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 Malheur County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Malheur County 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 Malheur County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Malheur County 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 Malheur County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Malheur County 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 Malheur County 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 Malheur County 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 Malheur County 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 Malheur County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Malheur County Jail
   151 B Street West
   Vale, OR 97918
   Phone: (541) 473-5510

5. What are the visiting hours at Malheur County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Malheur County 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 (541) 473-5510 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 Malheur County 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 Malheur County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Malheur County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Malheur County 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 Malheur County Jail?

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

The Malheur County Corrections facility in Vale provides essential support services that help maintain connections between inmates and their families while ensuring operational security. With structured visitation schedules operating on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., plus evening visits on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the facility recognizes the importance of family relationships during incarceration. The facility has implemented a modern Telmate Kiosk system in the front lobby, allowing families to deposit funds directly into inmates' trust and phone accounts using cash or credit/debit cards, streamlining the process of maintaining communication and providing commissary support.

Beyond visitation services, Malheur County Corrections typically may offer educational programming designed to help inmates develop essential life skills and prepare for successful reintegration into the community. Many Oregon correctional facilities often provide GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and vocational training opportunities that align with local employment needs. The facility may also coordinate with community organizations to deliver substance abuse counseling, anger management courses, and mental health support services, recognizing that addressing underlying issues is crucial for reducing recidivism.

Additional support services commonly available at facilities like Malheur County Corrections often include religious services, library access, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. The facility may provide work programs that allow inmates to develop job skills while contributing to facility operations, along with pre-release planning services that help individuals secure housing, employment, and community support before their discharge. These comprehensive services work together to create an environment focused on rehabilitation and successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured visitation schedule at Malheur County Corrections reflects the facility's commitment to maintaining family connections while ensuring security protocols. With visiting hours available four days per week—Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., plus evening sessions on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.—inmates typically have multiple opportunities each week to connect with loved ones. The facility's strict scheduling system requires visitors to call between specific time windows on the day of their intended visit, emphasizing the importance of advance planning and punctuality in maintaining these crucial family bonds.

Behind the walls of this Vale-based facility, inmates generally follow a structured routine that may include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and work assignments when available. The commissary system operates through electronic deposits made via the Telmate Kiosk in the lobby, allowing families to support inmates' basic needs and comfort items. Personal clothing for court appearances and basic undergarments can be brought by family members, providing inmates with some personal dignity during their incarceration. The facility's location adjacent to the Malheur County Courthouse often means inmates may have frequent court appearances, adding legal proceedings to their daily schedule.

Communication with the outside world typically extends beyond visitation through phone privileges, with family members able to add funds to inmates' phone accounts through the same kiosk system used for commissary deposits. The facility's policies reflect a balance between maintaining security and recognizing the importance of family support during incarceration, with staff maintaining the authority to terminate visits when necessary while generally working to facilitate meaningful connections between inmates and their support networks.