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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center 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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center

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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center?

   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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center?

   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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center. 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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center. 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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center
   141 Fort Collier Rd
   Winchester, VA 22603
   Phone: (540) 535-3800

   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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center 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) 535-3800 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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center?

   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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center 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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, 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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center?

   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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center 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 Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, 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 Alcohol Safety Action Program represents one of several specialized services available through the Northern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC), which serves Clarke, Fauquier, and Frederick Counties along with the City of Winchester. This program addresses substance abuse issues that often contribute to criminal behavior, reflecting the facility's comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and community safety. The detention center's mission emphasizes providing a full range of correctional services through partnerships with community rehabilitative organizations, creating pathways for meaningful change during incarceration.

Educational and vocational programming may include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and job readiness training designed to improve employment prospects upon release. The facility typically offers counseling services that address various behavioral and mental health needs, potentially including anger management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and substance abuse treatment beyond the specialized alcohol safety program. These services are often delivered through collaborations with local organizations and may include both individual and group therapy sessions.

Support services at NRADC likely encompass reentry planning, family counseling, and connections to community resources that help facilitate successful transitions back into society. The facility may provide access to religious services, library resources, and recreational activities that promote positive behavioral changes. Given the detention center's emphasis on professionalism and community partnerships, programming often focuses on building life skills, maintaining family connections through visitation programs, and preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their home communities across the multi-county service area.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC) follow structured daily routines designed to maintain safety and security while serving Clarke, Fauquier, and Frederick Counties along with the City of Winchester. The facility operates under the leadership of Superintendent Clay A. Corbin and a professional staff committed to integrity, safety, and security. The detention center typically begins each day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by scheduled activities that may include educational programs, work assignments, and recreational time. Inmates generally have access to basic amenities and services throughout the day, with specific time blocks allocated for various activities to ensure orderly facility operations.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life through the facility's inmate visitation program, which allows approved visitors to maintain contact with their incarcerated loved ones. The detention center likely operates visitation sessions on designated days and times, with specific procedures in place to ensure security while facilitating meaningful family interactions. Additionally, inmates may have access to telephone services and potentially email communication systems to stay connected with family and friends outside the facility.

The NRADC staff, recognized through various employee recognition programs including quarterly and annual awards, work to provide essential services while maintaining the facility's core values of professionalism, courage, loyalty, and teamwork. Daily life typically includes access to medical services, meals prepared according to nutritional standards, and opportunities for personal hygiene and exercise. The facility may also coordinate with community rehabilitative partners to offer programs that support inmates' preparation for eventual reintegration into the community, though specific program details would vary based on individual circumstances and availability.