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 Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Rappahannock 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 Rappahannock Regional Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Rappahannock Regional Jail
   1745 Richmond Hwy
   Stafford, VA 22554
   Phone: (540) 288-5245

   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 Rappahannock Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Rappahannock 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 (540) 288-5245 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 Rappahannock 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 Rappahannock Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Rappahannock 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 Rappahannock Regional Jail?

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

The Recovery Court program at Rappahannock Regional Jail represents a specialized approach to addressing substance abuse issues among offenders, with dedicated administrative support and structured programming designed to break the cycle of addiction-related crime. This therapeutic intervention, along with the facility's Crisis Intervention Team program, demonstrates the jail's commitment to addressing underlying behavioral health needs that often contribute to criminal behavior. The Electronic Monitoring Program and Work Release initiatives further support successful community reintegration by allowing eligible inmates to maintain employment and family connections while serving their sentences.

Rappahannock Regional Jail's Community-Based Probation services and Specialty Dockets coordination typically work in conjunction with educational and vocational training programs that may include GED preparation, basic literacy instruction, and job readiness training. The facility often provides substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and life skills programming to help inmates develop the tools necessary for successful reentry. Religious services and recreational activities are commonly available to support inmates' overall well-being during their incarceration.

The jail's comprehensive approach to inmate services may also include medical and dental care, library access, and family support programs designed to maintain important relationships during incarceration. With its digital mail system and structured visitation program, the facility works to balance security needs with maintaining inmates' connections to their support networks. These various programs and services reflect the jail's mission to provide corrections in a humane manner while preparing inmates for successful return to their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Rappahannock Regional Jail, which serves Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George counties and the City of Fredericksburg, experience a structured environment designed to maintain security while providing essential services. The facility has recently implemented a digital mail system, requiring all personal correspondence to be processed electronically rather than through traditional postal delivery. This change reflects the jail's ongoing efforts to modernize operations while maintaining security protocols for the nearly 50-year-old regional facility.

Communication with family and friends typically follows established schedules, with inmate visitation services available through the facility's dedicated department. The jail maintains various specialized programs that may influence daily routines, including community-based probation services, specialty court coordination, and a Recovery Court program that operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Inmates may also have access to work release and electronic monitoring programs through the prerelease programs, which are managed during standard business hours Monday through Friday.

The facility's comprehensive approach to corrections often includes medical services, property management, and account services for inmates. As a regional cooperative effort serving multiple jurisdictions, the jail typically maintains structured daily schedules that balance security requirements with programming opportunities. Inmates generally follow established routines for meals, recreation, and any available educational or treatment programs, though specific schedules may vary based on housing assignments and individual circumstances within the facility.