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 Pittsylvania County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Pittsylvania County Jail
   1 Bank St
   Chatham, VA 24531
   Phone: (434) 432-7831

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Pittsylvania County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Pittsylvania County 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 (434) 432-7831 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 Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Pittsylvania County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County 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 Pittsylvania County 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

Through comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives, Pittsylvania County Jail demonstrates its commitment to addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior while preparing the population for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach centers on providing structured opportunities that build essential life skills and foster personal growth. These programs typically emphasize accountability, responsibility, and positive behavioral change through evidence-based interventions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals.

Educational advancement serves as a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, with programs that may supply basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities designed to enhance employment prospects upon release. Furthermore, vocational training initiatives often include hands-on instruction in practical trades such as carpentry, providing the population with marketable skills that can lead to stable employment. These educational and vocational programs typically operate through structured curricula that combine classroom learning with practical application, helping participants develop both technical competencies and workplace readiness skills.

Support services focus extensively on therapeutic interventions and family stability, recognizing that successful reintegration requires addressing personal challenges and strengthening community connections. Cognitive behavioral programs may supply evidence-based treatment approaches that help participants identify and modify problematic thought patterns and behaviors. Additionally, family reunification initiatives often include counseling services, communication workshops, and structured visitation programs designed to rebuild and strengthen family relationships. These supportive interventions typically emphasize healing, accountability, and the development of healthy coping strategies that can sustain positive change beyond incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational protocols shape every aspect of the experience for the population at Pittsylvania County Jail, creating predictable routines that now govern their daily activities. The facility operates on structured schedules that regularly include designated times for meals, recreation, and programming. Count procedures occur throughout the day to maintain security and accountability. The population typically follows established wake-up and lights-out schedules, with activities organized around these fundamental timeframes.

Furthermore, living accommodations generally consist of housing units designed to separate the population based on classification levels and security requirements. Dormitory-style housing and individual cells may be utilized depending on various factors. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas or delivered to housing units, with the population receiving three meals daily that meet nutritional standards. Personal property allowances usually include basic hygiene items and limited personal belongings, while commissary services supply additional items for purchase.

Although movement throughout the facility requires supervision, recreational opportunities often include access to dayrooms, television viewing, and outdoor exercise areas when available. Visitation policies typically allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits and phone calls, helping the population preserve important relationships. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, laundry services, and facility maintenance tasks that supply structure to daily routines. Educational programming and counseling services are often incorporated into weekly schedules, providing the population with opportunities for personal development during their stay at the facility.