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 Robert Presley Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Robert Presley Detention Center 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 Robert Presley Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Robert Presley Detention Center

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 Robert Presley Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Robert Presley Detention Center?

   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 Robert Presley Detention Center?

   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 Robert Presley Detention Center. 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 Robert Presley Detention Center. 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 Robert Presley Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Robert Presley Detention Center
   4000 Orange St
   Riverside, CA 92501
   Phone: (951) 955-4500

   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 Robert Presley Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Robert Presley Detention Center 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 (951) 955-4500 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 Robert Presley Detention Center?

   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 Robert Presley Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Robert Presley Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Robert Presley Detention Center 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 Robert Presley Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Robert Presley Detention Center, 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 Robert Presley Detention Center?

   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 Robert Presley Detention Center 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 Robert Presley Detention Center, 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 initiatives form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts, with vocational education providing residents hands-on skills training in various trades. These comprehensive education programs typically focus on preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their communities. The facility's approach emphasizes practical learning opportunities that may deliver both personal growth and marketable job skills.

Vocational training opportunities often include specialized programs such as small engine repair, which teaches residents technical skills applicable to lawn care, automotive, and equipment maintenance industries. In addition to this, traditional education programs may offer literacy development, GED preparation, and continuing education courses. These educational initiatives typically provide structured learning environments where residents can build confidence while acquiring credentials that enhance their employment prospects upon release.

Support services and therapeutic initiatives complement the educational offerings through comprehensive mental health counseling and structured therapeutic communities. These programs often include creative outlets like painting and decorating workshops, which may deliver both therapeutic benefits and practical skills. Food service operations training provides another valuable vocational pathway, teaching residents culinary skills, food safety protocols, and kitchen management techniques that are highly transferable to the hospitality industry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured schedules at present actively anchor each day, with residents following consistent routines that typically begin with early morning counts and progress through designated meal times, work assignments, and evening activities. This predictable framework generally includes scheduled wake-up calls, organized meal service in communal dining areas, and structured programming blocks that deliver stability throughout the day. Residents usually participate in facility work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles, with these responsibilities often providing both structure and skill development opportunities.

In addition to this routine foundation, living accommodations typically feature housing units designed to accommodate multiple residents, with basic furnishings and personal storage space for approved belongings. Residents generally have access to commissary services where they may purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and other approved personal items using funds from their facility accounts. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with menus that typically aim to meet basic nutritional requirements while accommodating some dietary restrictions.

Despite this structured environment, recreational opportunities often include access to television areas, library services, and outdoor recreation time when weather and security conditions permit. Visitation policies generally allow for scheduled visits with approved family members and friends, while communication options may include monitored phone calls and correspondence. Educational and vocational programming typically delivers additional structure to daily life, with residents often participating in literacy classes, job training, or other skill-building activities that support their preparation for eventual reintegration into the community.