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 Salem Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Salem Correctional 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 Salem Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Salem Correctional 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 Salem Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Salem Correctional 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 Salem Correctional 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 Salem Correctional 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 Salem Correctional 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 Salem Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Salem Correctional Center
   7 Industrial Blvd
   Industrial, WV 26426
   Phone: (304) 782-2371

5. What are the visiting hours at Salem Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Salem Correctional 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 (304) 782-2371 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 Salem Correctional 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 Salem Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Salem Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Salem Correctional 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 Salem Correctional Center?

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

Comprehensive support services form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts, focusing on equipping the population with essential skills for successful community reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach that addresses educational gaps, vocational development, and personal growth needs. These programs often include structured pathways that allow participants to build upon their achievements while maintaining strong connections with family and community support systems.

Educational programs may supply fundamental literacy instruction alongside computer literacy training that prepares the population for modern workplace demands. Financial literacy courses typically help participants develop money management skills essential for independent living upon release. Moreover, vocational training programs often include hands-on instruction in various trades, providing marketable skills that can lead to stable employment opportunities in the community.

Library services typically offer quiet spaces for learning and personal development, while religious services may supply spiritual guidance and community connection for those who seek it. Substance abuse treatment programs often include both individual and group counseling sessions designed to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. These therapeutic interventions typically focus on developing healthy coping strategies and building support networks that extend beyond the facility walls, helping the population maintain positive changes after returning to their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a cornerstone of routine at Salem Correctional Facility, with all incoming mail processed through a centralized scanning system in Phoenix, Maryland. Letters from family and friends must include the inmate's full name and OID number, addressed to the facility's PO Box 336, where correspondence undergoes digital scanning before delivery to inmates. This streamlined process typically ensures that handwritten or typed letters reach their intended recipients within several days, though the facility maintains strict guidelines - photographs, multiple addressees, and any attachments or enclosures are prohibited and will result in the entire envelope being returned to the sender.

The structured communication system reflects the facility's broader approach to daily operations, where inmates typically follow established schedules that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities. Living accommodations often feature dormitory-style or cell-based housing, depending on security classification and behavioral status. Inmates generally have access to common areas during designated hours, where they can participate in television viewing, reading, or social interaction with fellow residents under staff supervision.

Throughout each day, the facility typically maintains regular meal schedules served in dining areas, with inmates moving between various locations for work details, programming, or medical appointments as needed. The emphasis on maintaining family connections through the mail system supports the facility's rehabilitation goals, as regular communication with the outside world often plays a crucial role in successful reintegration planning and maintaining positive relationships during incarceration.