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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority 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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority.

Frequently asked questions about Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority

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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority?

   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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority?

   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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority. 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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority. 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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority?

   Mailing address:

   Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority
   1000 Broad St
   Bedford, VA 24523
   Phone: (540) 587-9282

5. What are the visiting hours at Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority?

   Visiting hours at Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority 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 (540) 587-9282 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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority?

   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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority?

   You can send money to an inmate at Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority 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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, 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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority?

   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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority 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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, 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 transformation begins with access to meaningful opportunities, and those incarcerated at Bedford County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania find themselves surrounded by structured pathways designed to foster growth and development. The facility's comprehensive approach emphasizes security and safety while creating an environment where individuals can build essential skills for successful reintegration. Through carefully designed offerings that prioritize structure and accountability, participants engage in evidence-based programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals.

Educational advancement forms the cornerstone of the facility's developmental approach. Vocational education offerings typically include hands-on training in trades that align with regional employment opportunities, allowing those incarcerated to develop marketable skills within a secure learning environment. GED preparation services may furnish individuals with the academic foundation necessary for further education or career advancement. Also, computer literacy programming often includes basic technology skills that have become essential in today's workforce, ensuring participants can navigate digital requirements upon release.

Therapeutic communities provide structured support systems where those incarcerated can address underlying issues while developing healthy coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills. These residential treatment environments typically emphasize peer support, accountability, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions delivered within the facility's secure framework. Also, housing assistance services may furnish pre-release planning and connections to community resources, helping individuals establish stable living arrangements that support their successful transition back into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and peer relationships often serve as vital lifelines for those incarcerated at Bedford County Correctional Facility. The facility currently operates on a structured daily schedule that continues to emphasize both personal accountability and community interaction. Those incarcerated typically begin their day with early morning counts, followed by breakfast in communal dining areas where conversations and social connections naturally develop. Work assignments and programming activities generally commence mid-morning, furnishing opportunities for skill development while maintaining social engagement throughout the day.

Housing arrangements typically consist of dormitory-style units or smaller cell blocks, where those incarcerated share living spaces that encourage peer support systems. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, creating regular opportunities for social interaction and community building. Also, recreational periods may include access to television rooms, outdoor exercise areas, and game facilities where friendships often form and existing relationships continue to strengthen. However, these activities operate within the facility's security protocols and supervision requirements.

The facility generally offers various communication options to help those incarcerated maintain connections with family members and loved ones on the outside. Visitation programs typically allow for regular face-to-face contact, while telephone access and correspondence services furnish additional means of staying connected. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles that provide structure and purpose to daily routines. Also, programming schedules often incorporate educational opportunities, counseling sessions, and group activities designed to support personal growth while fostering positive peer relationships throughout the incarceration period.