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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility 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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility

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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility?

   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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility?

   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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility. 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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility. 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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility
   17695 Industrial Farm Rd
   Bakersfield, CA 93308
   Phone: (661) 391-7900

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • 5:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • 5:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • 5:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • 5:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • 5:00 – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • 5:00 – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility?

   Visiting hours at Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility 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 (661) 391-7900 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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility?

   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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility 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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility, 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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility?

   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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility 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 Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility, 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

Through comprehensive programming designed to address individual needs, the population at Kern County - Lerdo Facility receives support that extends beyond basic incarceration services. The facility's approach emphasizes personal growth and skill development, recognizing that meaningful change occurs when individuals have access to resources that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Programs are typically structured to build upon one another, creating pathways for participants to develop confidence while preparing for successful community reintegration.

Educational initiatives form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, with services that may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities. These programs often provide individualized learning plans that accommodate different skill levels and learning styles within the population. Moreover, vocational training components typically focus on practical skills that align with local employment opportunities, helping participants develop marketable abilities in trades and service industries that may support their transition back to the community.

The facility's support services encompass rehabilitation programs that address various personal challenges, while library services provide educational resources and recreational reading materials for the population. Restorative justice programming may offer structured opportunities for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue about accountability and healing, often incorporating family and community perspectives. These therapeutic approaches typically emphasize personal responsibility and relationship building, creating supportive environments where individuals can work toward positive behavioral changes that benefit both themselves and their eventual return to society.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization forms the backbone of operations at the Kern County - Lerdo Facility, where structured schedules actively govern every aspect of the population's daily experience. At present, residents typically follow established routines that begin with early morning counts and proceed through designated periods for meals, work assignments, and programming activities. The facility generally maintains consistent meal times served in communal dining areas, while recreation periods usually supply opportunities for physical exercise in outdoor yards and indoor common areas.

Housing arrangements typically consist of dormitory-style accommodations and individual cells, depending on classification levels and security requirements. The population generally resides in units that may house varying numbers of individuals, with personal property allowances that usually include basic hygiene items and approved personal effects. Moreover, commissary services are often available on scheduled days, allowing residents to purchase additional food items and personal care products within established spending limits.

Structured programming schedules commonly include educational classes, vocational training opportunities, and substance abuse counseling sessions that supply meaningful engagement throughout the week. Work assignments frequently involve facility maintenance, food service, and laundry operations that help maintain daily operations. Whereas recreation time typically includes access to television viewing areas and library services, visitation policies generally allow for scheduled visits with family members and approved contacts. Communication options usually encompass monitored telephone calls and written correspondence, helping the population maintain important connections with their support systems in the community.