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 Marion County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Marion 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 Marion County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Marion County Jail
   4000 Aumsville Hwy SE
   Salem, OR 97317
   Phone: (503) 581-1183

   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 Marion County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Marion 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 (503) 581-1183 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 Marion 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 Marion County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Within the structured environment of Marion County Jail, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive framework of developmental opportunities designed to foster personal transformation and prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. The facility’s approach emphasizes the cultivation of practical skills, emotional resilience, and cognitive restructuring through carefully coordinated offerings that address multiple dimensions of rehabilitation. This multifaceted methodology recognizes that meaningful change often emerges from the intersection of education, vocational training, and therapeutic intervention, creating pathways for growth that extend far beyond the period of incarceration.

Educational services typically form the cornerstone of personal development, providing those incarcerated with opportunities to advance their academic credentials and expand their intellectual horizons through structured learning environments. In addition to this foundational component, culinary arts training may furnish participants with marketable skills in food preparation and kitchen management, combining hands-on experience with industry-standard practices. These vocational offerings often emphasize both technical proficiency and workplace readiness, equipping individuals with the practical competencies necessary for employment upon release while fostering a sense of accomplishment and professional identity.

The facility’s therapeutic and support services typically encompass mental health counseling designed to address underlying psychological challenges that may contribute to criminal behavior patterns. Cognitive behavioral programs often complement these therapeutic interventions by helping participants develop more effective decision-making strategies and emotional regulation techniques. Veterans may access specialized services tailored to their comprehensive experiences and needs, while life coaching offerings frequently provide personalized guidance for goal-setting and personal development. These comprehensive support systems work synergistically to create an environment where those incarcerated can develop the tools necessary for sustained positive change and successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds become vital lifelines for those incarcerated at Marion County Jail, where maintaining relationships with loved ones often shapes the rhythm of daily existence. Those housed within the facility now follow structured routines that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by regularly scheduled programming blocks that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training. The day generally unfolds with designated periods for recreation, work assignments, and personal time, while evening hours often furnish opportunities for letter writing, phone calls, and reflection before lights-out procedures.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of dormitory-style housing units or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated generally share common areas for dining, where meals are served at designated times in a communal setting that allows for social interaction among residents. In addition to this structured meal service, the facility may offer commissary privileges where individuals can purchase personal items, snacks, and hygiene products using funds deposited by family members or earned through work assignments.

Despite this controlled environment, the facility usually provides various opportunities for those incarcerated to maintain meaningful connections with their support systems through scheduled visitation periods, telephone access, and mail correspondence. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, laundry services, or maintenance tasks that furnish both structure and potential skill development while contributing to daily operations. Recreation periods typically offer access to television viewing areas, library materials, and physical exercise opportunities, while structured programming schedules often include religious services, support group meetings, and educational classes designed to address individual needs and prepare residents for eventual reintegration into the community.