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 Chautauqua County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Chautauqua County Jail 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 Chautauqua County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Chautauqua County Jail

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 Chautauqua County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Chautauqua County Jail?

   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 Chautauqua County Jail?

   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 Chautauqua County Jail. 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 Chautauqua County Jail. 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 Chautauqua County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Chautauqua County Jail
   15 E Chautauqua St
   Mayville, NY 14757
   Phone: (716) 753-4935

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Chautauqua County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Chautauqua County Jail 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 (716) 753-4935 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 Chautauqua County Jail?

   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 Chautauqua County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Chautauqua County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Chautauqua County Jail 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 Chautauqua County Jail?

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

   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 Chautauqua County Jail 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 Chautauqua County Jail, 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

Building maintenance skills and therapeutic support create pathways for personal development at Chautauqua Jail in Maryville, NY. The facility's offerings focus on providing those incarcerated with structured opportunities to develop practical abilities and address underlying challenges. These programs typically emphasize security and safety while creating an environment where participants can work toward meaningful change during their time in custody.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility's development approach. Those incarcerated may participate in high school diploma programs designed to help complete their secondary education. These educational offerings often include structured learning environments that allow participants to work at their own pace while maintaining the security protocols essential to facility operations. The programs typically provide foundational skills that can support successful reintegration into the community.

Moreover, therapeutic programs address the mental health and emotional well-being of participants. Mental health support services may furnish individual and group counseling opportunities, helping those incarcerated develop coping strategies and address personal challenges. The facility often includes building maintenance programs that teach practical skills while contributing to facility upkeep. These therapeutic offerings typically combine skill development with structured daily routines, creating opportunities for participants to build confidence and prepare for their eventual release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and peer relationships form the backbone of the social environment for those incarcerated at Chautauqua Jail in Mayville, NY. The facility currently maintains structured daily routines that begin with morning counts and continue through scheduled programming periods. Those incarcerated typically participate in organized activities that furnish opportunities for meaningful social interaction throughout the day.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where residents develop supportive relationships with their peers. The facility provides communal dining areas where meals serve as important social gathering times. Moreover, recreational periods allow those incarcerated to engage in group activities, exercise programs, and informal conversations that help maintain their sense of community connection.

Visitation policies typically support regular contact between those incarcerated and their families through scheduled visiting hours and phone privileges. Work assignments within the facility often create collaborative environments where residents can build teamwork skills and positive relationships. Whereas some programming focuses on individual development, group-based activities continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy social bonds and preparing for successful reintegration with their home communities upon release.