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 New River Valley Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about New River Valley 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 New River Valley Regional Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   New River Valley Regional Jail
   108 Baker Rd
   Dublin, VA 24084
   Phone: (540) 643-2000

   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 New River Valley Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at New River Valley 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 (540) 643-2000 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 New River Valley 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 New River Valley Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The New River Valley Regional Jail has recently implemented an electronic mail scanning system to streamline inmate correspondence, with personal mail now processed through a centralized facility in Phoenix, Maryland. This digital mail system demonstrates the facility's commitment to maintaining secure yet efficient communication channels between inmates and their families while ensuring proper screening protocols are maintained.

Beyond mail services, the facility typically provides various rehabilitative programs designed to support inmate reintegration. Educational opportunities may include GED preparation classes and basic literacy programs, while vocational training often focuses on practical skills that can lead to employment upon release. The facility may also offer substance abuse counseling programs, anger management classes, and mental health services to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available to provide spiritual support and guidance during incarceration.

Support services at New River Valley Regional Jail likely include medical and dental care, library access, and recreational activities to maintain physical and mental well-being. The facility may provide work programs that allow inmates to gain job experience while contributing to facility operations. Visitation programs, both in-person and potentially through video conferencing, help maintain family connections that are crucial for successful reentry. These comprehensive services work together to create an environment focused on rehabilitation rather than solely punishment, preparing inmates for their eventual return to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the inmate experience at New River Valley Regional Jail, with the facility recently implementing an electronic mail scanning system to streamline correspondence. Personal mail from family and friends now gets processed through a centralized location in Phoenix, Maryland, where letters are digitally scanned and delivered electronically to inmates. This system typically allows for faster delivery while maintaining security protocols, though inmates may still request physical copies of their scanned mail when needed.

The facility maintains clear distinctions between different types of correspondence, with legal mail and financial transactions following separate procedures from personal letters. Inmates can typically expect their personal mail to arrive within a few business days of being sent, processed through the electronic scanning system that reviews all incoming correspondence. Communication policies often include guidelines about acceptable content, sender identification requirements, and proper addressing procedures to ensure reliable delivery.

Daily routines at the facility likely follow standard correctional schedules, with inmates typically participating in structured activities that may include educational programs, work assignments, and recreational periods. The jail generally provides basic amenities and services common to Virginia regional facilities, such as medical care, meals, and access to legal resources. Visitation opportunities are usually available to help inmates maintain family connections, though specific scheduling and procedures would be outlined in the facility's visitation guidelines separate from the mail policies.