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 Newport News Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Newport News 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 Newport News Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Newport News 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 Newport News Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Newport News 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 Newport News 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 Newport News 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 Newport News 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 Newport News Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Newport News Jail
   224 26th St
   Newport News, VA 23607
   Phone: (757) 926-8535

   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 Newport News Jail?

   Visiting hours at Newport News 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 (757) 926-8535 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 Newport News 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 Newport News Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Newport News Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Newport News 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 Newport News Jail?

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

Communication and family connection form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at Newport News City Jail, where the facility has implemented modern technology to maintain meaningful relationships between inmates and their support networks. Through a partnership with Smart Communications, the facility provides electronic kiosks and tablets in all housing units, allowing inmates to stay connected with family members, legal counsel, and community organizations. The jail’s MailGuard system digitally processes all incoming correspondence, enabling inmates to access letters, postcards, and greeting cards through secure electronic tablets while maintaining necessary security protocols.

The facility typically offers educational programming that may include adult basic education classes, GED preparation, and literacy improvement courses designed to enhance inmates’ academic skills and employment prospects upon release. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills such as computer literacy, job readiness workshops, and certification programs in various trades. These educational initiatives are commonly supplemented by life skills programming that addresses topics like financial literacy, conflict resolution, and personal development.

Mental health and substance abuse services may include individual and group counseling sessions, addiction recovery programs, and crisis intervention support. The facility often provides religious and spiritual services through chaplaincy programs, along with recreational activities and library services that support personal growth and positive use of time during incarceration. Reentry planning services typically assist inmates with developing transition plans, connecting with community resources, and accessing support services that help reduce recidivism and promote successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication serves as a vital lifeline for inmates housed at Newport News City Jail, with the facility maintaining electronic tablets and kiosks in all housing units through their partnership with Smart Communications. The Sheriff’s Office actively encourages correspondence between inmates and their families, friends, attorneys, and other approved contacts, recognizing these connections as essential for maintaining meaningful relationships and preparing for eventual release. All incoming mail is processed through the MailGuard system, where letters, postcards, and greeting cards are scanned and made available for inmates to read on their electronic tablets rather than receiving physical mail directly.

The facility typically operates on a structured daily schedule that may include designated times for accessing communication technology, meals, recreation, and other programming activities. Inmates can generally expect their days to revolve around established routines that often include morning wake-up calls, scheduled meal times, and specific periods allocated for using the communication tablets to stay in touch with loved ones. The electronic communication system allows for both internal messaging within the facility and external contact with approved individuals, though all correspondence is subject to monitoring and security screening procedures.

While maintaining security protocols, the Newport News Sheriff’s Office strives to balance safety requirements with inmates’ established Amendment rights to communication and association. Mail sent to inmates must include the recipient’s full name and ID number clearly printed on the envelope and should be addressed to the Smart Communications processing center in Florida. The facility’s approach to inmate correspondence reflects a broader commitment to supporting family connections while ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff through comprehensive monitoring of all communications.