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 FCI Petersburg Low.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at FCI Petersburg Low 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 FCI Petersburg Low.

Frequently asked questions about FCI Petersburg Low

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 FCI Petersburg Low.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to FCI Petersburg Low?

   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 FCI Petersburg Low?

   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 FCI Petersburg Low. 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 FCI Petersburg Low. 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 FCI Petersburg Low?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Petersburg Low
   1100 River Rd
   Hopewell, VA 23860
   Phone: (804) 733-7881

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Friday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at FCI Petersburg Low?

   Visiting hours at FCI Petersburg Low 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 (804) 733-7881 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 FCI Petersburg Low?

   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 FCI Petersburg Low for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at FCI Petersburg Low?

   You can send money to an inmate at FCI Petersburg Low 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 FCI Petersburg Low?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At FCI Petersburg Low, 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 FCI Petersburg Low?

   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 FCI Petersburg Low 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 FCI Petersburg Low, 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 rehabilitation efforts, with inmates having access to comprehensive services designed to address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to rehabilitation, recognizing that successful reentry requires addressing educational gaps, developing marketable skills, and fostering positive behavioral changes. This multifaceted strategy often includes structured programming that builds upon individual strengths while addressing areas for improvement.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to pursue academic advancement through various levels of instruction. Basic literacy and numeracy programs often serve as foundational elements, while GED preparation courses help individuals complete their high school equivalency. Moreover, vocational training services typically focus on practical skill development in areas with strong employment prospects. Commercial driving (CDL) preparation and plumbing instruction represent examples of specialized training that may be available, offering inmates the chance to develop certified skills that translate directly to post-release employment opportunities.

Support services often encompass therapeutic and wellness-focused programming designed to address underlying factors that may contribute to criminal behavior. Cognitive behavioral programs typically help inmates develop critical thinking skills and healthier decision-making patterns. These evidence-based interventions may focus on anger management, substance abuse recovery, and social skills development. Additionally, wellness programs often promote physical and mental health through structured activities and educational components, recognizing that overall well-being plays a crucial role in successful rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Petersburg Low FCI feature dormitory-style accommodations where inmates typically share living spaces in open bay arrangements or smaller rooms. Inmates at present follow structured daily schedules that actively revolve around work assignments, meals, and programming activities. The facility generally operates on a regimented timeline that begins with early morning counts and extends through evening hours, providing inmates with predictable routines that help establish stability in their daily lives.

Living conditions typically include shared sleeping quarters with basic furnishings such as beds, lockers, and common areas where inmates can socialize during designated times. The dining hall serves meals at scheduled intervals, usually offering balanced nutrition that meets federal standards for correctional facilities. Inmates generally have access to commissary services where they can purchase personal items, snacks, and hygiene products using funds from their institutional accounts. Moreover, recreational opportunities often include outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness equipment, and organized sports activities that provide physical outlets and social interaction.

Work assignments actively engage inmates in various facility operations, from food service and maintenance to administrative support roles that help develop job skills. Whereas daily routines provide structure, programming schedules typically offer educational classes, vocational training, and counseling sessions designed to support rehabilitation goals. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges that allow inmates to maintain contact with loved ones. The facility generally provides email systems and video calling options that help bridge the distance between inmates and their support networks, contributing to the overall adjustment process within the correctional environment.