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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility
   901 Court St
   Martinez, CA 94553
   Phone: (925) 335-4600

   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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility?

   Visiting hours at Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 (925) 335-4600 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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 Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez 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

Communication with family and community remains a vital component of the rehabilitation process at Martinez Detention Facility, with the facility implementing a modern digital mail processing system through Pigeonly Corrections to ensure secure and efficient delivery of correspondence. This system, which processes all non-privileged mail through a centralized facility in Las Vegas, reflects the institution's commitment to maintaining family connections while prioritizing security protocols.

Beyond correspondence services, Martinez Detention Facility typically provides a range of rehabilitative programs designed to support individuals during their incarceration. Educational services may include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and adult education classes to help participants develop essential academic skills. The facility often offers vocational training opportunities that may focus on practical skills such as job readiness, computer literacy, or trade-specific training to enhance employment prospects upon release.

Counseling and support services likely form another cornerstone of the facility's programming approach. These may include substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and group therapy sessions addressing various behavioral and emotional challenges. The facility may also provide religious services, recreational activities, and life skills workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, parenting, and conflict resolution. Medical and dental care are typically available to address health needs, while library services and legal assistance programs may help individuals maintain their legal affairs and continue their education during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the experience for individuals housed at Martinez Detention Facility, operating under facility code 1117 within the Contra Costa County Sheriff's system. Since November 2022, all incoming non-privileged mail follows a digital processing system through Pigeonly Corrections in Las Vegas, where correspondence is scanned and converted to color copies before delivery to the facility. This streamlined approach typically ensures that personal letters and greeting cards reach their intended recipients without undue delay, though original documents are securely destroyed after processing rather than returned to senders.

The facility operates under comprehensive security regulations that govern daily routines and interactions, with policies subject to regular review and updates by the Custody Services Bureau. Residents may typically follow structured schedules that often include designated times for meals, recreation, educational programming, and communication periods. Mail delivery generally occurs according to established security protocols, with both incoming and outgoing correspondence processed in accordance with detention division guidelines that are made available to all individuals in custody.

Family connections remain important during incarceration, and the facility's mail system is designed to facilitate ongoing communication while maintaining security standards. Correspondence guidelines require proper addressing with booking numbers and facility codes, and all mail must include return addresses on envelopes no larger than 4 by 9½ inches. These communication channels, along with other typical correctional facility services, help maintain connections between residents and their support networks throughout their time at the Martinez facility.