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 Southern Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Southern 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 Southern Regional Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Southern Regional Jail
   1200 Airport Rd
   Beaver, WV 25813
   Phone: (304) 256-6726

   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 Southern Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Southern 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 (304) 256-6726 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 Southern 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 Southern Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Southern 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 Southern Regional Jail?

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

The Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority has implemented a comprehensive digital communication system at Tazewell Regional Jail, featuring kiosks and tablets in all housing units that enable inmates to maintain vital connections with family and friends. Through their partnership with Smart Communications, the facility has modernized its mail processing system, scanning all postal correspondence into an electronic format that inmates can access through secure tablets, while providing released individuals with free access to their communications and photos through an online portal.

Beyond communication services, Tazewell Regional Jail typically offers educational programming that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy courses designed to support inmates' academic advancement. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities in areas such as computer skills, job readiness preparation, and basic trade skills that can enhance employment prospects upon release. Counseling services may include substance abuse programs, mental health support, and behavioral modification classes, addressing the underlying issues that often contribute to incarceration.

The jail commonly maintains religious services and chaplaincy programs that provide spiritual guidance and support to inmates of various faith backgrounds. Medical and mental health services are typically available to address both routine healthcare needs and specialized treatment requirements. Work programs within the facility may offer inmates opportunities to develop job skills while contributing to facility operations, often including kitchen services, maintenance duties, and cleaning responsibilities that help prepare individuals for successful reintegration into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with family and friends forms a central part of the experience for individuals housed at Tazewell Regional Jail, where modern technology has transformed how inmates stay connected with the outside world. Since January 2021, the facility has implemented a digital mail system through Smart Communications, requiring all postal mail to be sent to a processing center in Florida where letters and cards are scanned and made available through electronic kiosks and tablets in each housing unit. This system means that while inmates can still receive traditional mail, they view their correspondence digitally rather than handling physical letters, with original documents being destroyed after processing.

The housing units at Tazewell Regional Jail are equipped with communication kiosks and tablets that serve multiple purposes beyond just mail access. These devices typically allow inmates to make phone calls, send electronic messages, and maintain contact with approved family members and friends. The facility operates under the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, which manages multiple locations in the region and maintains consistent communication policies across its facilities. Inmates often spend portions of their day accessing these digital resources during designated times, which may vary based on housing unit schedules and facility operations.

Throughout their stay, inmates can maintain important documentation and memories through the digital system, though the facility strongly advises against sending original documents like birth certificates or irreplaceable photographs since all physical mail is destroyed after scanning. Upon release, former inmates can access their stored communications, photos, and messages for free through the Smart Communications website, providing a way to preserve important correspondence received during incarceration. The facility typically maintains structured daily routines that may include meal times, recreation periods, and designated hours for using communication equipment, though specific schedules often depend on security levels and individual housing assignments.