Virginia

How to contact an inmate at Portsmouth City Jail

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Portsmouth City Jail. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Portsmouth City Jail

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Portsmouth City Jail
  5. Overview of Portsmouth City Jail
  6. Inmate services at Portsmouth City Jail

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Portsmouth City Jail:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Portsmouth City Jail

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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Portsmouth City Jail .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Portsmouth City Jail

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Jail.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Jail?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Portsmouth City 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 for 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 Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Jail?
    Mailing address:

    Portsmouth City Jail
    701 Crawford St
    Portsmouth , VA 23704
    (757) 393-8210

    Business hours:
    • Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Saturday: Closed
    • Sunday: Closed

Overview of Portsmouth City Jail

Portsmouth City Jail is a correctional facility located in the city of Portsmouth, Virginia. It is managed by the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office and is designed to house inmates who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, as well as those who have been sentenced to serve time for misdemeanor offenses. The jail has a capacity to house 288 inmates, and it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The facility consists of five housing units, each of which has a capacity of 48 inmates. In addition to the housing units, the jail has a medical unit, a visitation area, and a recreation yard. The medical unit provides basic medical care to inmates, and there is also a mental health professional on staff to assist with any mental health issues that inmates may have.

The visitation area is open to family and friends of inmates, and visitation hours are scheduled throughout the week. Inmates are allowed to have one visit per week, and all visitors must go through a security screening before entering the facility. The recreation yard is a secure outdoor area where inmates can exercise and participate in recreational activities.

Overall, Portsmouth City Jail is a well-managed correctional facility that provides basic care and services to inmates. While the facility is not designed to offer extensive rehabilitation programs or services, it does offer some educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for life after their release.

What services are provided by Portsmouth City Jail?

Portsmouth City Jail is a correctional facility located in Portsmouth, Virginia, that houses both male and female inmates. The jail offers a range of programs and services to help inmates during their incarceration and facilitate their transition back into society.

One of the primary programs offered at Portsmouth City Jail is substance abuse treatment. Inmates struggling with addiction can participate in a variety of programs, including individual and group counseling, 12-step meetings, and educational classes on addiction and recovery. The jail also offers a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for inmates with opioid addiction, which combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapy.

The jail also provides educational and vocational programs to help inmates develop skills and improve their chances of finding employment upon release. Inmates can earn their GED or participate in vocational training programs in fields such as culinary arts, HVAC, and automotive technology. The jail also partners with local businesses to provide job placement services to inmates upon their release.

In addition to these programs, Portsmouth City Jail offers a range of services to help inmates with their physical and mental health needs. The jail has an on-site medical clinic staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, and inmates have access to mental health services, including counseling and medication management.

Overall, Portsmouth City Jail offers a comprehensive range of programs and services designed to address the needs of inmates and prepare them for successful reentry into society. By providing education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and healthcare services, the jail is working to reduce recidivism and help inmates build better lives for themselves and their families.