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 Walla Walla County Corrections Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Walla Walla County Corrections 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 Walla Walla County Corrections Department.

Frequently asked questions about Walla Walla County Corrections 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 Walla Walla County Corrections Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Walla Walla County Corrections 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 Walla Walla County Corrections 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 Walla Walla County Corrections 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 Walla Walla County Corrections 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 Walla Walla County Corrections Department?

   Mailing address:

   Walla Walla County Corrections Department
   300 W Alder St
   Walla Walla, WA 99362
   Phone: (509) 524-5430

   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 Walla Walla County Corrections Department?

   Visiting hours at Walla Walla County Corrections 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) 524-5430 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 Walla Walla County Corrections 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 Walla Walla County Corrections Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Walla Walla County Corrections Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Walla Walla County Corrections 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 Walla Walla County Corrections Department?

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

The Walla Walla County Corrections Department provides inmates with modern technology access through tablets that offer free educational content, books, and periodicals, replacing traditional physical materials. This digital approach to learning resources reflects the facility's commitment to providing accessible educational opportunities while maintaining security protocols. Located at 300 West Alder Street and constructed in 1982, the facility serves multiple law enforcement agencies including the Walla Walla and College Place Police Departments as well as the Sheriff's Office.

Beyond the tablet-based educational programs, the facility typically offers various support services common to Washington state correctional facilities. These may include substance abuse counseling programs, mental health services, and basic educational classes to help inmates prepare for reintegration into the community. The facility's commissary system, accessible through lobby kiosks and online platforms, provides inmates with personal items and snacks, while the comprehensive visitation program allows family members and approved visitors to maintain important connections during incarceration.

The corrections department also provides practical services such as fingerprinting by appointment, which serves both the inmate population and community members who require these services for employment or licensing purposes. Communication services are facilitated through Securus Technologies, enabling inmates to maintain contact with family through phone calls and electronic messaging. Additionally, the facility may offer vocational training opportunities, life skills workshops, and reentry planning services to help prepare inmates for successful community reintegration, though specific program details would need to be confirmed directly with the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Walla Walla County Jail, housed in the facility constructed in 1982 at 300 West Alder Street, typically begin their days with structured routines common to correctional facilities throughout Washington state. The facility, which serves law enforcement agencies including the Walla Walla Police Department, College Place Police, and the Sheriff's Office, generally operates on scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and programming activities that may vary based on housing assignments and security classifications.

Communication with family and friends plays an important role in inmates' daily experiences at the facility. The jail provides modern communication options through Securus Technologies, allowing inmates to make phone calls when funds are available on their accounts. Each inmate receives a tablet providing free access to reading materials, eliminating the need for physical books or periodicals. Families can support their loved ones by adding funds to commissary accounts through the lobby kiosk or online at SmartDeposit.com, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These funds typically allow inmates to purchase personal care items, snacks, and other approved commissary goods that can make daily life more comfortable.

Visitation provides meaningful connection opportunities for inmates and their families, though strict guidelines apply. Visitors must be at least 18 years old with valid identification, while minors require accompaniment by a parent or guardian. Individuals under active Department of Corrections supervision cannot visit the facility. Families can also send care packages through the approved vendor at mycarepack.com, offering another way to support inmates during their stay. The facility's location at the corner of 5th and Alder provides accessible entry for families participating in these important programs that help maintain connections during incarceration.