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 Ventura County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Ventura 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 Ventura County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Ventura County Jail
   2101 E Olsen Rd
   Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
   Phone: (805) 654-3335

5. What are the visiting hours at Ventura County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Ventura 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 (805) 654-3335 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 Ventura 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 Ventura County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

From foundational literacy courses to specialized trade certifications, the breadth of developmental opportunities available reflects a commitment to addressing the diverse needs and interests of individuals in custody. This comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change often requires multiple pathways for growth and skill development. The facility typically maintains a philosophy that combines practical skill-building with personal development, creating an environment where individuals can explore various avenues for self-improvement and future planning.

Educational initiatives often form the cornerstone of available opportunities, with programs that may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and financial literacy courses designed to build essential life skills. Also available are vocational training opportunities that typically focus on in-demand trades and marketable skills. These hands-on programs often include barbering and cosmetology training, masonry instruction, and other technical skills that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release.

Support services and therapeutic opportunities complement the educational and vocational offerings, creating a well-rounded approach to individual development. Rehabilitation programs typically address various personal challenges and may incorporate group counseling, substance abuse education, and behavioral modification components. Also available is identification document assistance, which helps individuals secure essential paperwork needed for successful community reintegration. This comprehensive framework of opportunities recognizes that lasting change often requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's circumstances and goals.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements echoes through housing units as individuals at Ventura County Jail begin another structured day. The facility currently operates with established routines that help maintain order and provide predictability for residents. Daily schedules typically include designated times for meals, recreation, and various programming activities. Individuals generally wake early and continue through a day that may include work assignments, educational opportunities, or counseling sessions depending on their housing classification and program participation.

Living accommodations vary throughout the facility, with individuals typically housed in dormitory-style units or individual cells. The housing environment generally includes basic furnishings and personal storage space for approved belongings. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas or delivered to housing units, with menus that aim to meet nutritional requirements while accommodating dietary restrictions. Also, individuals may access commissary services to purchase additional food items and personal care products, though availability often depends on account funds and facility policies.

Recreation opportunities typically offer structured physical activity and may include outdoor exercise time when weather and security conditions permit. However, access to these activities often varies based on housing assignments and individual conduct records. Visitation policies generally allow family members and approved visitors to maintain contact through scheduled in-person visits or video calling systems. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that provide structure and, in some cases, modest compensation. The facility also continues to offer various programming options that may include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, or life skills training designed to support individuals during their incarceration and potential reintegration into the community.