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 San Luis Obispo County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   San Luis Obispo County Jail
   1585 Kansas Ave
   San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
   Phone: (805) 781-4600

   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 San Luis Obispo County Jail?

   Visiting hours at San Luis Obispo 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 (805) 781-4600 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at San Luis Obispo County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo County Jail?

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

The multifaceted approach to individual development at San Luis Obispo County Jail reflects a commitment to addressing diverse needs through carefully structured opportunities. Rather than offering isolated interventions, the facility typically integrates educational, vocational, and therapeutic components that work synergistically to support comprehensive personal growth. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful change often emerges from exposure to varied learning environments and skill-building experiences that address both practical needs and underlying challenges.

Educational foundations form a cornerstone of available opportunities, with adult basic education serving individuals who seek to strengthen fundamental academic skills. These educational programs may offer pathways for individuals to pursue literacy development, mathematical competency, and critical thinking abilities that prove essential for successful community reintegration. Moreover, vocational training in carpentry provides hands-on experience with construction techniques, tool usage, and project management skills that translate directly into employment opportunities upon release.

Therapeutic interventions, particularly substance abuse treatment, address the complex behavioral patterns that often contribute to justice system involvement. These structured programs typically incorporate evidence-based approaches to help individuals understand addiction cycles and develop sustainable recovery strategies. Additionally, work programs and landscaping opportunities provide practical skill development while fostering responsibility and work ethic, creating environments where individuals can demonstrate reliability and contribute meaningfully to facility operations while preparing for future employment prospects.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic sound of security checks punctuates the otherwise quiet early morning hours, as individuals at San Luis Obispo County Jail begin each day within a structured environment designed to maintain order and safety. Daily routines currently follow a predictable pattern that continues throughout the week, with wake-up calls typically occurring in the early morning hours, followed by personal hygiene time and preparation for breakfast. The facility generally operates on a schedule that includes designated times for meals, programming activities, and recreation, though these may vary based on housing assignments and security classifications.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals may be housed with one or more roommates depending on capacity and classification requirements. Each housing area generally includes basic amenities such as restroom facilities, common areas for television viewing, and space for personal belongings, though storage is usually limited to essential items. Moreover, the facility maintains different housing units that may offer varying levels of privileges and movement, with some areas providing more structured programming opportunities while others focus primarily on basic housing needs.

Whereas daily life includes necessary security procedures and restrictions, individuals typically have access to various activities that offer structure and engagement throughout their stay. Recreation time usually includes outdoor exercise periods when weather permits, along with indoor activities such as television viewing, reading materials from the facility library, and organized games or fitness programs. Communication with family members and loved ones generally occurs through scheduled visitation periods, telephone calls during designated hours, and written correspondence, helping individuals maintain important connections to their support systems. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks, which often provide individuals with a sense of purpose and the opportunity to earn small amounts of credit toward commissary purchases or other approved items.