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 Del Norte Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Del Norte Sheriff's Office
   650 5th St
   Crescent City, CA 95531
   Phone: (707) 464-4191

   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 Del Norte Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Del Norte Sheriff's 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 (707) 464-4191 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 Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Del Norte Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's 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 Del Norte Sheriff's 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 and skill development form the cornerstone of inmate services at Del Norte County Jail, where a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation emphasizes building foundational capabilities for successful community reintegration. The facility typically focuses on addressing individual needs through structured programming that combines practical skill-building with personal development opportunities. This holistic framework often includes services designed to help inmates develop both hard and soft skills while addressing underlying factors that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational initiatives may provide inmates with opportunities to pursue basic literacy improvement, GED preparation, and continuing education pathways. These services often include individualized learning plans that accommodate varying educational backgrounds and learning styles. In addition to this, vocational training services typically offer hands-on instruction in marketable trades and technical skills. These programs may focus on areas such as construction, food service, or maintenance work, providing inmates with practical experience that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release.

Support services often encompass a broad range of rehabilitation programs designed to address substance abuse, mental health concerns, and behavioral modification. The facility may provide specialized veteran services that recognize the comprehensive needs of former military personnel, offering targeted resources and peer support networks. In addition to this, agriculture programs typically allow inmates to develop skills in farming, landscaping, or related fields while contributing to facility operations. These therapeutic services often emphasize personal responsibility, work ethic development, and the cultivation of positive social relationships that support long-term behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

Concrete walls and steel doors define the physical boundaries where inmates at Del Norte County Jail navigate their daily existence. The facility’s housing units typically feature dormitory-style accommodations or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Inmates now follow structured schedules that begin early in the morning and continue throughout the day. Count times occur regularly, providing checkpoints that organize the flow of daily activities.

Living conditions generally include basic furnishings such as bunks, storage areas for personal belongings, and shared bathroom facilities. Inmates typically adapt to limited personal space by organizing their few permitted possessions efficiently. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas or delivered to housing units, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided at consistent times. The commissary system allows inmates to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and other approved goods when funds are available through family deposits or work earnings.

In addition to this basic structure, the facility may offer various programs and activities that provide meaningful ways to spend time. Work assignments often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and facility maintenance tasks that help inmates earn modest wages while contributing to daily operations. Recreation opportunities typically include access to outdoor areas, television viewing, and reading materials from the facility library. Despite this structured environment, maintaining family connections remains important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges. These communication options generally allow inmates to stay in touch with loved ones, though specific policies regarding frequency and duration may vary based on security classifications and facility procedures.