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 South Side Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at South Side Regional 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 South Side Regional Jail.

Frequently asked questions about South Side Regional 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 South Side Regional Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to South Side Regional 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 South Side Regional 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 South Side Regional 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 South Side Regional 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 South Side Regional Jail?

   Mailing address:

   South Side Regional Jail
   244 Uriah Branch Way
   Emporia, VA 23847
   Phone: (434) 634-2254

   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 South Side Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at South Side Regional 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 (434) 634-2254 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 South Side Regional 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 South Side Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at South Side Regional Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at South Side Regional 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 South Side Regional Jail?

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

Based on the current operational updates from Southside Regional Jail, the facility maintains essential inmate services while adapting to evolving security and health protocols. The facility has implemented specific mail handling procedures for inmate correspondence, ensuring secure communication channels remain available to residents while maintaining institutional safety standards.

Southside Regional Jail typically provides a range of rehabilitative and support services designed to assist inmates during their incarceration. Educational programs may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and life skills training to help individuals develop essential competencies for successful reintegration. The facility often offers vocational training opportunities that may focus on practical skills such as maintenance, food service, or other trades that provide valuable work experience. Counseling services are generally available to address substance abuse issues, anger management, and mental health support, helping inmates work through personal challenges that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Additional support services at the facility may include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and access to legal resources through the law library. The jail typically maintains medical and dental care services to address inmates' health needs during their stay. Work programs within the facility often provide opportunities for inmates to gain job skills while contributing to facility operations, which may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and cleaning responsibilities. These comprehensive services work together to create a structured environment focused on personal development and preparation for eventual release back into the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Personal visits to Southside Regional Jail have been suspended until further notice, significantly impacting how incarcerated individuals maintain connections with their loved ones during their time at the facility. This temporary measure affects the normal rhythm of institutional life, where family visits typically serve as important milestones in weekly routines. The facility has also implemented changes to inmate mail policies, though specific correspondence may still be processed according to established security protocols.

Reading materials from outside sources are no longer accepted at the facility, meaning incarcerated individuals must rely on the institution's library resources or approved publications available through the commissary system. This change affects how people spend their recreational time during the day, as books and magazines often provide educational opportunities and entertainment during non-programming hours. Daily schedules at Virginia regional facilities typically include structured meal times, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods, though specific timing may vary based on housing units and security classifications.

The facility operates under the oversight of the Southside Regional Jail Authority, which conducts regular board meetings to address operational matters and policy changes. Like most regional facilities in Virginia, daily life likely includes opportunities for educational programming, work assignments, and limited recreational activities, all structured around security procedures and count times that help maintain institutional safety and order throughout each day.