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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail 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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Alameda County Santa Rita Jail

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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Alameda County Santa Rita Jail?

   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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail?

   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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail. 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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail. 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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Alameda County Santa Rita Jail
   5325 Broder Blvd
   Dublin, CA 94568
   Phone: (925) 551-6500

   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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail?

   Visiting hours at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail 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 (925) 551-6500 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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail?

   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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail 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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Alameda County Santa Rita Jail, 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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail?

   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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail 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 Alameda County Santa Rita Jail, 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

Growth and development opportunities form the cornerstone of daily life for those incarcerated at Santa Rita County Jail. The facility typically emphasizes structure and safety while creating pathways for personal advancement. These offerings may furnish participants with practical skills and emotional support that often extend beyond their time in custody.

Educational initiatives and vocational training create meaningful opportunities for skill development. Those incarcerated may access literacy programs and basic education courses that help build foundational knowledge. Furthermore, vocational training opportunities often include hands-on instruction in trades and technical skills. These structured programs typically provide participants with marketable abilities that may support successful reintegration into their communities.

Rehabilitation programs and therapeutic offerings address both practical needs and emotional well-being. Grief counseling services may provide essential support for those processing loss and trauma. Furthermore, facility maintenance and laundry services create structured work opportunities that teach responsibility while contributing to daily operations. These support services often help participants develop routine and purpose during their incarceration while building skills for future independence.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and peer relationships often provide crucial support for those incarcerated at Santa Rita County Jail. These connections now serve as anchors during what can be a challenging period of adjustment. Those housed at the facility regularly participate in structured daily routines that begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by various programming opportunities and work assignments throughout the day.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated may be housed with one or more individuals. Dormitory-style arrangements are common, though some units may offer different configurations depending on classification levels. Furthermore, meals are generally served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, providing opportunities for social interaction among residents. The commissary system allows those incarcerated to purchase personal items and snacks, often supplementing the standard meal offerings.

Although security protocols govern daily activities, the facility typically offers various recreational opportunities that furnish structure and social engagement. Exercise periods, television viewing, and educational programming may be available depending on housing assignments and behavior standing. Visitation policies generally allow family members and approved contacts to maintain regular communication through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that provide both structure and opportunities for those incarcerated to contribute to the facility's operations while developing workplace skills.