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 Medium.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about FCI Petersburg Medium

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 Medium.

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

   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 Medium?

   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 Medium. 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 Medium. 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 Medium?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Petersburg Medium
   1060 River Rd
   Hopewell, VA 23860
   Phone: (804) 504-7200

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

   Visiting hours at FCI Petersburg Medium 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) 504-7200 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 Medium?

   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 Medium for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Medium 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 Medium, 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 becomes possible when structured opportunities meet individual determination. Those incarcerated at FCI Petersburg Med may access various offerings designed to build practical skills and support successful reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes security and safety while creating an environment where participants can develop both personally and professionally through consistent programming.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of available opportunities. Those incarcerated may pursue high school diploma programs to complete their secondary education. Additionally, broader education programs often provide pathways for continued learning and skill development. Vocational training offerings typically focus on practical trades that may enhance employment prospects upon release, giving participants hands-on experience in marketable skills.

Support services complement educational and vocational offerings through targeted programming. Cognitive behavioral programs may help participants develop better decision-making skills and address underlying behavioral patterns. Prison industries often provide structured work experience while teaching workplace responsibility and time management. Library services typically support both recreational reading and educational pursuits, while specialized training such as forklift operation may offer certification in equipment handling. These combined offerings work together to create a comprehensive approach to personal development within a secure environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds play a central role in shaping the daily experience for those incarcerated at FCI Petersburg Med. Today’s routine consistently revolves around structured activities that encourage positive interactions among residents while maintaining essential ties to the outside world. The facility’s medical focus means that healthcare appointments and treatments are integrated throughout the daily schedule, creating natural opportunities for peer support and community building.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop supportive relationships with their cellmates and unit neighbors. Additionally, the dormitory-style arrangements in some areas foster a sense of community, as residents often gather in common areas during designated recreation periods. Meals are served in communal dining halls where social interaction is encouraged, and residents frequently form lasting friendships over shared experiences and conversations.

While maintaining security protocols, the facility generally offers various recreational activities that furnish structure and promote social engagement. Those incarcerated may participate in organized sports, educational programs, and hobby groups that help build positive relationships. Work assignments throughout the facility typically include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and clerical positions that provide opportunities for skill development and teamwork. Communication with family members usually occurs through scheduled phone calls, video visits, and written correspondence, helping residents maintain crucial connections to their support systems outside the facility walls.