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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail
   1201 Orient Rd
   Tampa, FL 33619
   Phone: (813) 247-8300

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail?

   Visiting hours at Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 (813) 247-8300 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Orient Road 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

Personal growth opportunities within a structured environment form the foundation of Orient Road Jail's approach to supporting those incarcerated. The facility typically emphasizes creating pathways for individuals to develop new skills and address underlying challenges that may have contributed to their circumstances. Through a combination of educational, therapeutic, and support offerings, participants often find meaningful ways to prepare for successful reintegration into their communities.

Educational advancement remains a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, with education programs designed to help individuals complete their academic goals. Those incarcerated may access college correspondence courses that allow them to pursue higher education while maintaining the security and structure necessary within the correctional environment. Also available are distance learning opportunities that provide flexible access to educational resources, enabling participants to continue their studies at their own pace while serving their sentences.

Support services complement the educational framework through comprehensive therapeutic interventions and practical preparation programs. Substance abuse treatment typically addresses one of the most significant factors affecting many participants, providing tools and strategies for long-term recovery. Work release programs may furnish opportunities for those incarcerated to maintain employment connections and develop job skills in real-world settings. Also offered are creative writing workshops that encourage self-expression and reflection, helping participants process their experiences while developing communication skills that serve them well beyond their time at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections remain a vital part of life for those incarcerated, with many residents now organizing their days around scheduled phone calls and anticipated visits. The structured environment at Orient Road Jail typically begins early with morning counts and continues through regularly scheduled meals, work assignments, and programming activities that help maintain routine and purpose.

Housing arrangements generally consist of dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated typically share common areas for dining and recreation, creating opportunities for social interaction throughout the day. Meals are usually served at designated times in communal dining areas, where residents often form informal social groups and maintain conversations that help pass time. Also, the facility generally provides access to recreational activities that may include television viewing, card games, and outdoor exercise periods when weather and security conditions permit.

Work assignments within the facility often furnish structure and social interaction, with residents typically participating in kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks alongside fellow inmates. However, maintaining connections with family and friends remains particularly important, with visitation schedules usually allowing for regular contact with loved ones. Communication options typically include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping those incarcerated stay connected to their support systems. Programming activities may also include educational opportunities, religious services, and counseling sessions that encourage community building and personal development during incarceration.