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 Ross County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Ross 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 Ross County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Ross County Jail
   28 N Paint St
   Chillicothe, OH 45601
   Phone: (740) 773-1187

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

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

   Visiting hours at Ross 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 (740) 773-1187 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 Ross 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 Ross County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal transformation through structured intervention forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Ross County Jail, where inmates encounter opportunities designed to address underlying factors contributing to their incarceration. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change requires multifaceted support, integrating educational advancement, practical skill development, and therapeutic intervention into a cohesive framework. Through carefully structured programming, participants may engage with services that foster self-awareness, accountability, and the development of prosocial behaviors essential for successful community reintegration.

Educational initiatives typically encompass literacy improvement, GED preparation, and basic academic skill enhancement, providing inmates with foundational knowledge necessary for future employment and personal growth. These learning opportunities often complement vocational job training services that may include instruction in practical trades and workplace readiness skills. Such programming recognizes that sustainable rehabilitation frequently depends upon an individual's ability to secure meaningful employment upon release, making skill acquisition a vital component of the facility's developmental approach.

Additionally, support services address the complex personal challenges that many inmates face, with recovery services targeting substance abuse issues through counseling and educational components. The facility may also provide printing services that support administrative and educational functions, while victim awareness programming helps participants understand the broader impact of criminal behavior. These therapeutic services work collectively to promote introspection and behavioral change, encouraging inmates to develop empathy and take responsibility for their actions while building the emotional tools necessary for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of the housing units at Ross County Jail create a structured environment where inmates must quickly learn to navigate the rhythms of institutional life. Today's routine consistently begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by a carefully orchestrated schedule that typically includes work assignments, recreational periods, and programming opportunities. Inmates generally find that adapting to this regimented lifestyle requires patience and flexibility, as the facility operates on a precise timeline that governs everything from meal times to lights-out procedures.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates must learn to coexist in close quarters with limited personal space. Each housing area generally provides basic amenities including sleeping areas, restroom facilities, and common spaces where inmates can interact during designated periods. The dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal times in a central cafeteria area, where inmates receive nutritionally planned meals that often become important social gathering points throughout the day. Additionally, the facility typically maintains a commissary system that allows inmates to purchase personal items and snacks, providing some degree of choice and comfort within the controlled environment.

While the structured daily schedule provides necessary order, the facility generally offers various programs and activities designed to provide meaningful engagement for inmates. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or laundry services, giving inmates opportunities to develop skills and contribute to facility operations. Recreation periods typically allow for physical exercise, television viewing, or games in designated common areas. Additionally, visitation policies usually permit regular contact with family members and friends, while telephone and mail systems provide ongoing communication channels that help inmates maintain important relationships and support networks during their stay at the facility.