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 County of Santa Clara Main Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main Jail.

Frequently asked questions about County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main Jail?

   Mailing address:

   County of Santa Clara Main Jail
   150 W Hedding St
   San Jose, CA 95110
   Phone: (408) 299-2306

   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 County of Santa Clara Main Jail?

   Visiting hours at County of Santa Clara Main 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 (408) 299-2306 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 County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at County of Santa Clara Main Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main 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 County of Santa Clara Main 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

The multifaceted approach to personal development within Santa Clara County Jail reflects a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of individuals during their incarceration. Rather than viewing confinement merely as punishment, the facility typically embraces a philosophy that recognizes each person's potential for growth and transformation. This comprehensive framework encompasses educational advancement, practical skill development, and holistic support services designed to foster meaningful change and prepare individuals for successful community reintegration.

Educational initiatives often form the cornerstone of personal development opportunities, with individuals frequently able to pursue literacy improvement, GED completion, and various academic subjects that may enhance their knowledge base. Also available are vocational training opportunities that typically include hands-on instruction in trades such as welding, providing individuals with marketable skills that can translate into employment prospects upon release. These practical learning experiences often emphasize both technical proficiency and workplace readiness, helping participants develop the competencies necessary for sustainable career paths.

The facility's support services typically encompass a broad spectrum of rehabilitation programs designed to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Time management workshops often help individuals develop essential life skills, while physical fitness opportunities may promote both physical health and mental well-being. Also integral to the comprehensive approach are religious services, which frequently provide spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking such support. These varied therapeutic and developmental opportunities work collectively to create an environment where individuals can engage in meaningful self-improvement and prepare for their eventual return to society.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic sound of meal carts moving through housing units signals one of the most anticipated moments in each individual's day, marking not just feeding time but a brief respite from the structured routine that defines life within the facility. At present, individuals housed at Santa Clara County Jail follow a carefully regulated schedule that typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service, and continues through various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training sessions. The facility actively maintains order through regular security checks and structured movement between different areas, ensuring that individuals generally move in supervised groups during designated times throughout the day.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of shared housing units where individuals may be assigned to dormitory-style arrangements or smaller cells, depending on their classification level and available space. Personal property is usually limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases, which individuals can typically access on a scheduled basis to supplement their basic needs with additional food items, hygiene products, or writing materials. Also, the facility generally provides three meals daily in designated dining areas or delivered directly to housing units, with menus that aim to meet basic nutritional requirements while accommodating certain dietary restrictions or medical needs when properly documented.

However, daily life extends beyond basic necessities through various programs that offer structure and potential skill development opportunities. Recreational activities may include access to television viewing areas, limited outdoor exercise periods when weather and security conditions permit, and sometimes organized sports or fitness programs within designated spaces. Visitation policies typically allow individuals to maintain contact with family members and approved visitors during scheduled visiting hours, while communication options generally include monitored telephone access and written correspondence that follows established mail procedures. Work assignments within the facility often provide individuals with opportunities to contribute to daily operations through tasks such as food service assistance, facility maintenance, or administrative support, which may also offer modest compensation that can be applied toward commissary purchases or other approved expenses.