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 Meherrin River Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Meherrin River Regional 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 Meherrin River Regional Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Meherrin River Regional 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 Meherrin River Regional Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Meherrin River Regional 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 Meherrin River Regional 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 Meherrin River Regional 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 Meherrin River Regional 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 Meherrin River Regional Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Meherrin River Regional Jail
   9000 Boydton Plank Rd
   Alberta, VA 23821
   Phone: (434) 949-6700

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 12:01 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Tuesday: 12:01 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Wednesday: 12:01 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Thursday: 12:01 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Friday: 12:01 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Saturday: 12:01 AM – 12:00 AM
   • Sunday: 12:01 AM – 12:00 AM

5. What are the visiting hours at Meherrin River Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Meherrin River Regional 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 (434) 949-6700 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 Meherrin River Regional 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 Meherrin River Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Meherrin River Regional Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Meherrin River Regional 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 Meherrin River Regional Jail?

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

Family connections and care remain central to the experience at Meherrin River Regional Jail through specialized programs like Access Securepak® and the “Just Like Home” meal service. The Access Securepak® program allows family members and friends to send custom care packages to inmates while maintaining security protocols and reducing contraband risks. Additionally, the facility’s meal program enables loved ones to provide fresh, hot meals that help maintain important family bonds during incarceration.

Beyond these family support services, Meherrin River Regional Jail may offer various educational and vocational programs typical of Virginia correctional facilities. These could include basic literacy classes, GED preparation, computer skills training, and job readiness workshops designed to prepare individuals for successful reentry. The facility may also provide substance abuse counseling, anger management programs, and mental health services to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Additional support services at the facility typically include religious services, library access, and recreational activities that promote positive social interaction. The jail may partner with local organizations to offer specialized programming such as parenting classes, financial literacy education, or trade certification programs. These comprehensive services work together to support rehabilitation goals while maintaining the safety and security necessary in a correctional environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Access Securepak® program at Meherrin River Regional Jail provides families with a streamlined way to send care packages to their incarcerated loved ones, helping maintain important connections during a challenging time. This comprehensive package system eliminates contraband concerns while reducing processing time, allowing inmates to receive approved items from family and friends more efficiently. The facility also offers the “Just Like Home” meal program, recognizing that a hot, home-style meal can provide comfort and serve as a meaningful reminder that family members are thinking of them during their stay.

Inmates at this regional facility typically follow structured daily schedules that may include designated meal times, recreational periods, and opportunities for educational or work programs. The facility’s focus on family connection extends beyond care packages, as maintaining relationships with loved ones often plays a crucial role in an inmate’s daily routine and overall well-being. Communication with family members may be facilitated through scheduled phone calls and visitation periods, though specific policies and schedules would need to be confirmed directly with the facility.

The jail’s emphasis on programs like Access Securepak® and home-style meals suggests an understanding that small comforts can make a significant difference in daily life behind bars. While security protocols and institutional routines structure much of each day, these family-oriented services help inmates maintain connections to the outside world. Recreational activities, educational opportunities, and work assignments typically round out the daily schedule, though the specific availability and timing of these programs may vary based on the facility’s current operations and individual inmate classifications.