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 Rockbridge Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Rockbridge 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 Rockbridge Regional Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Rockbridge Regional Jail
   258 Greenhouse Rd
   Lexington, VA 24450
   Phone: (540) 464-1188

5. What are the visiting hours at Rockbridge Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Rockbridge 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) 464-1188 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 Rockbridge 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 Rockbridge Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

A wide spectrum of developmental opportunities supports individuals in building essential life skills and preparing for successful community reintegration. Rockbridge Regional Jail typically emphasizes a holistic approach to personal growth, recognizing that meaningful change often occurs through diverse programming that addresses educational gaps, vocational needs, and behavioral patterns. This comprehensive framework may provide individuals with multiple pathways to develop new competencies and address underlying challenges.

Educational opportunities often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and adult education courses designed to help individuals complete their academic goals. Vocational training programs may offer hands-on instruction in various trades and technical skills that align with regional employment opportunities. These educational and vocational components typically work together to enhance job readiness and provide practical skills that individuals can apply upon release.

In addition to these foundational programs, support services may include cognitive behavioral programs that help individuals develop better decision-making skills and address thinking patterns that contribute to criminal behavior. Prison industries opportunities often provide work experience and job training in a structured environment. Housing assistance programs may also be available to help individuals plan for stable living arrangements as they prepare for community reentry, recognizing that secure housing is often a critical component of successful reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements now signals the start of each day for individuals housed at Rockbridge Regional Jail, where structured routines provide predictability in an otherwise uncertain environment. Residents typically wake early for headcount procedures before moving through scheduled activities that may include meals, programming sessions, and work assignments. Throughout the day, individuals regularly participate in various facility operations, from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks, which offer both structure and the opportunity to develop practical skills.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where individuals maintain personal spaces within dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements. The facility typically provides basic necessities, though residents may often purchase additional items through the commissary system when funds are available. Meals are usually served at designated times in common dining areas, offering opportunities for social interaction while maintaining necessary security protocols.

In addition to this daily structure, the facility may offer recreational activities such as television viewing, reading materials, and limited exercise opportunities when space and staffing permit. Despite this controlled environment, individuals can typically maintain family connections through scheduled visitation periods and phone calls, though these communications are generally monitored according to standard correctional procedures. Educational programming and religious services often provide additional structure to weekly routines, helping residents maintain connections to personal growth and community support systems during their time at the facility.