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 Sunnyside Police Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Sunnyside Police Department 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 Sunnyside Police Department.

Frequently asked questions about Sunnyside Police Department

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 Sunnyside Police Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Sunnyside Police Department?

   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 Sunnyside Police Department?

   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 Sunnyside Police Department. 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 Sunnyside Police Department. 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 Sunnyside Police Department?

   Mailing address:

   Sunnyside Police Department
   401 Homer St
   Sunnyside, WA 98944
   Phone: (509) 836-6200

5. What are the visiting hours at Sunnyside Police Department?

   Visiting hours at Sunnyside Police Department 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 (509) 836-6200 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 Sunnyside Police Department?

   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 Sunnyside Police Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Sunnyside Police Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Sunnyside Police Department 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 Sunnyside Police Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Sunnyside Police Department, 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 Sunnyside Police Department?

   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 Sunnyside Police Department 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 Sunnyside Police Department, 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

At the Sunnyside City Jail, corrections officers provide comprehensive care and custody services for inmates charged with or convicted of misdemeanor crimes, as well as those pending sentencing from other jurisdictions. The facility’s operational framework includes essential booking and classification procedures, transportation services, court security, visitation monitoring, and management of prisoner property and funds. With its 91-bed capacity serving both local and contract agency inmates, the facility maintains structured visiting protocols that include both in-person and online visitation options through Visitel services, ensuring inmates can maintain important family and community connections during their incarceration.

The facility typically may offer educational programming designed to help inmates develop basic literacy and life skills, along with vocational training opportunities that could include job readiness workshops and certification programs relevant to local employment markets. Counseling services may be available to address substance abuse issues, anger management, and other behavioral concerns common among the misdemeanor offender population. Given the facility’s role in housing inmates from multiple jurisdictions, support services likely include assistance with legal matters, communication with family members, and preparation for reintegration into the community upon release.

Additional programming may encompass religious services, recreational activities, and health and wellness initiatives that promote positive behavioral changes. The facility’s approach to inmate management appears to emphasize accountability and structure, with clear policies regarding mail, property handling, and visitor requirements that help maintain security while supporting rehabilitation goals. These services work together to create an environment focused on helping offenders address the underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration while preparing them for successful reentry into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Sunnyside City Jail operates around the clock with corrections officers managing the care and custody of inmates housed in the 91-bed facility. Inmates at this Law & Justice Center location typically follow structured daily routines that include meal times, recreational periods, and scheduled activities, though specific programming may vary based on the facility’s current capacity and staffing levels. The booking and classification process helps determine appropriate housing assignments and daily schedules for both local inmates and those from contract agencies who may be awaiting sentencing from other jurisdictions.

Communication with family and friends is facilitated through the jail’s mail system, where inmates can receive correspondence addressed directly to them at 401 Homer Street. However, the facility maintains strict policies prohibiting packages, clothing items, cash, money orders, or checks from being mailed to inmates. For those seeking more immediate contact, the jail offers two visiting options: traditional in-person visits and online video visits through www.visitel.us. In-person visits are limited to a maximum of two visitors per visit with two visits allowed per day on a established-come, established-served basis, and all visitors must be over 18 with valid state identification and appropriate dress code compliance.

The facility’s 24-hour operations extend to various services, including the ability to post bail at any time and property release procedures that allow inmates to authorize adult visitors with valid ID to collect their belongings. Corrections officers handle multiple responsibilities beyond daily inmate supervision, including transport duties, court security, visitation monitoring, and maintaining detailed records of prisoner property and funds. For specific information about charges, bail amounts, court dates, or release schedules, families typically contact the jail directly at (509) 836-6212.