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 Armstrong County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Armstrong County Jail
   171 Staleys Courts Rd
   Kittanning, PA 16201
   Phone: (724) 545-9222

5. What are the visiting hours at Armstrong County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Armstrong County 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 (724) 545-9222 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 Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Armstrong County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County 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 Armstrong County 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

The Armstrong County Jail emphasizes maintaining connections between incarcerated individuals and their support networks through comprehensive communication and visitation services. The facility utilizes IC Solutions for video visitation, requiring all visitors to register online at no cost before scheduling visits with residents. For those without internet access, registration and scheduling can be completed using computers available in the jail lobby, ensuring that technology barriers don't prevent family contact.

Financial support services play a crucial role in helping residents maintain stability during their incarceration. Through Access Corrections, families can deposit funds into residents' accounts either online or by phone, with a convenient kiosk available in the lobby that accepts Visa, MasterCard, or cash deposits. The SecurePak system allows loved ones to send care packages containing food, hygiene items, and clothing, with spending limits of up to $80 per quarter to ensure appropriate provision of personal necessities.

The facility may offer additional rehabilitation and reentry programs typical of Pennsylvania county jails, which often include educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and life skills training. Work release programs appear to be available, as indicated by application processes, which can provide valuable job experience and community connection for eligible residents preparing for release. These services, combined with the jail's focus on maintaining family relationships and providing basic needs, support the facility's mission of care and control while preparing individuals for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Armstrong County Jail operates with structured visiting procedures through IC Solutions, requiring all visitors to register online at no cost before scheduling sessions with inmates. Located at 171 Staley's Court Road in Kittanning, the 158-capacity facility maintains administrative hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, providing a framework around which inmate routines typically revolve.

Inmates at the facility may receive support from family and friends through the SecurePak system, allowing loved ones to order up to $80 per quarter in food, hygiene items, and clothing through pacountypackages.com. Financial support can be provided through Access Corrections online or by phone, with a lobby kiosk also available for those who prefer in-person transactions using Visa, MasterCard, or cash (excluding one-dollar bills). These services often provide inmates with supplemental items that may enhance their daily experience beyond standard facility provisions.

The jail, which opened in August 2003, operates under the oversight of a Prison Board including county commissioners, the district attorney, and other officials, suggesting a structured environment focused on community safety and inmate care. Work release applications indicate that some inmates may have opportunities for supervised employment outside the facility, potentially providing structure and purpose to their daily routines. As with most county facilities, daily life likely includes scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming activities, though specific details about these routines are not publicly detailed on the facility's website.