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 Berks County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Berks County Prison 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 Berks County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Berks County Prison

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 Berks County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Berks County Prison?

   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 Berks County Prison?

   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 Berks County Prison. 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 Berks County Prison. 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 Berks County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Berks County Prison
   1287 County Welfare Rd
   Leesport, PA 19533
   Phone: (610) 208-4800

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Berks County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Berks County Prison 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 (610) 208-4800 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 Berks County Prison?

   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 Berks County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Berks County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Berks County Prison 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 Berks County Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Berks County Prison, 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 Berks County Prison?

   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 Berks County Prison 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 Berks County Prison, 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

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation services at Berks County Jail, where inmates have access to various opportunities designed to address both immediate needs and long-term success. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that recognizes education, vocational training, and therapeutic support as essential components of meaningful change. Through structured programming, inmates may engage in services that build practical skills while addressing underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration.

Educational services often include GED preparation courses for those seeking to complete their high school education, along with vocational education programs that may provide hands-on training in marketable trades. Financial literacy instruction typically helps participants develop money management skills essential for successful reintegration into their communities. These educational opportunities are generally designed to accommodate different learning levels and may offer flexible scheduling to work around other facility obligations.

Furthermore, support services frequently encompass therapeutic communities where inmates can participate in group counseling and peer support activities. Physical fitness programs may provide structured exercise opportunities that contribute to both physical and mental well-being. Reentry preparation services typically focus on practical skills such as job search techniques, housing assistance, and community resource connections, helping inmates develop concrete plans for their transition back into society. These comprehensive services work together to address the multiple factors that influence successful rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of Berks County Jail define much of the physical reality that inmates navigate each day. This institutional environment, with its controlled lighting and regulated temperature, creates a setting where routines become essential for maintaining structure. The facility currently operates with housing units that accommodate varying security levels, and daily life continues to revolve around scheduled activities that provide predictability in an otherwise restrictive environment.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates generally have access to basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Meals are usually served at designated times in common dining areas, with inmates following established procedures for movement throughout the facility. Personal property is often limited to approved items, and the commissary may offer additional food items and personal care products that inmates can purchase. Although the physical space is confined, inmates typically adapt by establishing personal routines and finding ways to maintain privacy within the shared living arrangements.

Furthermore, structured programming schedules often include educational classes, religious services, and recreational activities that help inmates maintain connections to personal development. Work assignments within the facility may provide opportunities for inmates to contribute to daily operations while developing job skills. Visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with family members, and communication options typically include phone calls and written correspondence. Although the environment presents significant adjustments, many inmates find that participating in available programs and maintaining family connections helps them adapt to institutional life while preparing for eventual reintegration into the community.