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 County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Belmont County Sheriff's Office 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 County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Belmont County Sheriff's Office

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 County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Belmont County Sheriff's Office?

   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 County Sheriff's Office?

   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 County Sheriff's Office. 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 County Sheriff's Office. 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 County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Belmont County Sheriff's Office
   68137 Hammond Rd
   St Clairsville, OH 43950
   Phone: (740) 695-5124

5. What are the visiting hours at Belmont County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Belmont County Sheriff's Office 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) 695-5124 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 County Sheriff's Office?

   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 County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Belmont County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Belmont County Sheriff's Office 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 County Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Belmont County Sheriff's Office, 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 County Sheriff's Office?

   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 County Sheriff's Office 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 County Sheriff's Office, 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 capabilities, maintaining 24-hour medical staff coverage through nine nurses and an on-call medical director physician to address both routine healthcare needs and emergency situations. This medical infrastructure supports the diverse population housed at the facility, which includes individuals facing charges ranging from minor traffic violations to capital offenses, as well as those awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to state institutions. The facility's inmate support services are enhanced by two dedicated Jail Inmate Support Officers who work to address various prisoner needs and facilitate connections with resources.

Beyond the medical and support services, the facility typically may offer educational programming to help inmates work toward GED completion or basic literacy improvement during their incarceration. Vocational training opportunities often include job readiness workshops and skills development programs that prepare individuals for employment upon release. Counseling services may encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and behavioral modification programs designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

The jail's comprehensive approach extends to maintaining communication channels between inmates and their families through established mail policies, while transport services ensure inmates can attend court proceedings and access necessary external services. Religious services and recreational activities are commonly available to support inmates' spiritual and physical well-being during their stay. These programs work together to create a structured environment that addresses immediate custodial needs while potentially preparing individuals for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Belmont County Jail, a 144-bed facility housing up to 120 male and 24 female inmates, residents find themselves in a structured environment overseen by a comprehensive staff including 24 full-time corrections officers and medical personnel available around the clock. The facility serves individuals at various stages of the legal process, from those awaiting trial on minor traffic charges to those facing more serious offenses, creating a diverse population with different needs and circumstances. With nine nurses providing continuous medical coverage and an on-call physician available 24 hours a day, inmates typically receive prompt attention for health concerns, while more serious medical emergencies are handled in coordination with local hospital emergency room facilities.

Communication with family and friends follows established protocols, with the jail's general inmate mail policy having been updated as of August 2021 to ensure secure and efficient correspondence. The facility's transport team, consisting of one sergeant and four deputies, manages the daily movement of inmates to court appearances and other necessary appointments, maintaining the connection between residents and the legal proceedings that often determine their future. Throughout their stay, inmates may interact with various staff members, including jail support officers who help address daily needs and concerns within the facility's structured environment.