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 Potomac Highlands Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Potomac Highlands Regional Jail
   355 Dolan Dr
   Augusta, WV 26704
   Phone: (304) 496-1275

5. What are the visiting hours at Potomac Highlands Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Potomac Highlands Regional 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 (304) 496-1275 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 Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Potomac Highlands Regional Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional 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 Potomac Highlands Regional 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

Educational advancement serves as the cornerstone of rehabilitative initiatives at Western Virginia Regional Jail, where a comprehensive framework addresses the multifaceted needs of residents through structured learning opportunities. The facility's approach recognizes that meaningful reintegration requires both academic foundation and practical skill development, creating pathways that extend far beyond traditional confinement models. This philosophy emphasizes personal growth through diverse programming that may deliver tangible benefits for long-term success in the community.

Academic initiatives typically encompass basic literacy enhancement, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities that allow residents to build upon existing knowledge while addressing educational gaps. These educational foundations often complement vocational training programs that may include carpentry instruction, providing residents with marketable skills essential for post-release employment. The vocational components frequently emphasize hands-on learning experiences, where participants develop both technical competencies and work-related soft skills that employers value in various industries.

Additionally, therapeutic initiatives address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior, with substance abuse treatment programs offering structured intervention and recovery support. Sex offender treatment programs typically provide specialized counseling designed to reduce recidivism through behavioral modification techniques. Support services often include physical fitness programs that promote overall wellness and stress management, while chaplaincy programs may deliver spiritual guidance and moral development opportunities. These multifaceted initiatives work collectively to address the complex challenges residents face, fostering personal accountability and providing tools necessary for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic cadence of count times and meal calls creates a predictable framework that residents at Western Virginia Regional Jail rely upon each day. This structured environment typically begins early in the morning with wake-up procedures, followed by breakfast service and the first of several daily counts that occur consistently throughout the day. The routine delivers stability through its repetitive nature, with residents generally moving through scheduled activities, work assignments, and meals at designated intervals that help establish a sense of normalcy within the facility's secure environment.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of dormitory-style housing units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Residents usually share common areas within their housing units, where they may watch television, play games, or engage in conversation during designated recreation periods. Meals are generally served in dining areas at scheduled times, with residents following established procedures for movement to and from the dining facilities. Additionally, the facility typically operates a commissary system where residents can purchase approved personal items and snacks using funds from their accounts, providing some degree of personal choice within the structured environment.

Programming schedules often include educational opportunities, religious services, and recreational activities that deliver both structure and personal development opportunities for residents. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that help residents maintain productive routines while contributing to facility operations. While maintaining security protocols, the facility typically provides visitation opportunities and telephone access that allow residents to maintain connections with family members and support systems. These communication options, along with correspondence privileges, help residents preserve important relationships during their time at the facility, contributing to the overall stability that structured daily life can provide.