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 Hampton Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Hampton 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 Hampton Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Hampton Jail
   135 High Ct Ln
   Hampton, VA 23669
   Phone: (757) 727-6203

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Hampton Jail?

   Visiting hours at Hampton 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 (757) 727-6203 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 Hampton 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 Hampton Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Communication and support services form a cornerstone of operations at Hampton City Jail, with comprehensive systems in place to help inmates maintain connections with family and community. The facility provides multiple communication options including inmate phone services, video visitation capabilities, tablet access, and friends and family messaging systems. These communication tools are supported by convenient funding methods, allowing families to add money to inmate accounts through onsite kiosks at both the Main Jail on High Court Lane and the Jail Annex on W. Pembroke Avenue, as well as through online platforms, phone services, and mail-in money orders.

Beyond communication services, Hampton City Jail typically may offer educational programming designed to support inmate rehabilitation and reentry preparation. Like many Virginia correctional facilities, the jail often includes basic literacy classes, GED preparation programs, and potentially vocational training opportunities that help inmates develop job skills for their eventual return to the community. Counseling services may also be available, including substance abuse programs, anger management classes, and mental health support services that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.

The facility’s approach to inmate services often extends to include religious programming, library access through approved book and magazine deliveries directly from publishers, and potentially work programs that provide inmates with structure and responsibility during their incarceration. All communications and activities are subject to monitoring and recording as part of the facility’s security protocols, ensuring that these supportive services operate within a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Hampton City Jail maintain connections with family and friends through several communication channels, including phone calls, video visitation, inmate tablets, and a friends and family messaging system. The facility operates two locations - the Main Jail at 135 High Court Lane and the Hampton Community Correctional Center at 1928 W. Pembroke Avenue - each serving different housing needs within the correctional system.

Communication typically forms a central part of the daily routine, with inmates able to make phone calls using funds loaded onto their accounts through the canteen system or via collect and prepaid options that families can establish. All communications are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Mail delivery provides another important connection to the outside world, though strict guidelines apply - letters must arrive in standard envelopes, and reading materials like books and magazines may dedicated be sent directly from publishers or distributors. Personal packages and bulk mail items are not permitted, and greeting cards are prohibited under facility policy.

The canteen system allows inmates to purchase approved items using funds that family members can deposit through various methods, including on-site kiosks that accept cash, debit, or credit cards, online transfers through Access Corrections, phone deposits, or money orders sent by mail. These funds typically support daily necessities and small comforts that help make incarceration more manageable. Like most Virginia correctional facilities, Hampton City Jail likely maintains structured daily schedules that may include meals, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods, though specific timing and availability of programs can vary based on security levels and facility capacity.