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 Caroline Detention Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Caroline Detention Facility 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 Caroline Detention Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Caroline Detention Facility

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 Caroline Detention Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Caroline Detention Facility?

   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 Caroline Detention Facility?

   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 Caroline Detention Facility. 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 Caroline Detention Facility. 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 Caroline Detention Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Caroline Detention Facility
   11093 S W Lewis Mem Dr
   Bowling Green, VA 22427
   Phone: (804) 633-0043

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Caroline Detention Facility?

   Visiting hours at Caroline Detention Facility 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 (804) 633-0043 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 Caroline Detention Facility?

   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 Caroline Detention Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Caroline Detention Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Caroline Detention Facility 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 Caroline Detention Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Caroline Detention Facility, 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 Caroline Detention Facility?

   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 Caroline Detention Facility 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 Caroline Detention Facility, 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 Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia encounter a comprehensive framework designed to foster individual growth and skill development. The facility's approach emphasizes structured pathways that enable participants to build upon their existing capabilities while developing new competencies essential for successful reintegration. Through carefully coordinated offerings, the institution creates an environment where personal accountability intersects with practical skill acquisition, allowing those incarcerated to engage in purposeful activities that may contribute to their long-term stability and success.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's developmental approach, with education programs typically encompassing literacy enhancement, basic academic instruction, and opportunities for those seeking to complete their high school equivalency. These academic offerings often provide structured learning environments that accommodate varying skill levels and educational backgrounds. Additionally, vocational training initiatives may furnish participants with hands-on experience in practical trades and technical skills, creating pathways toward employment readiness that extend beyond the facility's walls. Such programs typically emphasize both theoretical knowledge and applied learning, ensuring that participants develop marketable competencies alongside foundational understanding.

The facility's support infrastructure encompasses therapeutic and practical service opportunities that address both personal development and institutional operations. Cognitive behavioral programs may offer structured approaches to decision-making, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation, providing participants with tools for managing challenging situations and developing healthier thought patterns. Additionally, work-based offerings such as janitorial services and laundry services create opportunities for those incarcerated to develop work habits, responsibility, and practical skills while contributing to facility operations. Creative writing initiatives may furnish expressive outlets that encourage self-reflection and communication skills, complementing the facility's broader emphasis on personal growth and constructive engagement.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and community connections form the foundation of resilience for those incarcerated at Caroline Detention Facility, where maintaining relationships with loved ones remains a central focus throughout their stay. The facility currently operates on a structured daily schedule that continues to emphasize both personal accountability and social interaction, beginning with early morning counts and proceeding through organized meal times, programming sessions, and recreational periods. Those incarcerated typically participate in a routine that furnishes stability while allowing opportunities for meaningful engagement with fellow residents and staff members.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where individuals may develop supportive relationships with their assigned roommates or dormitory companions. Additionally, the communal dining areas serve as natural gathering spaces where those incarcerated can maintain social connections during regularly scheduled meal times, often creating informal support networks that help newcomers adjust to facility life. While security protocols are consistently maintained, the environment typically allows for appropriate social interaction during designated periods throughout the day.

The facility usually offers various recreational activities and structured programming that furnish opportunities for personal growth and community building among residents. Those incarcerated may participate in educational sessions, vocational training, or religious services that encourage positive social interaction and skill development. Additionally, visitation policies generally allow family members and approved visitors to maintain regular contact, while telephone privileges and correspondence options continue to support vital connections with the outside community. Work assignments within the facility often provide those incarcerated with meaningful responsibilities while fostering teamwork and cooperation among participants in various departments.