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 Umatilla County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Umatilla 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 Umatilla County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Umatilla County Jail
   4700 N W Pioneer Pl
   Pendleton, OR 97801
   Phone: (541) 966-3600

   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 Umatilla County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Umatilla 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 (541) 966-3600 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 Umatilla 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 Umatilla County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The expansive array of developmental opportunities at Umatilla County Jail reflects a comprehensive approach to individual growth and community preparation. Rather than limiting focus to basic custodial functions, the facility typically emphasizes multifaceted programming that addresses educational deficits, vocational skill development, and behavioral modification through structured interventions. This holistic framework recognizes that meaningful reintegration requires addressing the diverse needs and circumstances that individuals bring to the correctional environment.

Educational opportunities often form the cornerstone of personal development initiatives, with services that may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and specialized curricula designed to enhance practical life skills. Financial literacy programming typically provides individuals with essential knowledge regarding budgeting, banking, and debt management—competencies that prove invaluable upon community reentry. Furthermore, vocational training opportunities frequently encompass hands-on instruction in trades such as masonry, equipping participants with marketable skills and industry-relevant certifications that enhance employment prospects following release.

Therapeutic and behavioral interventions complement these educational and vocational offerings through evidence-based approaches to personal transformation. Cognitive behavioral programs typically focus on helping individuals recognize and modify thought patterns that contribute to problematic decision-making, while specialized support services may address substance abuse, anger management, and interpersonal relationship skills. This integrated approach to programming ensures that individuals have access to resources addressing both practical skill development and underlying behavioral patterns that may have contributed to their involvement in the justice system.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of institutional bells and announcements currently shapes the daily experience for individuals housed at Umatilla County Jail, where structured routines provide both predictability and purpose. Each day typically begins with early morning wake-up calls, followed by cell inspections and headcounts that continue throughout the day at regular intervals. Meals generally occur at scheduled times in designated dining areas or within housing units, depending on the facility's current operational procedures and security classifications. The daily schedule usually includes opportunities for recreation, educational programming, and work assignments that offer structure while individuals navigate their time at the facility.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals may be housed based on factors such as security classification, medical needs, and behavioral considerations. Each housing area generally provides basic furnishings including beds, storage space for personal property, and access to restroom facilities. Furthermore, individuals usually have access to commissary services where they can purchase approved items such as snacks, hygiene products, and writing materials using funds from their institutional accounts. The facility typically maintains temperature-controlled environments and provides bedding, though individuals may often supplement these basics through commissary purchases when funds are available.

Although daily life operates within the constraints of institutional security, various programs and activities offer meaningful engagement for individuals during their stay. Educational opportunities may include GED preparation, life skills classes, and substance abuse programming, while work assignments typically involve facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or laundry services that provide both structure and potential skill development. Visitation policies generally allow for scheduled visits with family members and approved visitors, often conducted through video conferencing systems or in-person meetings depending on current facility protocols. Additionally, individuals usually have access to telephone services and may be able to send and receive mail, helping them maintain important connections with their support systems in the community while they continue to work through the legal process.