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 Roads Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Hampton Roads Regional 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 Roads Regional Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Hampton Roads Regional Jail
   2690 Elmhurst Ln
   Portsmouth, VA 23701
   Phone: (757) 488-7500

5. What are the visiting hours at Hampton Roads Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Hampton Roads Regional 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) 488-7500 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 Roads Regional 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 Roads Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Digital communication technology has transformed how residents at Hampton Roads Regional Jail maintain connections with their families and support networks. The facility has implemented a modern messaging system where personal mail, including letters, pictures, and drawings from loved ones, is digitally delivered through the "Facility Messages" app on inmate tablets. This technological approach to correspondence allows for more efficient processing while maintaining important family connections that are crucial for successful reintegration.

The facility's telephone services, managed through GTL, provide residents with monitored calling options to stay in touch with family members and legal representatives. All telephone communications are recorded and subject to monitoring as part of standard security protocols. The facility maintains strict policies regarding three-way calling to ensure system integrity and security.

Beyond communication services, Hampton Roads Regional Jail may offer various educational and rehabilitative programs typical of regional correctional facilities in Virginia. These could include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, vocational training opportunities, and substance abuse counseling programs. The facility may also provide mental health services, religious programming, and reentry preparation assistance to help residents develop the skills and support systems necessary for successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the experience for individuals housed at Hampton Roads Regional Jail, with the facility having modernized its approach to inmate correspondence. Personal mail from family and friends, including letters, pictures, and drawings, is now delivered digitally through the "Facility Messages" app on inmate tablets rather than through traditional postal mail. This technological shift allows for more efficient and secure communication while maintaining important family connections that are vital to an individual's well-being during incarceration.

The telephone system, operated by GTL, provides another crucial link to the outside world, though all calls are recorded and monitored for security purposes. Family members and friends can contact GTL directly for information about calling options and procedures. The facility maintains strict policies regarding telephone use, including a prohibition on three-way calling that can result in a 60-day block on phone privileges if detected. These communication systems typically operate within structured daily schedules that may include designated times for phone calls and tablet access.

Like most regional facilities in Virginia, Hampton Roads Regional Jail likely maintains daily routines that balance security requirements with basic needs and services. Inmates may have access to educational programs, recreational activities, and medical services as part of their daily schedule. The facility's focus on digital communication through tablets suggests a commitment to maintaining modern amenities while ensuring secure operations. Meal times, count procedures, and various programming activities would typically structure the day, though specific schedules may vary based on housing assignments and individual circumstances.