How to Send Mail and Use Digital Mail for an Inmate at Chesapeake Jail

Regular inmate mail at Chesapeake doesn't go straight to the jail. Instead, it's routed to Securus DMC's PO Box in Tampa for processing. Why Tampa? Because regular mail - postcards, letters, greeting cards - gets scanned into the system. Once scanned, inmates view it on their tablets. You're mailing something physical, but they receive it digitally.

For regular letters, postcards, and greeting cards, use the Securus mail address exactly as Chesapeake lists it. The format matters - it tells Securus who the mail belongs to and which facility it's for. Address your envelope like this: Inmate Name and Securus ID# Chesapeake, VA C/O Securus DMC PO BOX 22706 Tampa, FL 33622 Double-check two things before you drop it in the mailbox: the inmate's name and their Securus ID number. Both must be clearly printed on the outside of the envelope or postcard, or the mail won't post to the correct account.

• ✓ Write the inmate’s full name clearly on the outside of the envelope or postcard.
• ✓ Include the inmate’s Securus ID number and make sure it’s easy to read.
• ✓ Use the full Tampa mailing address (with “Chesapeake, VA” and “C/O Securus DMC”) so it routes correctly.
• ✓ Avoid messy handwriting or missing details - unclear name/ID can keep mail from posting to the right account.

Not everything goes to Tampa. Chesapeake separates out items that need special handling or aren't part of the scanned-mail process. Send these directly to the Chesapeake facility: legal mail, court documents, bank statements, packages, and publications. If you send these to the Securus PO Box by mistake, expect delays - or the item may not be handled correctly at all.

Want to skip the post office? Chesapeake offers a digital option. Friends and family can register an account with Securus Technologies to send and receive digital mail. This works well if you need to communicate quickly or if you're having trouble getting a paper letter through. Just keep in mind that regular postal mail still gets routed through Securus and scanned for tablet viewing either way.

1. Create your Securus account - register so you can use their digital mail features.
2. Add your loved one - use their name and Securus ID number so your message attaches to the correct inmate account.
3. Write and send your message - once your account is set up, you can send digital mail through Securus.

If your mail gets rejected, Chesapeake can notify you with the reason - whether the whole item was rejected or just part of it. If you need to resend, act quickly and fix whatever caused the rejection so your loved one isn't left waiting.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ For regular letters/postcards/greeting cards, send mail to: Inmate Name and Securus ID# / Chesapeake, VA / C/O Securus DMC / PO BOX 22706 / Tampa, FL 33622.
• ✓ Make sure the inmate’s name and Securus ID number are clearly printed on the outside so it posts to the right account.
• ✓ Remember that regular postal mail is scanned and then viewed by the inmate on their tablet.
• ✓ Do not send legal mail, court documents, bank statements, packages, or publications to the Tampa PO Box - those go directly to the Chesapeake facility.