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 Multnomah County Inverness Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Multnomah County Inverness 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 Multnomah County Inverness Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Multnomah County Inverness Jail
   11540 NE Inverness Dr
   Portland, OR 97220
   Phone: (503) 988-5060

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
   • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Multnomah County Inverness Jail?

   Visiting hours at Multnomah County Inverness 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) 988-5060 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 Multnomah County Inverness 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 Multnomah County Inverness Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Multnomah County Inverness 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 Multnomah County Inverness Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Multnomah County Inverness 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 Multnomah County Inverness 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 Multnomah County Inverness 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 Multnomah County Inverness 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 meaningful opportunities that address the root causes of criminal behavior. Multnomah County Inverness Jail typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inmate development, recognizing that effective rehabilitation requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's life. The facility often provides a range of services designed to equip inmates with practical skills, therapeutic support, and educational foundations that may contribute to successful community reintegration.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility's development-focused approach. Inmates may participate in basic literacy programs, GED preparation courses, and continuing education opportunities that help address educational gaps. Additionally, vocational programs often provide hands-on training in various trades and practical skills that can translate into employment opportunities upon release. These services typically emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing participants to develop marketable skills while serving their sentences.

The facility may also offer specialized therapeutic services, including dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both substance abuse issues and underlying mental health conditions simultaneously. Cognitive behavioral programs often help inmates develop healthier thought patterns and decision-making skills, while building maintenance services provide practical work experience and responsibility. Additionally, various support services typically create a network of resources that address the complex challenges inmates face, from addiction recovery to developing interpersonal skills that support long-term behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Multnomah County Inverness Jail feature a dormitory-style layout that shapes much of the daily experience for those incarcerated there. Inmates currently follow a structured routine that begins with early morning counts and continues through scheduled meal times, programming periods, and evening lockdown procedures. The facility typically maintains consistent daily schedules that provide predictability and order within the institutional environment.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared sleeping areas with individual bunks, lockers for personal belongings, and common areas where inmates spend much of their time. The dormitory setting means that privacy is limited, requiring residents to adapt to communal living arrangements. Additionally, inmates have access to basic amenities including shower facilities, laundry services, and a commissary where they can purchase approved personal items and snacks with funds from their accounts.

While the structured environment may initially feel restrictive, many inmates find that participating in available programming helps provide purpose to their days. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that offer inmates opportunities to contribute to daily operations. The facility typically offers recreational activities and educational programming during designated periods. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges, which help inmates maintain relationships with loved ones during their incarceration. These communication opportunities, along with mail correspondence, provide essential emotional support that helps many residents adapt to the institutional environment.