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 Lynchburg Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lynchburg Detention Center 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 Lynchburg Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Lynchburg Detention Center

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 Lynchburg Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lynchburg Detention Center?

   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 Lynchburg Detention Center?

   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 Lynchburg Detention Center. 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 Lynchburg Detention Center. 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 Lynchburg Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Lynchburg Detention Center
   1400 Florida Ave
   Lynchburg, VA 24501
   Phone: (434) 455-7878

   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 Lynchburg Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Lynchburg Detention Center 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 (434) 455-7878 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 Lynchburg Detention Center?

   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 Lynchburg Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lynchburg Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lynchburg Detention Center 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 Lynchburg Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lynchburg Detention Center, 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 Lynchburg Detention Center?

   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 Lynchburg Detention Center 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 Lynchburg Detention Center, 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 Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority has implemented a modernized mail processing system that reflects broader efforts to enhance communication while maintaining security protocols. Through this electronic mail delivery system via tablets, those incarcerated at Lynchburg Detention Center can stay connected with family and friends, as all personal correspondence is digitally scanned and delivered electronically. Legal mail continues to receive special handling, with copies provided directly to inmates after witnessing the destruction of original documents, ensuring constitutional protections remain intact.

Beyond communication services, Lynchburg Detention Center may offer various educational and vocational programs typical of Virginia correctional facilities. These often include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and potentially job readiness training to help prepare individuals for successful reentry. The facility likely provides access to library services, though print materials like books and magazines are currently suspended under the new mail protocols. Counseling services may be available to address substance abuse issues, mental health needs, and behavioral programming.

Support services at the facility typically encompass medical care, mental health services, and chaplaincy programs to address the diverse needs of the incarcerated population. Work programs may be available, allowing inmates to gain valuable skills while contributing to facility operations. The electronic tablet system not dedicated facilitates mail delivery but may also provide access to educational content, legal research materials, and communication tools that support both rehabilitation efforts and family connections during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones has undergone significant changes at Lynchburg Detention Center, with all personal mail now processed through an electronic delivery system. Letters, pictures, and drawings sent to the facility are scanned at an off-site location and delivered to inmates via tablet devices, replacing traditional physical mail delivery. This digital approach typically streamlines the mail process while maintaining security protocols, though legal correspondence continues to follow different procedures with physical copies provided directly to inmates after review.

The tablet-based mail system represents a modern approach to inmate communication that many Virginia facilities have adopted. Inmates can typically access their electronic mail through scheduled tablet time, which may be integrated into daily recreation or personal time periods. Family members and friends must ensure proper addressing to the Phoenix, Maryland processing center, including the inmate’s full name and identifier number, to guarantee successful delivery. This system often allows for faster processing of correspondence compared to traditional mail handling methods.

Daily routines at the facility likely follow standard correctional schedules common throughout Virginia’s detention system. Inmates typically participate in structured activities that may include educational programs, work assignments, and recreational periods when tablet access for mail review might occur. Visitation policies and commissary services generally operate according to state guidelines, though families should verify current procedures directly with the facility. The electronic mail system reflects broader modernization efforts in Virginia’s correctional facilities, aimed at maintaining family connections while ensuring security and efficiency in communications processing.