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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Tazewell County Sheriff's Office 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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office.

Frequently asked questions about Tazewell County Sheriff's Office

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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Tazewell County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office. 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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office. 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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office?

   Mailing address:

   Tazewell County Sheriff's Office
   140 School St
   Tazewell, VA 24651
   Phone: (276) 988-5970

5. What are the visiting hours at Tazewell County Sheriff's Office?

   Visiting hours at Tazewell County Sheriff's Office 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 (276) 988-5970 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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office?

   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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Tazewell County Sheriff's Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Tazewell County Sheriff's Office 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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office?

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

   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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office 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 Tazewell County Sheriff's Office, 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 rehabilitation form the foundation of services at Tazewell Regional Jail in Virginia. The facility typically emphasizes helping inmates develop essential life skills and address underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. This comprehensive approach often includes both structured learning opportunities and therapeutic interventions designed to support long-term positive change.

Educational and vocational services may provide inmates with practical pathways to personal development. High school diploma programs often allow individuals to complete their secondary education, while education programs typically cover basic literacy and numeracy skills. Moreover, vocational training services may offer hands-on instruction in various trades and technical skills. These educational opportunities often help inmates build confidence and prepare for successful reentry into their communities.

Support services and therapeutic interventions typically address the behavioral and mental health needs of inmates. Substance abuse treatment services may include group sessions and individual counseling to help participants overcome addiction challenges. Mental health counseling often provides professional support for inmates dealing with various psychological concerns. Moreover, cognitive behavioral programs typically focus on helping inmates recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. These therapeutic services often work together to create a supportive environment where inmates can develop healthier coping strategies and decision-making skills.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Tazewell Regional Jail feature dormitory-style accommodations alongside individual cells, creating varied living environments where inmates must navigate shared spaces and establish routines. At present, the facility actively maintains structured daily schedules that typically begin with early morning wake-up calls, followed by head counts and meal service. Inmates generally participate in organized activities throughout the day, including work assignments that may involve kitchen duties, laundry operations, or facility maintenance tasks.

Living conditions within the facility typically include basic furnishings such as bunks, storage areas for personal belongings, and shared bathroom facilities. Inmates usually adapt to dormitory-style housing by developing informal agreements about personal space and daily routines. The commissary system generally provides access to additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials, allowing inmates to supplement their basic needs. Moreover, personal property policies typically permit limited personal items while maintaining security protocols.

Whereas recreational opportunities often include television viewing areas, library access, and outdoor exercise periods when weather permits, structured programming schedules may provide educational classes or substance abuse counseling sessions. Family connections typically remain possible through scheduled visitation periods and telephone access, though these services generally operate within established security guidelines. The facility usually offers mail services that allow inmates to maintain correspondence with family members and legal representatives, providing essential communication links to the outside community.