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 Lancaster County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lancaster County Sheriff 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 Lancaster County Sheriff.

Frequently asked questions about Lancaster County Sheriff

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 Lancaster County Sheriff.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lancaster County Sheriff?

   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 Lancaster County Sheriff?

   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 Lancaster County Sheriff. 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 Lancaster County Sheriff. 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 Lancaster County Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Lancaster County Sheriff
   8293 Mary Ball Rd
   Lancaster, VA 22503
   Phone: (804) 462-5111

5. What are the visiting hours at Lancaster County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Lancaster County Sheriff 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) 462-5111 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 Lancaster County Sheriff?

   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 Lancaster County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lancaster County Sheriff?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lancaster County Sheriff 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 Lancaster County Sheriff?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lancaster County Sheriff, 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 Lancaster County Sheriff?

   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 Lancaster County Sheriff 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 Lancaster County Sheriff, 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 and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Lancaster County Jail VA, where inmates have access to structured opportunities designed to foster positive change. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that addresses both immediate needs and long-term reentry goals. Through carefully designed programming, participants often engage in activities that build essential life skills while encouraging personal accountability and self-improvement.

Educational services may provide foundational learning opportunities, including basic literacy programs and GED preparation courses that help inmates advance their academic credentials. Moreover, vocational training services often focus on practical skill development in areas such as building maintenance, which can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. These hands-on programs typically combine classroom instruction with real-world application, allowing participants to develop both technical competencies and work habits that support successful community reintegration.

Support services frequently include cognitive behavioral programs that address thinking patterns and decision-making processes, helping inmates develop healthier approaches to problem-solving and interpersonal relationships. Library services may offer additional educational resources and recreational reading materials that support continued learning and personal enrichment. Time management workshops often complement these offerings by teaching practical organizational skills that prove valuable both during incarceration and after release, creating a foundation for sustained positive change.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure walls of Lancaster County Jail, inmates navigate a highly structured environment where concrete blocks and steel bars define their immediate surroundings. The facility’s housing units typically accommodate multiple inmates per cell, with basic furnishings including metal bunks, a small desk area, and shared bathroom facilities. Inmates now follow a regimented daily schedule that begins with early morning counts and regularly includes designated times for meals, recreation, and various programming activities.

Living conditions within the housing units generally provide inmates with limited personal space and storage for approved belongings. Each housing area typically features a common dayroom where inmates may watch television, play games, or socialize during designated periods. Moreover, the facility usually maintains different security levels and housing classifications, with inmates assigned based on factors such as charges, behavior, and individual needs. Personal property is typically restricted to essential items and approved commissary purchases, which inmates may obtain through a structured ordering system.

Whereas daily routines provide necessary structure, inmates often find meaningful connections through family visitation programs and communication opportunities. The facility typically offers scheduled visitation periods where approved family members and friends may visit, along with phone access during designated hours. Work assignments within the facility generally provide inmates with purposeful activities, which may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks. These structured programming schedules, combined with recreational opportunities and educational offerings when available, help inmates maintain connections to the outside world while adapting to their temporary living environment.