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 Danville Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Danville 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 Danville Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Danville 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 Danville Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Danville 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 Danville 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 Danville 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 Danville 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 Danville Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Danville Jail
   212 Lynn St
   Danville, VA 24541
   Phone: (434) 799-5130

5. What are the visiting hours at Danville Jail?

   Visiting hours at Danville 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 (434) 799-5130 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 Danville 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 Danville Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Danville Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Danville 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 Danville Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Danville 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 Danville 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 Danville 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 Danville 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

Through comprehensive programming initiatives, the Danville City Jail demonstrates its commitment to fostering personal growth and facilitating successful community reintegration for the population. The facility’s approach centers on addressing underlying factors that may contribute to criminal behavior while simultaneously building essential life skills and strengthening family connections. These multifaceted programs typically emphasize rehabilitation over punishment, creating an environment where participants can develop the tools necessary for meaningful transformation and sustained success upon release.

Educational and vocational programs form the cornerstone of the facility’s rehabilitative efforts, providing the population with opportunities to enhance their academic credentials and develop marketable job skills. The education programs may supply instruction in basic literacy, GED preparation, and adult learning opportunities that help participants complete their educational goals. Furthermore, vocational training initiatives often include hands-on instruction in various trades and technical skills, enabling individuals to acquire certifications and practical experience that can significantly improve their employment prospects and economic stability following incarceration.

The facility’s support services encompass a diverse array of therapeutic and creative programs designed to address behavioral patterns and promote emotional well-being. Cognitive behavioral programs typically focus on helping participants recognize and modify thought processes that may lead to problematic decision-making, while music programs and creative writing opportunities provide constructive outlets for self-expression and emotional processing. Additionally, identification document assistance often includes helping individuals obtain essential paperwork such as birth certificates, social security cards, and state identification, which are crucial for securing employment, housing, and accessing community services upon reentry into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

The carefully orchestrated organizational framework at Danville City Jail shapes every aspect of the population’s daily experience through systematic scheduling and structured supervision. The facility currently operates under established protocols that continue to guide residents through predictable routines, beginning with early morning counts and extending through evening lockdown procedures. Generally, the population follows a regimented schedule that typically includes designated times for meals, programming activities, and recreational periods, with staff coordination ensuring smooth transitions between different areas of the facility.

Furthermore, the living accommodations within the facility reflect the organizational emphasis on security and supervision, with the population housed in dormitory-style units or individual cells depending on classification levels and available space. Residents typically share common areas during designated periods, while personal property allowances are generally limited to essential items and approved commissary purchases. Although space may be restricted, the facility usually provides basic furnishing and bedding, with housing assignments often determined by factors such as security classification, medical needs, and behavioral considerations.

The structured programming schedules supply the population with various activities designed to maintain routine and provide constructive engagement throughout their stay. Recreation and exercise opportunities typically include access to outdoor areas or gymnasium facilities during scheduled periods, while work assignments within the facility may involve kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that help maintain daily operations. Additionally, visitation policies generally allow for scheduled contact with family members and approved visitors, with communication options often including telephone access and correspondence privileges that continue to support important family connections during incarceration.