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 Pocahontas Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Pocahontas Correctional 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 Pocahontas Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pocahontas Correctional 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 Pocahontas Correctional 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 Pocahontas Correctional 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 Pocahontas Correctional 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 Pocahontas Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Pocahontas Correctional Center
   920 Old River Rd
   Pocahontas, VA 24635
   Phone: (276) 945-9173

   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 Pocahontas Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Pocahontas Correctional 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 (276) 945-9173 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 Pocahontas Correctional 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 Pocahontas Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Pocahontas Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Pocahontas Correctional 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 Pocahontas Correctional Center?

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

Personal transformation through structured learning opportunities forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Pocahontas Correctional Center in Virginia. The facility’s comprehensive approach to inmate development recognizes that meaningful change occurs through sustained engagement with educational, vocational, and therapeutic interventions that address both practical skills and underlying behavioral patterns. This multifaceted framework typically emphasizes building cognitive abilities, developing marketable competencies, and fostering emotional regulation techniques that support successful community reintegration.

Educational and vocational services often serve as primary pathways for inmates seeking to enhance their prospects for post-release success. The facility may provide education programs designed to address varying academic levels, while high school diploma programs typically offer structured curricula for those seeking to complete their secondary education. Tutoring programs often supplement formal instruction, providing individualized support that helps participants overcome specific learning challenges. Moreover, vocational training services frequently focus on developing practical skills in trades and technical fields, enabling inmates to acquire certifications and competencies that align with employment opportunities in their communities.

Therapeutic and personal development services typically complement academic and vocational offerings through targeted interventions that address behavioral and emotional factors. Cognitive behavioral programs may provide inmates with evidence-based strategies for recognizing and modifying thought patterns that contribute to problematic behaviors. Stress management services often include techniques for coping with institutional pressures and preparing for the challenges of reentry. Additionally, specialized programs such as barbering and cosmetology training may offer both vocational skill development and opportunities for creative expression, contributing to enhanced self-esteem and professional readiness upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure perimeter of Pocahontas Correctional Center, inmates navigate a highly structured environment where concrete walls and steel fixtures define the boundaries of their daily existence. Today’s routine begins with early morning counts and continues through a carefully orchestrated schedule that provides predictable rhythm to institutional life. Inmates consistently follow established patterns that include designated meal times, work assignments, and recreational periods, all designed to maintain order within the facility’s housing units.

The living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing where inmates adapt to limited personal space and communal living arrangements. Moreover, these housing units generally feature basic amenities including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities, though inmates often personalize their spaces with approved personal property and items purchased from the commissary. Whereas privacy remains minimal, inmates usually develop routines and unwritten agreements that help them coexist peacefully within these confined quarters.

Structured programming schedules provide inmates with opportunities to participate in educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities that may include access to library services, gymnasium facilities, and outdoor exercise areas. The facility typically offers various work assignments ranging from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks, which provide inmates with purposeful daily activities and modest compensation. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, allowing inmates to maintain important relationships that often prove essential for successful adaptation to institutional life and eventual reintegration into the community.