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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Sheriff's Department-Jail Division 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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division.

Frequently asked questions about Sheriff's Department-Jail Division

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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Sheriff's Department-Jail Division?

   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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division?

   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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division. 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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division. 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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division?

   Mailing address:

   Sheriff's Department-Jail Division
   50 E Spruce St
   Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
   Phone: (715) 726-7704

5. What are the visiting hours at Sheriff's Department-Jail Division?

   Visiting hours at Sheriff's Department-Jail Division 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 (715) 726-7704 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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division?

   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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Sheriff's Department-Jail Division?

   You can send money to an inmate at Sheriff's Department-Jail Division 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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Sheriff's Department-Jail Division, 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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division?

   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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division 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 Sheriff's Department-Jail Division, 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

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION: The website provided is for the Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility (CVCTF), which is a state correctional facility, not the Chippewa County Jail. These are separate institutions with different purposes and operations.

Based on the website information for CVCTF, substance abuse treatment forms the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at this minimum-security facility. The Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility operates with a specialized focus on addressing substance abuse and related issues among its population of 300 male residents. The facility provides the Earned Release Program (ERP) under Wisconsin State Statutes, which typically allows eligible individuals to earn early release through successful program participation and demonstrated rehabilitation progress. This treatment-centered approach reflects the facility’s primary mission of preparing individuals for successful community reintegration through comprehensive substance abuse intervention.

The facility’s programming may extend beyond substance abuse treatment to include educational opportunities, vocational training, and life skills development that support long-term recovery and community success. Like many Wisconsin correctional facilities, CVCTF may offer GED preparation, basic education classes, and job readiness training to help residents develop the skills necessary for employment upon release. Counseling services often include individual and group therapy sessions, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and relapse prevention programming tailored to address the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse.

Support services at the facility typically encompass case management, reentry planning, and coordination with community resources to ensure continuity of care upon release. The facility may maintain connections with local treatment providers, halfway houses, and employment assistance programs to facilitate successful transitions. Family involvement and communication are often encouraged through visiting programs and correspondence, recognizing the important role of family support in long-term recovery and community reintegration success.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility, the structured environment revolves around comprehensive substance abuse treatment programming designed to prepare residents for successful community reintegration. This all-male, minimum-security facility houses many individuals in treatment-focused housing units within its four-story building that underwent extensive renovation in 2003-2004. The facility’s treatment-centered approach means that daily schedules typically incorporate group therapy sessions, individual counseling, educational programming, and structured activities that support recovery and personal development.

Family connections remain an important part of the rehabilitation process through the facility’s visiting program, with updated visitation procedures and policies available in both English and Spanish to accommodate diverse family needs. The visiting room features cashless vending machines to provide refreshments during visits, and families can access detailed visiting information through facility-provided documentation. Communication with loved ones may also include monitored phone calls and correspondence, following standard correctional facility protocols for mail and property handling.

Located at 2909 E. Park Ave. in Chippewa Falls, the facility operates under the Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ Division of Adult Institutions and provides the Earned Release Program pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes. Residents who successfully engage with treatment programming and demonstrate progress may have opportunities to earn privileges and work toward earlier release dates, reflecting the facility’s focus on rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures. The treatment-oriented environment typically emphasizes personal responsibility, skill development, and preparation for successful reentry into the community.