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 Patrick County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Patrick County 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 Patrick County Sheriff's Office.

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

   Mailing address:

   Patrick County Sheriff's Office
   742 Commerce St
   Stuart, VA 24171
   Phone: (276) 694-3161

   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 Patrick County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Patrick County 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 (276) 694-3161 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 Patrick County 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 Patrick County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Patrick County 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 Patrick County 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 Patrick County 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 Patrick County 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 growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Patrick County Jail. The facility typically emphasizes helping inmates build practical abilities and emotional resilience during their incarceration. These services often focus on preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their communities through structured learning opportunities and therapeutic support.

Educational and vocational services may provide inmates with essential tools for future employment and personal advancement. Education programs often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and adult learning opportunities that help participants strengthen their academic foundation. Moreover, vocational training services typically offer hands-on skill development in various trades and industries, allowing inmates to gain marketable abilities that may improve their employment prospects upon release.

Support services address the behavioral and emotional aspects of rehabilitation through comprehensive therapeutic programming. Cognitive behavioral programs often help inmates develop healthier thought patterns and decision-making skills, while stress management services may teach practical coping strategies for daily challenges. The facility typically offers chaplaincy programs that provide spiritual guidance and support for those seeking faith-based assistance. Additionally, services focusing on healthy relationships may help participants improve their interpersonal skills, and music programs often serve as creative outlets that support emotional expression and personal growth.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Patrick County Jail feature dormitory-style accommodations and individual cells that shape much of the daily experience for those confined there. Inmates currently follow structured routines that begin with morning counts and continue through scheduled meal times, work assignments, and evening lockdown procedures. The facility typically maintains consistent daily schedules that provide predictability, though these may vary based on security classifications and individual circumstances.

Living conditions generally include shared sleeping quarters in some areas, with inmates adapting to limited personal space and communal bathroom facilities. Each housing unit typically accommodates multiple residents who must navigate shared living arrangements while maintaining personal belongings within designated storage areas. The commissary system allows inmates to purchase approved items that may supplement basic necessities provided by the facility, helping them personalize their living environment within established guidelines.

Moreover, the facility often provides structured programming schedules that include educational opportunities, religious services, and recreational activities when available. Inmates typically have access to television viewing areas and may participate in supervised exercise periods, though these activities generally operate within security protocols. Whereas daily routines remain largely consistent, visitation policies usually allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits and phone calls, providing crucial connections that help inmates adapt to their temporary living situation while serving their sentences.