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 York County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at York County Prison 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 York County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about York County Prison

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 York County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to York County Prison?

   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 York County Prison?

   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 York County Prison. 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 York County Prison. 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 York County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   York County Prison
   3400 Concord Rd
   York, PA 17402
   Phone: (717) 840-7580

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at York County Prison?

   Visiting hours at York County Prison 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 (717) 840-7580 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 York County Prison?

   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 York County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at York County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at York County Prison 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 York County Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At York County Prison, 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 York County Prison?

   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 York County Prison 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 York County Prison, 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

Communication and financial management services at York County Prison are designed to help inmates maintain important connections while incarcerated. The facility operates a comprehensive mail system that allows inmates to correspond with the public, attorneys, and public officials, with special provisions for legal correspondence that can be sent via email or standard mail free of charge. For financial transactions, the prison maintains secure inmate accounts where funds can be deposited through kiosks in visiting areas or online through commissary vendors, with all transactions properly documented through receipts.

Beyond these communication and financial services, York County Prison may offer various rehabilitative programs typical of Pennsylvania correctional facilities. Educational opportunities often include GED preparation classes and basic literacy programs to help inmates develop essential academic skills. The facility may also provide vocational training in areas such as food service, maintenance, or other practical trades that can support successful reentry into the community.

Counseling and support services typically play an important role in the facility's approach to rehabilitation. These may include substance abuse counseling programs, mental health services, and reentry planning assistance to help inmates prepare for their return to society. Religious services and recreational activities are often available to support inmates' spiritual and physical well-being during their incarceration. The prison's focus on maintaining family connections through its visiting and communication policies reflects a broader commitment to supporting inmates' rehabilitation and successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at York County Prison maintain contact with the outside world through carefully regulated correspondence and visitation systems. The facility permits inmates to correspond with the public, attorneys, and public officials, though all mail undergoes security screening. Legal correspondence receives special handling, with attorneys and court officials authorized to send materials through both email and standard mail to the facility's Concord Road address. When mail is denied, family members typically have ten days to retrieve it from the Prison Business Office during weekday business hours.

Financial transactions within the facility operate through a structured account system where any money inmates possess upon admission is deposited and tracked through receipts. Family members and friends may add funds to inmate accounts using kiosks located in visiting areas during normal visiting hours or through online platforms via commissary and tablet vendors. The facility maintains strict policies prohibiting money transfers between inmate accounts, and incoming funds may be partially allocated toward outstanding fines, costs, or restitution obligations.

The prison's operational structure reflects standard security protocols while accommodating essential communication needs. Inmates typically follow regulated daily schedules that may include meals, work assignments, educational programs, and recreational periods, though specific timing varies based on housing assignments and security classifications. Legal correspondence receives priority processing, with the facility offering free email services for attorney-client communications, while maintaining page limits on incoming legal documents to ensure efficient processing and security screening.