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 Belmont Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Belmont Correctional Institute 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 Belmont Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Belmont Correctional Institute

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 Belmont Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Belmont Correctional Institute?

   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 Belmont Correctional Institute?

   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 Belmont Correctional Institute. 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 Belmont Correctional Institute. 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 Belmont Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Belmont Correctional Institute
   68518 Bannock Uniontown Rd
   St Clairsville, OH 43950
   Phone: (740) 695-5169

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Belmont Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Belmont Correctional Institute 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 (740) 695-5169 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 Belmont Correctional Institute?

   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 Belmont Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Belmont Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Belmont Correctional Institute 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 Belmont Correctional Institute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Belmont Correctional Institute, 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 Belmont Correctional Institute?

   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 Belmont Correctional Institute 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 Belmont Correctional Institute, 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 Belmont County Jail operates as a full-service correctional facility with comprehensive medical support, featuring around-the-clock medical staff coverage with nine nurses and a 24-hour on-call medical director physician to address both routine healthcare needs and emergency situations. The facility maintains specialized transport services through dedicated personnel who facilitate court appearances and other inmate requirements, while also providing support through Jail Inmate Support Officers who assist with various prisoner needs throughout their incarceration.

Beyond the medical and transport services, the facility typically may offer educational programming to help inmates work toward their GED or improve basic literacy skills during their time in custody. Counseling services often include substance abuse programs, mental health support, and pre-release planning to help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community. The jail may also provide religious services and chaplaincy programs, along with limited vocational training opportunities that focus on developing practical skills for employment upon release.

Given its role in housing individuals facing various charges from minor traffic offenses to serious felonies, including those awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state institutions, the Belmont County Jail likely emphasizes programs that address the diverse needs of its population. These may include anger management classes, life skills workshops, and family communication programs that help maintain important relationships during incarceration. The facility’s comprehensive approach to inmate services reflects its commitment to providing appropriate care and support for the 144-bed capacity that serves both male and female populations.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Belmont County Jail operates as a full-service facility housing up to many individuals, with dedicated housing areas for 120 male and 24 female prisoners. Inmates at this facility may include individuals facing charges ranging from minor traffic violations to serious felonies, as well as those awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state institutions. The facility maintains around-the-clock medical coverage with nine nurses and an on-call physician, ensuring that inmates receive appropriate healthcare for both routine needs and medical emergencies that can be handled in-house.

Communication with family and friends typically follows structured policies, with the jail implementing a general inmate mail policy that became effective August 1, 2021. Inmates may generally receive correspondence from approved contacts, though specific guidelines and restrictions often apply to ensure facility security. The jail staff, including corrections officers working various shifts under supervision of sergeants and corporals, maintains daily operations and security protocols throughout the facility.

Transportation needs are handled by dedicated transport personnel, including a transport sergeant and four transport deputies who facilitate court appearances and other necessary inmate movements. The facility serves not dedicated the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office but also provides detention services for police departments throughout the county and federal agencies as needed. Inmates typically follow structured daily schedules that may include meals, recreation periods, and access to basic services, all coordinated by the jail’s administrative staff and corrections officers who ensure both security and basic inmate welfare.