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 Sacramento County Main Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Sacramento County Main 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 Sacramento County Main Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Sacramento County Main Jail
   651 I St
   Sacramento, CA 95814
   Phone: (916) 874-6752

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Sacramento County Main Jail?

   Visiting hours at Sacramento County Main 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 (916) 874-6752 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 Sacramento County Main 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 Sacramento County Main Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Sacramento County Main 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 Sacramento County Main Jail?

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

Cognitive behavioral therapy sessions and structured rehabilitation programs create pathways for personal transformation within Sacramento County Jail, establishing a framework where those incarcerated can develop essential life skills and address underlying behavioral patterns. The facility’s comprehensive approach to inmate development emphasizes both immediate behavioral modification and long-term reintegration success, recognizing that meaningful change occurs through sustained engagement with evidence-based interventions. This philosophy of structured growth opportunities permeates throughout the facility’s various offerings, creating an environment where participants can actively work toward positive life changes while maintaining the security and safety protocols essential to institutional operations.

Educational initiatives may furnish those incarcerated with opportunities to advance their academic credentials, while vocational training offerings typically focus on developing marketable skills for post-release employment. These educational pathways often include basic literacy programs, high school equivalency preparation, and adult learning opportunities that address diverse educational backgrounds and learning needs. Furthermore, vocational training components may encompass practical skill development in areas such as construction trades, food service, or maintenance operations, providing participants with hands-on experience that translates directly to employment opportunities upon reintegration into the community.

Rehabilitation programs often includes comprehensive support services designed to address the multifaceted challenges that contribute to criminal behavior, while intramural sports activities provide structured recreational outlets that promote physical wellness and positive social interaction. The therapeutic framework typically emphasizes cognitive behavioral therapy approaches, helping participants identify and modify thought patterns that may have contributed to their involvement in the justice system. These structured interventions, combined with recreational programming, create a balanced environment where those incarcerated can develop both emotional regulation skills and healthy coping mechanisms while maintaining physical fitness and building constructive relationships with peers and staff members.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds remain central threads woven throughout the daily experiences of those incarcerated at Sacramento County Jail, where maintaining relationships with loved ones often provides essential emotional anchoring during periods of confinement. Today’s structured routine consistently begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by housing unit assignments that typically organize individuals into dormitory-style accommodations or smaller cells depending on classification levels and available space. The facility generally operates on a schedule that furnishes predictable meal times, recreational periods, and programming opportunities that help establish rhythm and purpose within the institutional environment.

Furthermore, living accommodations within the housing units typically feature shared spaces where those incarcerated often develop informal support networks and daily interactions that can provide companionship during challenging periods. Dormitory-style housing arrangements usually allow for more social interaction among residents, while individual cells may offer greater privacy but potentially less community connection. Meals are generally served in designated dining areas or distributed to housing units, creating natural gathering points where conversations and relationships often develop among those sharing similar circumstances and experiences.

Although the institutional setting presents inherent limitations, recreational activities and structured programming typically furnish opportunities for physical exercise, educational advancement, and skill development that can strengthen both individual growth and community bonds. Visitation policies generally allow family members and approved contacts to maintain regular communication through scheduled visits, telephone calls, and correspondence, which often serves as a vital lifeline to the outside world. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles that not dedicated provide structure and purpose but also create additional opportunities for social interaction and the development of working relationships among those incarcerated.