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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Norfolk Sheriff's Office 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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Norfolk Sheriff's Office

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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Norfolk Sheriff's Office?

   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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office?

   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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office. 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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office. 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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Norfolk Sheriff's Office
   811 City Hall Ave
   Norfolk, VA 23510
   Phone: (757) 664-4700

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Norfolk Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Norfolk Sheriff's Office 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) 664-4700 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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office?

   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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Norfolk Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Norfolk Sheriff's Office 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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Norfolk Sheriff's Office, 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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office?

   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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office 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 Norfolk Sheriff's Office, 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 and skill development form the cornerstone of Norfolk City Jail’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, where those incarcerated encounter structured pathways designed to foster meaningful change. The facility’s philosophy emphasizes that periods of incarceration can serve as catalysts for positive growth when coupled with purposeful programming and dedicated support systems. Through carefully designed offerings that prioritize security while promoting personal development, the institution creates an environment where individuals may cultivate essential life skills and address underlying challenges that contributed to their circumstances. This multifaceted approach recognizes that sustainable reintegration requires both practical competencies and emotional resilience, delivered within a framework that maintains safety for all participants.

Educational advancement and vocational preparation typically constitute fundamental pillars of the facility’s programming structure, providing those incarcerated with opportunities to enhance their academic credentials and develop marketable skills. Education programs may furnish pathways for individuals to complete high school equivalency requirements or pursue adult literacy development, often incorporating technology-based learning platforms that accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules. Additionally, vocational training offerings frequently encompass trades and technical skills that align with regional employment opportunities, enabling participants to acquire certifications and hands-on experience in fields that demonstrate strong job market demand upon their release.

Therapeutic and wellness-focused offerings often include cognitive behavioral programs that address thought patterns and decision-making processes, while mentoring programs may connect those incarcerated with positive role models who provide guidance and support throughout their journey. Stress management initiatives typically incorporate techniques for emotional regulation and conflict resolution, complementing volunteer programs that allow participants to contribute meaningfully to their community while developing a sense of purpose and responsibility. Additionally, physical fitness offerings may furnish structured exercise opportunities that promote both physical health and mental well-being, recognizing the integral connection between bodily wellness and successful rehabilitation outcomes.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and community bonds remain central to the experience of those incarcerated at Norfolk City Jail, as maintaining relationships with loved ones often provides crucial emotional support during their time at the facility. Today’s structured environment consistently revolves around scheduled activities that furnish both routine and opportunities for personal growth, with those incarcerated typically beginning their day with early morning counts and meal service before transitioning into various programming and work assignments that help maintain a sense of purpose and community within the facility walls.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop informal support networks and navigate the social dynamics that naturally emerge in communal living situations. While the physical space may be limited, residents often find ways to create personal areas within their assigned bunks and maintain their belongings through regulated personal property allowances and commissary purchases that help preserve individual identity and comfort. Additionally, the dining arrangements typically bring residents together for scheduled meals that serve as important social gathering times, where conversations and connections help break up the routine of institutional life.

The facility usually offers various recreational activities and structured programming that encourage positive social interactions and skill development, with work assignments often providing those incarcerated with meaningful responsibilities that contribute to the facility’s daily operations. Communication with family members and friends generally occurs through scheduled visitation periods, telephone access, and correspondence, which help those incarcerated maintain vital connections to their support systems and communities outside the facility. While security procedures necessarily govern these interactions, the emphasis on preserving family bonds and community ties typically remains an important aspect of the overall environment, recognizing that these relationships often play a crucial role in successful reintegration upon release.