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 Onondaga County Department of Correction.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Onondaga County Department of Correction

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 Onondaga County Department of Correction.

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

   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 Onondaga County Department of Correction?

   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 Onondaga County Department of Correction. 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 Onondaga County Department of Correction. 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 Onondaga County Department of Correction?

   Mailing address:

   Onondaga County Department of Correction
   6660 E Seneca Turnpike
   Jamesville, NY 13078
   Phone: (315) 435-5581

   Business hours:

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

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

   Visiting hours at Onondaga County Department of Correction 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 (315) 435-5581 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 Onondaga County Department of Correction?

   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 Onondaga County Department of Correction for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Onondaga County Department of Correction 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 Onondaga County Department of Correction, 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 Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Correction Department operates as a direct supervision facility in Jamesville, New York, emphasizing inmate work programs that serve dual purposes of developing vocational skills while benefiting county taxpayers. These comprehensive work programs help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community by fostering responsibility and practical job skills during their incarceration. The facility participates in the New York Sheriff's Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) program, which provides crucial communication services between victims and the correctional system regarding offender custody status and release information.

Beyond the established work programs, the facility may offer educational services that could include GED preparation, basic literacy instruction, and vocational training opportunities. Counseling and support services typically available at similar New York correctional facilities might encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and pre-release planning assistance. The direct supervision model employed at the facility often promotes more positive interactions between staff and inmates, potentially creating an environment more conducive to rehabilitation and personal development.

With a capacity of 538 inmates and approximately 167 employees, the facility may also provide medical and dental care, library services, and recreational activities as part of its comprehensive approach to corrections. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available at facilities of this type, along with family visitation programs that help maintain important community connections. These various services and programs work together to support the facility's mission of public safety while preparing individuals for their eventual return to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Correction Department in Jamesville, inmates participate in structured work programs that provide valuable vocational skills while benefiting county taxpayers. The facility operates as a direct supervision institution housing up to 538 inmates, where daily routines typically revolve around these meaningful work assignments alongside standard correctional activities. Inmates may engage in various vocational training opportunities designed to prepare them for successful reintegration into the community, though specific program details vary based on individual circumstances and facility needs.

The modern correctional environment features typical housing units with individual inmate rooms, creating a structured living arrangement that balances security with basic comfort. Inmates generally follow established daily schedules that may include work assignments, meals, recreational periods, and educational opportunities when available. The facility's direct supervision model often allows for more interaction between staff and inmates, potentially creating a more controlled yet communicative atmosphere throughout daily operations.

Family connections remain important during incarceration, with the facility typically offering regular visitation opportunities for approved family members and friends. The correction department participates in the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program, which helps families and victims stay informed about custody status and release information. Communication with the outside world may include supervised phone calls and correspondence, helping inmates maintain important relationships while serving their sentences in this Syracuse-area facility.