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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Ashtabula County Sheriff Department

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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department.

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

   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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department?

   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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department. 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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department. 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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department?

   Mailing address:

   Ashtabula County Sheriff Department
   25 W Jefferson St
   Jefferson, OH 44047
   Phone: (440) 576-9046

5. What are the visiting hours at Ashtabula County Sheriff Department?

   Visiting hours at Ashtabula County Sheriff Department 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 (440) 576-9046 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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department?

   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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Ashtabula County Sheriff Department 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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department?

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

   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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department 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 Ashtabula County Sheriff Department, 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 Ashtabula County Jail operates from a five-floor facility that houses various essential services designed to support both daily operations and inmate welfare. With dedicated spaces including a medical clinic and nurse's station, the facility prioritizes healthcare access for residents. The jail's infrastructure also features a recreation area, kitchen, and laundry facilities, providing the foundation for programs that may help prepare inmates for successful reintegration into the community.

Healthcare services appear to be a significant focus at the facility, with an on-site clinic and nursing station providing medical care to residents. The jail may offer basic medical screenings, medication management, and emergency care as needed. Mental health support services could include counseling sessions and crisis intervention, though specific programming details would typically be coordinated through county health departments or contracted providers.

Educational and rehabilitative programming may include GED preparation classes, substance abuse counseling, and life skills training to help residents develop practical capabilities for their return to the community. The recreation area likely supports both physical fitness activities and structured programming that promotes positive social interaction. Work programs within the facility might involve kitchen duties, laundry operations, and general maintenance tasks that provide inmates with job skills while supporting daily facility operations. Religious services and family visitation programs are commonly available to help maintain important community and family connections during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Within the five-story structure at 25 W. Jefferson Street in Jefferson, inmates at Ashtabula County Jail navigate their days within a facility designed to house up to 97 individuals. The building's layout, which has served the community since opening in 1978, organizes daily activities across multiple floors that include dedicated spaces for medical care through an on-site clinic and nurse's station, meal preparation in the kitchen facilities, and physical activity in the recreation area.

Inmates typically follow structured daily schedules that may include designated meal times, recreation periods, and opportunities for laundry services within the facility's laundry area. The medical clinic and nurse's station provide access to healthcare services as needed, while the recreation area offers space for physical activity and social interaction during approved times. Communication with family and friends often follows established protocols, with visiting hours and phone call schedules designed to maintain important connections while ensuring facility security.

The multi-floor design of the facility allows for organized housing arrangements and program activities, though specific details about daily schedules, visitation policies, and communication procedures may vary. Families seeking information about visiting their loved ones or understanding facility procedures can typically contact the jail administration for current policies and schedules. Those interested in employment opportunities or additional facility information can often find resources through the county's official channels or by contacting the jail directly at (440) 576-3510.