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 Bedford County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Bedford 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 Bedford County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Bedford County Jail
   425 Imlertown Rd
   Bedford, PA 15522
   Phone: (814) 623-2955

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

   Visiting hours at Bedford 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 (814) 623-2955 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 Bedford 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 Bedford County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bedford 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 Bedford 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 Bedford 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 Bedford 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 Bedford County Correctional Facility operates through a comprehensive classification process that forms the foundation of its programming approach. This ongoing assessment system, which begins at intake and continues throughout an individual's stay, evaluates personal, criminal, institutional, psychological, medical, and social histories to determine appropriate housing, programming, and work assignments. This individualized approach ensures that services address both the specific needs of each person and the overall facility operations.

Building upon this classification framework, the facility typically provides educational programming that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy courses designed to improve academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills that support successful reintegration, while work assignments within the facility may offer hands-on experience in areas such as food service, maintenance, or janitorial services. Counseling services commonly address substance abuse issues, anger management, and cognitive behavioral programming, with mental health support available to address psychological needs identified during the classification process.

The facility maintains compliance with federal standards, including the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and operates under a non-discrimination policy that ensures equal access to programs regardless of sex, race, age, color, disability, religion, national origin, or political beliefs. Medical services are available on-site, and the facility may offer religious programming and recreational activities to support overall well-being. Family communication is typically supported through visitation programs and phone services, helping maintain important connections during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Bedford County Correctional Facility operates through a comprehensive classification system that shapes each individual's daily experience from the moment they arrive until their release. This ongoing process evaluates personal, criminal, institutional, psychological, medical, and social histories to determine appropriate housing assignments, programming opportunities, and work details throughout the facility. The classification approach ensures that daily routines and activities are tailored to address both individual needs and facility security requirements.

Inmates at BCCF typically follow structured daily schedules that may include meal times, recreational periods, educational programming, and work assignments based on their classification level. The facility maintains various housing units to accommodate different security classifications and individual needs, with daily routines often varying depending on housing placement and program participation. Communication with family and friends is generally facilitated through scheduled phone calls and correspondence, while visitation policies typically allow for regular contact with approved visitors during designated hours and days.

The facility emphasizes compliance with federal standards, including the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and maintains a non-discriminatory environment regardless of sex, race, age, color, disability, religion, national origin, or political beliefs. Daily life often includes access to medical services, recreational activities, and various programs designed to support rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration into the community. Inmates may participate in facility work assignments as part of their daily routine, contributing to facility operations while developing skills and maintaining structure in their daily lives.