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 Adams County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Adams County Sheriff 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 Adams County Sheriff.

Frequently asked questions about Adams County Sheriff

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 Adams County Sheriff.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Adams County Sheriff?

   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 Adams County Sheriff?

   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 Adams County Sheriff. 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 Adams County Sheriff. 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 Adams County Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Adams County Sheriff
   210 W Broadway Ave
   Ritzville, WA 99169
   Phone: (509) 659-1122

   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 Adams County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Adams County Sheriff 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 (509) 659-1122 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 Adams County Sheriff?

   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 Adams County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Adams County Sheriff?

   You can send money to an inmate at Adams County Sheriff 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 Adams County Sheriff?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Adams County Sheriff, 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 Adams County Sheriff?

   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 Adams County Sheriff 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 Adams County Sheriff, 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 Adams County Jail operates as a 30-bed correctional facility within the Adams County Sheriff's Office in Ritzville, Washington, serving both misdemeanor and felony offenders with various support services designed to assist those in custody. Under the supervision of the Jail Commander, the facility typically maintains communication services that allow inmates to make phone calls to maintain family connections, while also providing a structured mail system for correspondence. The facility may offer basic educational programming and counseling services that are common among Washington state correctional institutions, though specific program details would need to be confirmed directly with the Corrections Center.

Inmates at the facility often have access to medical services coordination, particularly regarding prescription medications, which requires specific protocols for outside medication delivery. The jail typically provides commissary services that allow inmates to receive money deposits for personal items and necessities during their stay. Like many county facilities in Washington, Adams County Jail may offer substance abuse counseling, anger management programs, and basic life skills workshops, depending on the length of stay and individual needs assessment. Those seeking specific information about available programs, visitation schedules, or bail procedures are encouraged to contact the Corrections Center directly, as services and schedules may vary based on facility capacity and current operational requirements.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Adams County Jail operates as a 30-bed facility within the Adams County Sheriff's Office in Ritzville, Washington, housing both misdemeanor and felony offenders in a structured environment. Inmates typically begin each day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled activities that may include work assignments, educational programs, or recreational time depending on their classification level. The facility's compact size often allows for more personalized attention to individual needs, though daily routines generally follow standard correctional protocols with designated times for meals, medication distribution, and facility maintenance duties.

Communication with family and friends remains an important aspect of daily life, with inmates typically having access to telephone services during designated hours. The jail's phone system usually operates on a collect-call or prepaid account basis, allowing inmates to maintain contact with their support networks. Mail delivery typically occurs on regular business days, providing another vital connection to the outside world. For those awaiting visits, the facility maintains specific visitation schedules and procedures, though exact times and requirements may vary based on security classifications and facility operations.

The relatively small capacity of the Adams County Jail often means inmates may experience a more controlled environment compared to larger facilities, with staff potentially able to provide more individualized attention to daily needs and concerns. Medical needs are typically addressed through scheduled sick calls and medication distribution times, while meals are served at standard intervals throughout the day. Inmates may also participate in facility maintenance duties or other work assignments as part of their daily routine, contributing to the overall operation of the jail while potentially gaining valuable skills or simply maintaining a sense of purpose during their incarceration.