification, and advance scheduling.

  1. Confirm that you are eligible and approved to visit the incarcerated individual.
  2. Create a Securus account using your legal first name, last name, and date of birth.
  3. Add the incarcerated individual using their DOC number and facility.
  4. Select Video Connect or the available video visitation option.
  5. Review available dates, times, rates, and equipment requirements.
  6. Schedule the visit and complete payment if required.
  7. Sign in early and test your camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection.

Video Visit Reminders

  • Use a suitable, private, and well-lit location.
  • Have identification available if requested.
  • Follow facility dress and conduct rules.
  • Do not allow an unapproved person to join the session.
  • Video visits may be monitored, delayed, interrupted, or cancelled.
Washington DOC Video Visits Securus Video Connect
5

Send Postal Mail

Traditional letters remain an important way to build communication.

  1. Confirm the incarcerated individual’s full name, DOC number, facility, and current mailing address.
  2. Review the facility’s current mail rules before preparing the envelope.
  3. Write the individual’s full name and DOC number clearly.
  4. Include the complete facility mailing address.
  5. Include your full return name and address.
  6. Mail only approved correspondence or property.

General Address Format

Incarcerated Individual’s Full Name

DOC Number

Correctional Facility Name

Facility Mailing Address

City, State ZIP Code

Mail warning: Do not send cash, personal checks, stamps, prohibited items, third-party correspondence, or anything not allowed by the facility.
Washington DOC Mail Rules

Communication and Safety Reminders

Take time to build trust and make informed decisions.

Protect Personal Information

Be cautious before sharing your home address, workplace, financial information, account passwords, Social Security number, or other sensitive details.

Take Your Time

Build communication gradually. You are never required to send money, accept calls, schedule a visit, or continue a connection.

Follow Facility Rules

Each facility and communication provider may have its own rules, approval requirements, schedules, rates, and restrictions.

Report Serious Concerns

Contact the appropriate facility, communication provider, financial institution, or law enforcement agency if you believe fraud, threats, harassment, or illegal activity has occurred.

Common Contact Questions

Can I call the incarcerated individual directly?

In most situations, the incarcerated individual must place the outgoing call. You may need to create or fund an approved Securus telephone account to receive it.

Why has my message not been delivered yet?

Messages may be delayed because of screening, facility schedules, account issues, system maintenance, transfers, restrictions, or service availability.

Does an All-In Connections profile make me an approved visitor?

No. All-In Connections is a separate, independent platform. Facility visitor approval must be completed through the applicable Washington DOC process.

Can All-In Connections fix my Securus account?

No. Account access, payments, refunds, technical problems, message delivery, call connections, and video scheduling must be handled through Securus or the applicable correctional facility.

What should I do if someone has transferred facilities?

Confirm the person’s current facility and mailing information before sending mail, scheduling visits, or adding funds. Contact All-In Connections if a published profile needs to be updated.

Independent Platform Notice

All-In Connections does not own, operate, control, or manage Securus Technologies, Washington State Department of Corrections communication systems, correctional facilities, postal services, telephone services, or video-visitation systems. All pricing, approval, scheduling, delivery, monitoring, account, and technical matters are controlled by the applicable provider or correctional facility.

Ready to Make a Connection?

Browse available connection profiles and review the individual’s name, DOC number, facility, biography, and preferred communication information.

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