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 Napa County Correction Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Napa County Correction Department 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 Napa County Correction Department.

Frequently asked questions about Napa County Correction Department

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 Napa County Correction Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Napa County Correction Department?

   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 Napa County Correction Department?

   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 Napa County Correction Department. 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 Napa County Correction Department. 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 Napa County Correction Department?

   Mailing address:

   Napa County Correction Department
   1125 3rd St
   Napa, CA 94559
   Phone: (707) 253-4401

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Napa County Correction Department?

   Visiting hours at Napa County Correction Department 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 (707) 253-4401 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 Napa County Correction Department?

   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 Napa County Correction Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Napa County Correction Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Napa County Correction Department 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 Napa County Correction Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Napa County Correction Department, 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 Napa County Correction Department?

   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 Napa County Correction Department 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 Napa County Correction Department, 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

The Napa County Department of Corrections provides various support services designed to assist inmates during their incarceration and prepare them for successful reintegration into the community. The facility operates a Work Furlough program that allows eligible inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentence, helping them preserve job skills and financial stability. Additionally, the department coordinates with county services including CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and public assistance programs to ensure inmates can access essential benefits and healthcare services both during and after their stay.

Beyond these core programs, the facility typically offers educational opportunities that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training in various trades. Substance abuse treatment and counseling services are commonly available, addressing one of the primary factors contributing to recidivism. The facility may also provide mental health services, anger management classes, and life skills programs to help inmates develop coping strategies and practical abilities needed for successful community reentry.

The corrections department maintains strong community connections through volunteer opportunities, with classification specialists coordinating various programs that rely on community support. Inmates can typically access library services, recreational activities, and may participate in work programs within the facility. The department also facilitates communication with family and friends through both in-person and video visitation services, recognizing the importance of maintaining social connections during incarceration. These comprehensive services work together to create a rehabilitative environment focused on reducing recidivism and supporting positive outcomes for inmates returning to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Napa County Department of Corrections maintain connections with family and friends through both in-person and video visitation options. The facility accommodates visitors who arrive with valid identification for on-site visits, while also offering video visitation through Securus Technologies that can be scheduled either at the jail or remotely via the internet. Communication extends beyond visits through the U.S. postal system, with mail addressed to inmates at 1125 Third Street in Napa, though all reading materials must come directly from publishers, and paperback books are limited to Barnes and Noble shipments with specific size restrictions.

The facility operates with structured routines that typically include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities. Inmates may participate in work furlough programs when eligible, providing opportunities for community reintegration and skill development. The commissary system allows inmates to purchase personal items and snacks, with family members able to deposit funds through telephone services, the MyCarePack website, or kiosks located in the facility's west entrance lobby.

Housing arrangements and daily schedules often vary based on classification levels and individual circumstances, with inmates generally following established routines for meals, count times, and recreational activities. The facility may offer various programs and services designed to support rehabilitation and preparation for release, though specific offerings can change based on staffing and resources. Volunteer opportunities are coordinated through classification specialists, suggesting community involvement in programming that may enhance the daily experience for those in custody.