How to Send Mail to Someone at Chesapeake Jail (addressing, scanning, and legal mail rules)

Chesapeake runs a two-track mail system. Regular personal mail (postcards, letters, greeting cards) goes to a Securus DMC PO Box for processing. From there, it's scanned so the inmate can read it on their tablet. Legal mail and a few other categories skip that process entirely. Those need to go directly to the Chesapeake facility.

For regular inmate postal mail, use the Securus DMC mailing address below. This is where Chesapeake routes routine mail to be scanned and delivered digitally. Inmate Name and Securus ID# Chesapeake, VA c/o Securus DMC PO BOX 22706 Tampa, FL 33622

• ✓ Print the inmate’s full name clearly on the outside of the envelope or postcard
• ✓ Include the inmate’s Securus ID number clearly on the outside so it posts to the correct account
• ✓ Add a clear return address on the outside of the envelope or postcard

Once USPS delivers your letter, it gets scanned into the system rather than handed over as physical paper. The scanned images then show up on the inmate's tablet. This is why getting the name and Securus ID right matters so much. A small error can send the mail to the wrong digital account.

If the facility rejects your mail, you'll be notified with the reason. Rejections can apply to the entire piece of mail or just part of it. So if something doesn't show up as expected, keep an eye out for a rejection notice.

There's also a digital option. Friends and family can register an account with Securus Technologies to send and receive digital mail for Chesapeake inmates. If you'd prefer a more direct, tablet-based delivery method, this is worth looking into.

When Not to Send Tampa

• ✓ Legal mail (send directly to the Chesapeake facility)
• ✓ Court documents (send directly to the Chesapeake facility)
• ✓ Bank statements (send directly to the Chesapeake facility)
• ✓ Packages (send directly to the Chesapeake facility)
• ✓ Publications (send directly to the Chesapeake facility)

Practical Tips

• ✓ Use the correct regular-mail address (Securus DMC, PO BOX 22706, Tampa, FL 33622) for routine letters and cards
• ✓ Clearly print the inmate’s name and Securus ID number on the outside so it posts to the correct account
• ✓ Include a clear return address on the outside of the envelope or postcard
• ✓ Double-check the mail type before sending: legal mail, court documents, bank statements, packages, and publications must go directly to the Chesapeake facility (not the Tampa PO Box)
• ✓ If a letter does not get delivered, watch for a rejection notice that explains the reason (in whole or in part)

Since routine mail is scanned and posted to tablets, small addressing mistakes matter more than you'd think. Double-check the inmate's name and Securus ID before you send anything. If you want another way to stay in touch, registering with Securus for digital mail is a solid backup.