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 Martinsburg Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Martinsburg Correctional 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 Martinsburg Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Martinsburg Correctional 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 Martinsburg Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Martinsburg Correctional 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 Martinsburg Correctional 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 Martinsburg Correctional 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 Martinsburg Correctional 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 Martinsburg Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Martinsburg Correctional Center
   38 Grapevine Rd
   Martinsburg, WV 25405
   Phone: (304) 267-0156

   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 Martinsburg Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Martinsburg Correctional 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 (304) 267-0156 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 Martinsburg Correctional 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 Martinsburg Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Martinsburg Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Martinsburg Correctional 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 Martinsburg Correctional Center?

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

As an intake and classification unit within West Virginia’s correctional system, the Martinsburg Correctional Center and Jail focuses on assessing and preparing male offenders for their correctional journey. The facility’s primary role involves conducting comprehensive evaluations to determine appropriate housing, security levels, and program placements for incoming inmates. This classification process typically includes medical and mental health screenings, educational assessments, and risk evaluations that help inform treatment and programming decisions throughout an individual’s incarceration.

Given its function as a 120-bed intake facility, Martinsburg Correctional Center may offer initial counseling services, substance abuse screening, and basic educational assessments during the classification period. The facility often provides orientation programs to help new inmates understand institutional rules, available resources, and behavioral expectations. Mental health services are typically available to address immediate needs and crisis intervention, while medical staff conduct health screenings and manage ongoing medical conditions. The intake process may also include vocational interest assessments to help determine appropriate work assignments and training opportunities at other facilities within the state system.

While serving primarily as a classification center, the facility likely maintains basic religious services, library access, and recreational activities for inmates during their stay. Staff typically work to connect inmates with appropriate long-term programming opportunities that will be available at their designated permanent facilities. The center’s location in Berkeley County, approximately one mile east of Martinsburg, allows for family visitation during the intake period, which can be important for maintaining community connections as individuals begin their correctional experience.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 120-bed intake and classification unit at Martinsburg Correctional Center and Jail operates as a transitional facility where male offenders begin their journey through West Virginia’s correctional system. Located on Grapevine Road in Berkeley County, this facility typically focuses on processing new arrivals and determining appropriate long-term placement, which means residents may experience a more structured assessment period during their stay. The intake and classification process often involves comprehensive evaluations, orientation sessions, and preparation for potential transfer to other facilities within the state system.

Communication with family members is generally facilitated through the facility’s main telephone line at (304) 267-0156, though specific visiting hours and policies may vary based on the facility’s current operational procedures. Like most West Virginia correctional facilities, Martinsburg likely maintains structured daily schedules that include meals, recreation periods, and programming activities designed to support the intake process. The facility’s role as a classification center means that daily routines may be more focused on assessments and administrative processes rather than long-term rehabilitation programs.

Given its function as an intake facility, residents typically experience a temporary stay while staff determine the most appropriate placement for their continued incarceration. This transitional nature of the facility means that daily life often revolves around orientation activities, medical screenings, and classification interviews that help determine future housing assignments. Family members seeking to maintain contact during this period should expect that communication procedures may be explained as part of the intake process, with staff available to provide guidance on visitation policies and approved communication methods.