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 Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Southeastern Ohio 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 Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Southeastern Ohio 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 Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Southeastern Ohio 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 Southeastern Ohio 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 Southeastern Ohio 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 Southeastern Ohio 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 Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail
   16677 Riverside Dr
   Nelsonville, OH 45764
   Phone: (740) 753-4060

5. What are the visiting hours at Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Southeastern Ohio 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 (740) 753-4060 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 Southeastern Ohio 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 Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Southeastern Ohio 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 Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail?

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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Southeast Ohio Regional Jail. The facility typically emphasizes helping inmates build practical abilities and address underlying challenges that may have contributed to their incarceration. Through a range of structured services, participants often have opportunities to develop new competencies while working toward successful community reintegration.

Educational and vocational services play a central role in preparing inmates for employment opportunities upon release. Education initiatives may provide basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education options to help participants advance their academic credentials. Additionally, job training services often focus on developing marketable skills in various trades and industries. Job readiness training typically covers essential workplace behaviors, interview techniques, and professional communication skills that employers value.

Support services address the personal and therapeutic needs that contribute to long-term success. Recovery services may offer substance abuse counseling and addiction treatment resources for inmates struggling with dependency issues. Peer support groups often provide structured environments where participants can share experiences and encourage positive behavioral changes. The facility may also provide arts and crafts activities that promote creative expression and stress management. Additionally, practical services such as laundry services help maintain daily routines and personal responsibility during incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind concrete walls and secured doors, the living environment at Southeast Ohio Regional Jail shapes every aspect of an inmate's daily experience. The facility currently operates with structured housing units where inmates adapt to shared living spaces and regulated routines. Daily life continues to revolve around scheduled counts, meal times, and supervised activities that provide essential structure throughout each day.

Living accommodations typically consist of multi-occupancy cells or dormitory-style housing units where inmates generally share sleeping quarters with one or more individuals. The facility usually provides basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Inmates may maintain limited personal property and often have access to commissary services for additional items. While privacy remains minimal, inmates typically adapt by establishing routines and respecting shared spaces within their housing assignments.

Additionally, the facility generally offers various programming opportunities that help inmates maintain connections with family and develop skills. Recreation time may include outdoor exercise periods, gymnasium access, or recreational activities depending on security levels and facility schedules. Visitation policies typically allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence. Work assignments often provide inmates with job opportunities in areas such as kitchen services, facility maintenance, or laundry operations. These structured programming schedules usually help inmates develop routines while serving their sentences and preparing for eventual reintegration into the community.