What You Can (and Can't) Bring to Western Tidewater Jail for an Inmate

The default rule at Western Tidewater Jail is straightforward: visitors cannot bring items for inmates. Period. If something truly needs to get through, only the Director of Security or the Director of Treatment can approve an exception - front desk staff can't make that call on the spot.

This "no items" rule extends to property drop-offs across the board. The jail won't accept property at the facility or through the mail. Mailing a package or bringing a bag of belongings to the lobby? Wasted trip.

One exception exists for medical needs: nonmetal glasses and/or contact lenses with a current prescription. Bring them to the lobby counter and the clerk will contact the medical department, who decides whether to accept them. Have the prescription paperwork with you - without it, expect the items to be refused.

Thinking about mailing something in? Don't. Western Tidewater Jail doesn't accept property at the facility or through the mail - outside packages simply aren't an option for getting personal items to an inmate.

Inside the facility, personal belongings are tightly restricted. All inmate property must fit in the authorized storage container. Anything beyond that counts as contraband.

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• ✓ If you think you need to bring an item for an inmate, get an exception approved by the Director of Security or the Director of Treatment before you show up.
• ✓ If you’re bringing glasses or contacts, make sure they’re nonmetal and bring the current prescription; expect the lobby clerk to call medical to decide if they’ll be accepted.

• ✓ For property pickup (when applicable), plan for normal business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday - unless you’ve scheduled a prearranged appointment with the property department.