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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Henrico County’s Regional Jail East 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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East.

Frequently asked questions about Henrico County’s Regional Jail East

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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Henrico County’s Regional Jail East?

   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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East?

   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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East. 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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East. 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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East?

   Mailing address:

   Henrico County’s Regional Jail East
   17320 New Kent Hwy
   Barhamsville, VA 23011
   Phone: (804) 652-1120

5. What are the visiting hours at Henrico County’s Regional Jail East?

   Visiting hours at Henrico County’s Regional Jail East 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) 652-1120 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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East?

   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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Henrico County’s Regional Jail East?

   You can send money to an inmate at Henrico County’s Regional Jail East 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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Henrico County’s Regional Jail East, 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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East?

   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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East 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 Henrico County’s Regional Jail East, 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

The Jail Services staff at Henrico County Regional Jail West coordinates an extensive array of programs designed to support both the immediate needs and long-term success of inmates. Core educational offerings include GED preparation and testing, along with computer technology training that helps residents develop practical skills for reentry. The facility also provides specialized programming such as parenting and fatherhood classes, recognizing the importance of maintaining family connections and developing healthy relationship skills during incarceration.

Mental health and substance abuse services form a critical component of the facility’s programming, with both group and individual counseling available to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Substance abuse and relapse prevention programs work to equip inmates with coping strategies and tools for maintaining sobriety upon release. These therapeutic services are delivered through collaborative efforts between facility staff, community volunteers, and outside agencies, creating a comprehensive support network for residents.

Beyond therapeutic and educational programming, Henrico County Regional Jail West may offer additional services commonly found in Virginia correctional facilities, such as vocational training opportunities, life skills workshops, and reentry planning assistance. The facility’s recreational programs, along with religious services coordinated through community partnerships, provide inmates with constructive outlets and spiritual support. Virtual visitation capabilities help maintain crucial family connections, while the facility’s mail delivery and property control systems ensure residents can maintain communication with their support networks throughout their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Henrico County Regional Jail West, inmates typically begin their day early with structured routines that reflect the facility’s maximum security operations. The jail, which opened in 1980 and expanded significantly in 1996, houses both pre-trial and post-trial inmates under the supervision of dedicated Jail Security Deputies who maintain safety and order throughout the facility. These deputies oversee inmate movement and ensure well-being as residents navigate their daily schedules, which often include educational opportunities, recreational time, and various programming activities.

The facility’s Jail Services staff coordinate a comprehensive range of daily programs designed to support inmate rehabilitation and maintain connection with the outside world. Inmates may participate in GED preparation and testing, computer technology courses, and parenting classes, while also having access to substance abuse counseling and mental health services. Religious services are typically available, and the facility maintains mail delivery systems to help inmates stay connected with family and friends. Virtual visitation technology allows for regular contact with loved ones, supplementing traditional communication methods.

Throughout each day, inmates experience structured meal times, recreational periods, and program participation under the watchful supervision of security staff. The facility’s Intake & Release section, equipped with modern imaging technology, processes new arrivals and departures efficiently. Property control systems ensure personal belongings are managed appropriately, while laundry services maintain basic living standards. The cooperative efforts between staff, community volunteers, and outside agencies create opportunities for meaningful daily activities that may help prepare inmates for eventual reintegration into the community.