How to Pick Up an Inmate’s Property at Western Tidewater Jail (and who can pick it up)

Checklist Before Call

• ✓ Inmate’s full name (spelled the same way the jail has it)
• ✓ Inmate’s five-digit jacket number (if you have it)
• ✓ A valid government-issued photo ID for the person who plans to pick up property
• ✓ Clarity on who is picking up: the inmate vs. a third party the inmate requested
• ✓ The Property department phone number saved so you can schedule/confirm before you drive over

Inmate property can be picked up Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Those are the only standard pickup hours, so plan accordingly if you're juggling work or childcare.

Need to pick up property outside those hours? You'll have to schedule an appointment with the Property department ahead of time. Call 757-942-0545 to arrange it.

The default rule: property goes to the inmate only. If someone else needs to pick it up, the inmate must submit a request form for approval - and approval isn't guaranteed. Before making the trip, confirm the request has been submitted and approved.

All inmate property must fit inside the authorized storage container. Anything that doesn't fit counts as excess - and excess items are treated as contraband.

Don't plan on dropping off clothes, shoes, books, or other personal items. The jail won't accept property at the facility or through the mail. Packages from outside sources aren't allowed either - care packages and boxed items won't reach the inmate.

One exception: nonmetal prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses can be dropped off, but you must bring a current prescription. Staff at the lobby counter will check with the medical department before accepting them.

1. Bring the eyewear and the current prescription - nonmetal glasses and/or contacts must be accompanied by an up-to-date prescription.
2. Go to the lobby counter - tell the lobby clerk you’re dropping off prescription eyewear.
3. Wait for medical approval - the lobby clerk will call someone from the medical department to determine whether the items will be accepted.

Turned away or told the property isn't ready? Circle back to scheduling and approval. Contact the Property department again - if you need an off-hours pickup, call 757-942-0545 to set an appointment. For third-party pickups, the inmate may need to resubmit the request form or follow up to get it approved.