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 Portsmouth City Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a 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 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 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 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
   Phone: (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

5. What are the visiting hours at Portsmouth City Jail?

   Visiting hours at Portsmouth City 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 (757) 393-8210 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 Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Portsmouth City Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Jail?

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

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Portsmouth City Jail, where inmates typically have access to a comprehensive range of programs designed to address various aspects of personal transformation. The facility's approach to rehabilitation often emphasizes building practical life skills alongside addressing underlying behavioral patterns that may have contributed to incarceration. Through structured programming and therapeutic interventions, inmates may work toward developing the tools necessary for successful community reintegration.

Educational services at the facility often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities that help inmates advance their academic credentials. These programs typically provide inmates with the foundational knowledge needed for future employment and personal advancement. Also, vocational training in construction trades may offer hands-on experience in practical skills such as carpentry, electrical work, and general construction techniques. This type of vocational programming often focuses on developing marketable job skills that can lead to employment opportunities upon release.

Mental health support services typically play a crucial role in addressing the psychological and emotional challenges that many inmates face during incarceration. Cognitive behavioral therapy sessions may help participants identify and modify thought patterns that contribute to problematic behaviors, while broader therapeutic programs often provide group and individual counseling opportunities. Also, agriculture programs may offer inmates the chance to develop work skills while participating in food production activities that can provide both therapeutic benefits and practical experience in sustainable practices.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel fixtures of Portsmouth City Jail create a structured environment where every aspect of daily life follows established protocols. Inmates typically begin their day with early morning counts, followed by breakfast service in designated dining areas. Today's routine generally includes scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and various programming activities that provide structure throughout the day. The facility consistently maintains security procedures while allowing inmates to adapt to the institutional setting through established daily patterns.

Housing units at the facility typically accommodate multiple inmates in shared living spaces, with basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Inmates generally receive three meals daily in common dining areas, with menus that meet basic nutritional requirements. Also, the facility may offer recreational opportunities such as television viewing, reading materials, and limited exercise periods in designated areas. However, personal property is typically restricted to essential items, and inmates can usually access commissary services to purchase approved personal care items and snacks.

Structured programming schedules often include work assignments within the facility, which may involve kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks. These assignments provide inmates with daily structure while contributing to facility operations. Also, visitation policies typically allow scheduled visits from family members and approved contacts, subject to security screening procedures. Communication options generally include monitored phone calls during designated hours, helping inmates maintain connections with their support systems. However, all programming and communication activities operate within the facility's security framework, requiring inmates to adapt to institutional rules and procedures as part of their daily routine.