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 Westchester County Department of Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Westchester County Department of Corrections

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 Westchester County Department of Corrections.

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

   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 Westchester County Department of Corrections?

   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 Westchester County Department of Corrections. 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 Westchester County Department of Corrections. 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 Westchester County Department of Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Westchester County Department of Corrections
   10 Woods Rd
   Valhalla, NY 10595
   Phone: (914) 231-1000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM

5. What are the visiting hours at Westchester County Department of Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Westchester County Department of Corrections 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 (914) 231-1000 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 Westchester County Department of Corrections?

   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 Westchester County Department of Corrections for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Westchester County Department of Corrections, 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 Westchester County Department of Corrections?

   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 Westchester County Department of Corrections 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 Westchester County Department of Corrections, 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

Through a comprehensive network of therapeutic and educational initiatives, West Facility creates pathways for personal growth and successful community reintegration. The facility's approach centers on addressing the diverse needs of the population through evidence-based programming that emphasizes skill development, personal accountability, and healing. These carefully structured programs typically work together to provide participants with the tools and support necessary for positive behavioral change and long-term success.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, providing the population with opportunities to complete their high school equivalency or pursue higher learning through correspondence courses. In addition to this, vocational training in welding may supply participants with marketable skills that often translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. These programs typically emphasize hands-on learning and industry-standard practices, helping participants develop both technical competencies and workplace readiness skills that support successful reintegration into their communities.

Therapeutic programs address the underlying issues that often contribute to criminal behavior, with mental health support services providing individual and group counseling to help participants process trauma and develop healthy coping strategies. The facility may offer victim awareness programs that encourage participants to understand the impact of their actions while fostering empathy and personal responsibility. These support services typically work in conjunction with other programming to create a holistic approach to rehabilitation, often including family-focused initiatives that help strengthen relationships and build supportive networks for the population's eventual return to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational systems at this facility shape every aspect of how the population experiences their daily routine, creating predictable patterns that now govern movement, meals, and activities. The structured environment operates on a schedule that residents regularly follow, with designated times for meals, work assignments, recreation, and programming. Count procedures occur at regular intervals throughout the day, ensuring accountability while maintaining the facility's operational flow.

Housing units typically accommodate multiple residents in dormitory-style or cell arrangements, with personal property allowances that generally include basic clothing, hygiene items, and approved personal effects. The population usually has access to commissary services where they may purchase additional food items, toiletries, and approved personal supplies using funds from their institutional accounts. Living spaces are regularly inspected to maintain safety and security standards, and residents are generally responsible for keeping their assigned areas clean and organized.

In addition to this basic structure, the facility typically offers various work assignments that supply both skill development and institutional support, ranging from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks. Recreation opportunities often include outdoor exercise periods, indoor fitness activities, and organized sports when weather and security conditions permit. Despite this structured environment, the population usually maintains contact with family members through scheduled visitation periods and approved telephone calls, with mail correspondence serving as another important communication channel. Educational and vocational programming may also be available, providing residents with opportunities to develop skills that support their eventual reintegration into the community.