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 Justice Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice Center.

Frequently asked questions about Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice Center?

   Mailing address:

   Onondaga County Justice Center
   555 S State St
   Syracuse, NY 13202
   Phone: (315) 435-1770

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Onondaga County Justice Center?

   Visiting hours at Onondaga County Justice 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 (315) 435-1770 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 Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Onondaga County Justice Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Justice 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 Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Correction Department in Jamesville operates as a direct supervision facility that emphasizes inmate work programs as a cornerstone of its rehabilitation approach. These comprehensive work programs serve a dual purpose: developing essential vocational skills and responsibility among those incarcerated while providing valuable services that benefit county taxpayers. The facility's commitment to preparing individuals for successful community reintegration is evident through its varied work opportunities that help participants build practical experience and develop a strong work ethic during their incarceration.

Beyond the established work programs, the facility typically may offer educational services that could include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help individuals improve their academic foundation. Counseling and support services often include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and life skills training to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. The facility may also provide religious services, recreational activities, and library access to support the overall well-being of those in custody.

The Correction Department participates in the New York Sheriff's Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) program, which demonstrates the facility's commitment to public safety and victim advocacy. This service allows victims and community members to receive important custody information and notifications about offender status changes. Healthcare services are typically provided on-site, and the facility may offer various support programs designed to help individuals maintain family connections and prepare for their eventual return to the community, all while operating under the direct supervision model that promotes safety and positive interactions between staff and those incarcerated.

Daily Life & Visitation

The modern direct supervision environment at Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Correction Department in Jamesville shapes how the facility's 538 inmates experience their incarceration. Located in this Syracuse suburb, the facility operates with a staffing model that typically allows for more direct interaction between correctional officers and inmates compared to traditional jail designs. Inmates generally reside in housing units that may feature individual rooms rather than traditional cells, though specific accommodations can vary based on classification levels and available space. The facility's design often emphasizes visibility and communication, which may influence daily routines and the overall atmosphere within the housing areas.

Structured programming plays a significant role in daily life, with the facility offering various inmate work programs that serve dual purposes of skill development and community benefit. These programs may include maintenance work, food service operations, and other vocational training opportunities that help inmates develop responsibility and job skills for their eventual return to the community. Participants in work programs typically follow structured schedules that begin early in the morning and may extend throughout much of the day, providing routine and purpose during incarceration.

Family connections remain important through the facility's visitation program, though specific visiting hours and procedures should be confirmed directly with the facility as policies may change. The facility participates in the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program, which helps families and victims stay informed about an inmate's custody status. Communication with loved ones may also include telephone privileges and mail services, typically governed by facility security protocols. Inmates generally follow structured daily schedules that include meal times, programming activities, recreation periods, and personal time, all designed to maintain order while providing opportunities for rehabilitation and preparation for community reintegration.