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 Tehama County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Tehama County 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 Tehama County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Tehama County 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 Tehama County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Tehama County 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 Tehama County 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 Tehama County 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 Tehama County 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 Tehama County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Tehama County Jail
   502 Oak St
   Red Bluff, CA 96080
   Phone: (530) 529-7910

   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 Tehama County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Tehama County 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 (530) 529-7910 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 Tehama County 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 Tehama County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Tehama County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Tehama County 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 Tehama County Jail?

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

Based on the provided website information, I can see that the content focuses primarily on inmate mail procedures and regulations rather than specific programs and services. Since the website doesn't contain information about educational, vocational, or counseling programs, I'll need to provide a response that accurately reflects this limitation.

The Tehama County Jail in Red Bluff, California maintains structured communication policies to ensure facility security while allowing inmates to maintain contact with family and legal representatives. The facility has established specific procedures for inmate correspondence, including designated mailing addresses and strict guidelines regarding acceptable mail content to maintain safety protocols.

While the available information primarily covers mail and visitation procedures, correctional facilities in California typically may offer basic services to support inmates during their stay. These might include access to medical care, library services, and recreational activities within the facility's security framework. Some facilities may also provide opportunities for religious services or basic educational materials, though specific program availability would depend on the facility's resources and current operational capacity.

For comprehensive information about specific programs, educational opportunities, or counseling services that may be available at Tehama County Jail, individuals would need to contact the facility directly, as these details are not outlined in the publicly available information on their current website.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with family and friends forms a central part of the inmate experience at Tehama County Jail in Red Bluff, California. The facility maintains strict mail procedures designed to ensure safety and security while allowing inmates to stay connected with their support networks. All correspondence must include complete return addresses and follow specific formatting requirements, with mail directed to P.O. Box 490, Red Bluff, CA 96080. Legal mail requires special handling and must be clearly marked as such on the envelope, though the facility no longer accepts legal mail drop-offs at the jail window as of July 2019.

The jail's comprehensive mail restrictions reflect the security-focused environment that shapes daily routines. Inmates may not receive items such as stationery, stamps, cards of any kind, adhesives, or colored writing materials, which means communication is limited to basic correspondence on approved materials. These restrictions typically extend to other aspects of daily life, where inmates likely follow structured schedules that may include designated times for meals, recreation, and limited programming activities common to county facilities.

Like most county jails in California, Tehama County Jail likely operates with housing units that accommodate inmates based on classification levels and security needs. Inmates typically spend considerable time in their housing areas, with scheduled periods for activities such as commissary access, phone calls, and possible visitation opportunities. The facility's emphasis on security protocols suggests that movement within the jail is carefully controlled and supervised, creating a highly structured environment where inmates must adapt to institutional routines while maintaining connections with the outside world through approved communication channels.