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 Lorain County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lorain 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 Lorain County Sheriff.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lorain County Sheriff
   9896 Murray Ridge Rd
   Elyria, OH 44035
   Phone: (440) 323-1212

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

   Visiting hours at Lorain 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 (440) 323-1212 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 Lorain 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 Lorain County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The expansive array of developmental opportunities at Lorain Correctional Institution reflects a multifaceted approach to individual growth and community reintegration. Through carefully structured programming that addresses diverse needs and interests, the facility typically cultivates an environment where participants can engage in meaningful skill development across multiple domains. This comprehensive framework recognizes that successful reentry requires not merely the completion of sentence requirements, but the cultivation of practical competencies and personal insights that support long-term stability.

Educational initiatives may offer individuals pathways to academic advancement through literacy enhancement, GED preparation, and various continuing education opportunities that build foundational knowledge. Furthermore, vocational job training opportunities often encompass hands-on instruction in marketable trades and technical skills, providing participants with concrete employment prospects upon release. These educational and vocational components typically work in tandem to create a robust foundation for economic self-sufficiency and professional development.

The institution's support services framework often includes specialized recovery services designed to address substance abuse challenges through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Transitional planning opportunities may provide comprehensive preparation for community reentry, encompassing housing assistance, employment placement support, and ongoing case management coordination. Additionally, personal care training in areas such as barbering and cosmetology typically offers both practical life skills and potential entrepreneurial pathways, demonstrating the facility's commitment to addressing individual interests while building marketable competencies that extend beyond traditional correctional programming.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of count times punctuates each day, creating a structured framework that individuals at Lorain Correctional Institution currently navigate while working to maintain connections with their families and communities outside. The facility continues to operate on a regimented schedule that typically begins before dawn, with individuals rising early for morning count procedures before transitioning into their assigned daily activities, whether those involve work assignments in areas such as food service, maintenance, or laundry operations, educational programming, or vocational training opportunities that offer structure and skill development.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where individuals maintain their personal belongings within the allowed limits, creating small personal spaces that may include photographs, letters, and commissary items that help maintain connections to life beyond the facility walls. The dining experience typically involves scheduled meal times in communal areas, where individuals receive nutritionally planned meals that meet dietary requirements, and many supplement these meals with items purchased from the commissary using funds provided by family members or earned through facility work assignments.

Furthermore, recreational opportunities often include access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness equipment, and organized sports activities that provide physical outlets and social interaction among the population. Although security protocols necessarily govern all aspects of daily life, individuals may participate in educational classes, religious services, and counseling programs that aim to support personal development and preparation for eventual reintegration. Visitation policies typically allow for regular contact with approved family members and friends, while telephone access and correspondence continue to serve as vital lifelines that help individuals maintain meaningful relationships and emotional support systems throughout their incarceration period.