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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail
   225 Holiday Hills Dr
   Parkersburg, WV 26104
   Phone: (304) 420-2443

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail?

   Visiting hours at Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 (304) 420-2443 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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 Parkersburg Correctional Center and 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

The work release program at Parkersburg Correctional Center serves as the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts for the facility's carefully screened male population. As a minimum-security facility that opened in 2012, the center utilizes a comprehensive risk assessment classification method to identify inmates who can successfully participate in community-based work opportunities while serving their sentences. This program typically allows eligible participants to maintain employment in the community while returning to the facility during non-working hours, helping to preserve family connections and develop job skills essential for successful reintegration.

Beyond the work release program, the facility may offer educational services that could include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs designed to address educational deficiencies. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills such as construction trades, maintenance, or food service preparation, which align well with the center's work release mission. Counseling services typically encompass substance abuse treatment, anger management, and life skills development, addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Support services at the facility often include case management assistance to help inmates develop comprehensive reentry plans, family counseling to strengthen relationships during incarceration, and connections to community resources for housing, employment, and continued treatment upon release. The center may also provide religious services, recreational activities, and library access to support inmates' personal development and maintain positive mental health during their incarceration. These comprehensive programming efforts work together to prepare participants for successful community reintegration while serving their sentences in a structured, supportive environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Parkersburg Correctional Center and Jail, the 130 male residents participate in a structured work release program that forms the cornerstone of their daily experience. This minimum-security facility, which opened in 2012, operates under a carefully managed classification system where residents are screened through risk assessment methods to determine their eligibility for community-based employment opportunities. The work release structure typically allows residents to maintain employment in the Parkersburg community while returning to the facility during non-working hours, creating a bridge between incarceration and eventual reintegration into society.

The facility's location at 225 Holiday Hills Drive in Wood County provides residents with access to various community resources while maintaining necessary security protocols. Daily schedules often revolve around work commitments, with residents typically departing for their jobs during standard business hours and returning for evening meals, programming, and overnight supervision. The minimum-security classification may allow for more flexible movement within the facility compared to higher-security institutions, though all activities remain closely monitored and structured.

Family connections and communication are generally supported through standard visitation procedures and telephone access, though specific policies may vary based on individual custody levels and program participation. Residents typically have opportunities to maintain relationships with family members and prepare for their eventual return to the community through various programming options that may include life skills training, substance abuse education, and employment readiness preparation. The work release focus of the facility emphasizes practical preparation for successful community reentry while maintaining accountability and supervision throughout the process.