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 Roanoke City Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Roanoke 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 Roanoke City Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Roanoke City Jail
   324 Campbell Ave SW
   Roanoke, VA 24016
   Phone: (540) 853-2621

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 7:30 – 11:00 PM
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 7:30 – 11:00 PM
   • Sunday: 7:30 – 11:00 PM

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

   Visiting hours at Roanoke 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 (540) 853-2621 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke City Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Roanoke County/Salem Jail facilitates communication and financial support systems that help maintain connections between incarcerated individuals and their families. Located at 401 East Main Street in Salem, Virginia, the facility provides multiple ways for inmates to stay connected, including outgoing collect calls with no limits during normal operating hours, and text communication through jail-issued tablets. A secured ATM in the main lobby allows visitors to deposit funds into inmates' commissary accounts using cash or credit cards, while online deposits can also be made through the Jail ATM website system.

Beyond these communication services, the facility may offer educational programs designed to help inmates develop job skills and prepare for reintegration into the community. Like many Virginia correctional facilities, programming typically includes GED preparation classes, vocational training opportunities, and substance abuse counseling services. The jail may also provide religious services, mental health support, and life skills workshops that focus on employment readiness and personal development.

Inmates and their families can access information about available programs through the facility's inmate inquiry system or by contacting the jail docket office at 540-283-3162. The jail's approach to correspondence allows family members to maintain regular contact by sending mail to the facility's designated address, supporting the important family connections that often contribute to successful rehabilitation outcomes.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Roanoke County/Salem Jail, located at 401 East Main Street in Salem, Virginia, typically maintain contact with family and friends through a structured communication system that includes outgoing collect calls and text messaging via jail-issued tablets. The facility operates under policies that allow inmates to make unlimited outgoing calls during normal operating hours, though they cannot receive incoming calls. This communication structure often forms a central part of inmates' daily routine, providing essential connections to their support networks outside the facility walls.

The jail's commissary system allows inmates to purchase personal items and snacks through funds deposited by family members using the secured ATM in the main lobby or through online transfers via the Jail ATM website. This system typically enables inmates to access basic necessities and small comforts that may help structure their daily activities. Mail correspondence flows through a centralized processing system, with all inmate mail directed to a P.O. Box in Phoenix, Maryland, before being distributed within the facility.

Located at the intersection of Thompson Memorial Boulevard and East Main Street, the jail operates as part of a courthouse complex that may influence the daily rhythm of facility operations. Inmates housed here likely follow standard correctional schedules that typically include designated times for meals, recreation, educational programming where available, and facility maintenance duties. The proximity to downtown Salem and the courthouse suggests that inmates may frequently participate in court proceedings, medical appointments, and meetings with legal counsel, which often punctuate the otherwise routine nature of institutional life.