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 City Sheriff Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at City Sheriff Office 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 City Sheriff Office.

Frequently asked questions about City Sheriff Office

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 City Sheriff Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to City Sheriff Office?

   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 City Sheriff Office?

   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 City Sheriff Office. 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 City Sheriff Office. 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 City Sheriff Office?

   Mailing address:

   City Sheriff Office
   417 Cumberland St
   Bristol, VA 24201
   Phone: (276) 645-7430

5. What are the visiting hours at City Sheriff Office?

   Visiting hours at City Sheriff Office 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 (276) 645-7430 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 City Sheriff Office?

   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 City Sheriff Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at City Sheriff Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at City Sheriff Office 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 City Sheriff Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At City Sheriff Office, 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 City Sheriff Office?

   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 City Sheriff Office 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 City Sheriff Office, 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 growth opportunities within Bristol Virginia Jail may furnish those incarcerated with pathways toward rehabilitation and successful community reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes structured learning environments that prioritize both security and personal development. These offerings often focus on building practical skills and addressing underlying factors that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Educational and vocational offerings form a cornerstone of the facility's approach to inmate development. Literacy programs may help those incarcerated improve basic reading and writing skills essential for future employment opportunities. Education programs often include GED preparation and basic academic instruction delivered in secure classroom settings. Additionally, vocational training typically provides hands-on experience in trades that align with local job market demands, helping participants develop marketable skills for post-release employment.

Support services and therapeutic offerings address the comprehensive needs of those incarcerated through evidence-based approaches. Cognitive behavioral programs may help participants identify and modify thought patterns that contribute to criminal behavior. The facility often includes trauma-informed care principles in service delivery, recognizing the impact of past experiences on current behavior. Community resource connections typically help those preparing for release establish links with local support services, while food service operations may provide practical work experience and job training opportunities within the secure facility environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and peer relationships now form the cornerstone of daily experiences for those incarcerated at Bristol Virginia Jail. The structured environment regularly provides opportunities for meaningful social connections through shared meals, recreation periods, and programming activities that help maintain community ties.

Housing arrangements typically place individuals in dormitory-style units or cells that accommodate multiple people, fostering natural interactions throughout the day. Those incarcerated generally follow a consistent routine that includes scheduled meal times in common dining areas, where conversations and relationships develop over shared experiences. Living spaces furnish basic amenities including bedding, storage for personal belongings, and access to commissary items that help maintain comfort and connection to the outside world.

Additionally, the facility offers various programs designed to strengthen family relationships and prepare individuals for successful reintegration into their communities. Visitation policies typically allow regular contact with family members and friends, while telephone and mail services provide ongoing communication opportunities. Work assignments within the facility often encourage teamwork and skill development, ranging from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks. While security protocols guide daily activities, recreational opportunities such as television viewing, reading materials, and physical exercise help maintain mental and physical well-being. Programming schedules may include educational classes, counseling sessions, and other structured activities that support personal growth and family connections.