Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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Western Tidewater Digital Mail: How to Send Messages, Photos, and Video Visits

Western Tidewater uses a digital mail system for personal letters. Once you understand how it works, getting your message to your loved one is straightforward.

• 2 min read • wtrj.org
Western Tidewater Digital Mail: How to Send Messages, Photos, and Video Visits

"Digital mail" at Western Tidewater means personal letters from family and friends are delivered electronically - not as physical paper. Your mail goes through the tablet system and appears in the "Facility Messages" app on their device.

Note: There’s no limit on how many incoming digital letters an inmate can receive or how many letters an inmate can send.

Sending a paper letter? Address it to the jail's digital mail P.O. Box and include the inmate's jacket number. Use this format: Western Tidewater Regional Jail, Inmate Name, Inmate Jacket# (five digit # must be included), P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131. That five-digit jacket number is essential - without it, your mail may not get matched correctly.

Paper letters aren't your only option. Western Tidewater also supports digital communication through GettingOut, where you can exchange text messages and photos with your loved one. GettingOut handles video visits too - access it online or through the mobile app.

If your loved one loses tablet privileges or can't access their device, your messages won't disappear. The facility prints digital mail on paper and delivers it to them.

Mail is processed daily, except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Once processed, incoming mail arrives within 24 hours. If the inmate has been transferred, mail gets forwarded or returned to sender.

Packages: Inmates cannot receive packages from outside sources. To send something personal, use the digital mail address or approved digital options.

Western Tidewater Digital Mail: How to Send Messages, Photos, and Video Visits

Checklist

  • ✓ Address personal mail to: Western Tidewater Regional Jail, Inmate Name, Inmate Jacket# (five digit # must be included), P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131
  • ✓ Include the inmate’s full name and the five-digit jacket number every time
  • ✓ Use GettingOut (online or the mobile app) for digital text messages, photos, and video visits
  • ✓ Don’t send packages - outside packages aren’t allowed
  • ✓ Send as many digital letters as you need; there’s no limit on incoming or outgoing letters

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