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 Richmond County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Richmond County 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 Richmond County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Richmond County 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 Richmond County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Richmond County 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 Richmond County 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 Richmond County 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 Richmond County 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 Richmond County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Richmond County Jail
   401 Walton Way
   Augusta, GA 30901
   Phone: (706) 821-1000

5. What are the visiting hours at Richmond County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Richmond County 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 (706) 821-1000 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 Richmond County 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 Richmond County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Richmond County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Richmond County 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 Richmond County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Richmond County 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 Richmond County 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 Richmond County 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 Richmond County 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 Charles B. Webster Detention Center operates with a comprehensive approach to inmate care that extends beyond basic custody, emphasizing safety, health services, and maintaining family connections. Under the supervision of the Jail Division, the facility provides medical, mental health, and dental services to address the diverse healthcare needs of its population. The modern video Visitor Center serves as a central hub where family members, attorneys, and social workers can maintain crucial connections with incarcerated individuals, recognizing the importance of support systems during detention.

Beyond the core services outlined in their operations, Richmond County's detention facility may offer educational programming to help individuals work toward GED completion or basic literacy improvement during their stay. Vocational training opportunities could include job readiness workshops, computer skills courses, or certification programs in trades such as food service or maintenance. The facility likely provides substance abuse counseling and mental health support groups, which are essential components of many Georgia correctional programs aimed at addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.

Religious services and spiritual counseling typically form another pillar of support within the facility, offering chaplaincy programs and faith-based discussion groups for those seeking spiritual guidance. Life skills workshops may cover topics such as financial literacy, anger management, and re-entry planning to help prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. The detention center's classification system and professional staff of over 200 employees work together to ensure that programming and services are appropriately matched to individual needs and security levels, creating an environment focused on both safety and personal development opportunities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Charles B. Webster Detention Center operates around the clock with a Processing Center that continuously receives and releases inmates, creating a structured environment where daily routines revolve around safety, security, and essential services. Under the supervision of over 200 law enforcement professionals, inmates within the 50-acre secure campus experience a regimented schedule that typically includes designated meal times with quality food service, medical and mental health appointments as needed, and scheduled periods for family visits and attorney consultations.

Family connections remain a priority through the facility's modern video Visitor Center, where relatives, social workers, attorneys, and approved visitors can conveniently see and speak with inmates from one central location. This centralized system allows for efficient visitation scheduling while maintaining security protocols throughout the maximum-security perimeter. The Visitor Center also serves as the primary location for facilitating inmate releases, streamlining the process for families awaiting their loved ones.

With an average daily population that may fluctuate around capacity levels, inmates typically follow structured daily routines that include scheduled activities, meal service, and access to medical, mental health, and dental services as provided by the facility. The classification system helps determine appropriate housing assignments and daily schedules based on individual circumstances. Transportation to and from court appearances and other necessary appointments is coordinated by the Jail Division staff, ensuring inmates meet their legal obligations while maintaining the security and order essential to facility operations.