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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison 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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison.

Frequently asked questions about St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison

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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison?

   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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison?

   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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison. 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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison. 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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison?

   Mailing address:

   St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison
   1900 Paris Rd
   Chalmette, LA 70043
   Phone: (504) 278-7645

   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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison?

   Visiting hours at St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison 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 (504) 278-7645 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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison?

   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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison 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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison, 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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison?

   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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison 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 St. Bernard Sheriff's Office Prison, 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 St. Bernard Parish Jail. The facility typically emphasizes preparing inmates for successful reintegration into their communities through structured learning opportunities and practical training. These services focus on building both personal confidence and marketable skills that can lead to meaningful employment after release.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to advance their academic credentials and develop essential workplace abilities. The facility often includes basic literacy programs and GED preparation to help participants complete their high school education. Moreover, vocational training services typically offer hands-on instruction in carpentry and other construction trades, giving inmates practical skills that are in demand in the local job market. Forklift operation certification may also be available, providing specialized training for warehouse and industrial positions.

Faith-based services often play an important role in supporting inmates' personal development and emotional well-being. These services typically include regular worship opportunities, spiritual counseling, and character development programs that help participants build positive coping strategies. The facility may provide access to chaplains and religious volunteers who offer guidance and support throughout the incarceration period. These therapeutic services often complement other rehabilitation efforts by addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at St. Bernard Parish Jail feature dormitory-style accommodations where inmates navigate shared living spaces designed for security and supervision. Today, inmates follow a structured routine that begins with morning counts and meal service, consistently maintained throughout the facility. Wake-up typically occurs in the early morning hours, followed by breakfast served in designated dining areas where inmates receive portioned meals prepared by facility staff.

Living conditions generally include basic furnishings such as bunks, lockers for personal belongings, and common areas where inmates spend portions of their day. The facility provides television access and recreational activities during designated periods. Whereas some inmates may work in facility maintenance or kitchen assignments, others participate in educational programming or structured activities. Moreover, the commissary system allows inmates to purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their daily provisions.

Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone access, which provide inmates with regular contact with loved ones. Recreation opportunities typically include outdoor exercise time and indoor activities that help maintain physical fitness and mental well-being. The facility generally offers various programs designed to provide structure and productive use of time, though availability may vary based on security classifications and facility capacity. These elements combine to create a routine that helps inmates adapt to the institutional environment while maintaining connections to their support systems.