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 Martinsville City Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Martinsville City 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 Martinsville City Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Martinsville City 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 Martinsville City Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Martinsville City 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 Martinsville City 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 Martinsville City 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 Martinsville City 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 Martinsville City Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Martinsville City Jail
   13 Moss St S
   Martinsville, VA 24112
   Phone: (276) 403-5152

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
   • Tuesday: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
   • Wednesday: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
   • Thursday: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
   • Friday: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
   • Saturday: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
   • Sunday: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Martinsville City Jail?

   Visiting hours at Martinsville City 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 (276) 403-5152 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 Martinsville City 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 Martinsville City Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Martinsville City Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Martinsville City 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 Martinsville City Jail?

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

Personal transformation begins with access to comprehensive services designed to address the multifaceted needs of individuals within the correctional environment. At Martinsville City Jail, the approach to inmate development emphasizes building foundational skills while simultaneously addressing underlying behavioral patterns that may have contributed to incarceration. This holistic methodology recognizes that meaningful rehabilitation requires both practical skill acquisition and psychological growth, creating pathways for inmates to develop the competencies necessary for successful community reintegration.

Educational services typically form the cornerstone of personal development initiatives, with programs that may provide basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities tailored to varying skill levels. These academic offerings often work in conjunction with vocational training services that focus on developing marketable skills in trades and technical fields. Such vocational components may include instruction in areas like construction, automotive repair, or food service, providing inmates with concrete employment prospects upon release. The integration of educational and vocational services creates a comprehensive framework that addresses both intellectual growth and practical career preparation.

Moreover, therapeutic and support services play an equally vital role in fostering personal transformation through targeted interventions. Grief counseling services may offer inmates the opportunity to process losses and trauma that often underlie criminal behavior, while cognitive behavioral programs typically focus on developing healthier thought patterns and decision-making skills. Physical fitness services complement these psychological interventions by promoting overall wellness and providing constructive outlets for stress management. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that inmates receive support across emotional, psychological, and physical dimensions of personal development.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel fixtures of the housing units create a stark, institutional environment where inmates at Martinsville City Jail must quickly learn to navigate the structured confines of their temporary living space. Within these controlled surroundings, inmates now follow a regimented daily schedule that typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, providing the foundational rhythm around which all other activities revolve. The facility regularly maintains order through scheduled programming blocks that may include educational sessions, work assignments, and designated recreation periods, helping inmates adapt to the predictable routine that governs each day.

The living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates must adjust to limited personal space and the constant presence of others. Each housing area typically provides basic furnishings including bunks, storage areas for approved personal property, and shared bathroom facilities that serve multiple residents. Moreover, the dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in a common area, where inmates receive nutritionally planned meals while adhering to specific seating protocols and time limits that help maintain facility security and order.

Structured programming schedules often provide inmates with opportunities to participate in various activities that may include educational classes, vocational training, or religious services, depending on availability and individual eligibility. Recreation periods typically allow for outdoor exercise time or indoor activities, giving inmates a chance to maintain physical fitness and social connections within the facility's guidelines. Whereas daily life remains highly regulated, the facility generally offers visitation opportunities and communication options such as phone calls or written correspondence, enabling inmates to maintain important family connections and support systems that can prove essential for their successful reintegration into the community upon release.