Inmate Mail

There is no limit on the number of First Class letters an inmate may send or receive. There is no limit on the number of people with which they may correspond. However, an inmate may not correspond with another inmate within the Portsmouth City Jail. Mail will not be withheld as a form of disciplinary action.

Legal Mail


Legal mail will be opened in the presence of the inmate to whom it is addressed. The staff member opening it will not read it. Designated jail staff may read letters other than legal mail for security purposes.

Postage


All mail being sent or received must have a complete return address. Any additional postage will be deducted from their canteen. If they do not have the additional postage fees, their mail will be returned to them.

Outgoing Mail


Outgoing mail is mailed at the end of each shift. The Portsmouth Sheriff's Office is not responsible for the mail once placed in the mail.

Inmates who are indigent will be allowed to have up to 3 letters mailed by the canteen operator each week (Sunday to Saturday).

Special Notices


The correct addresses for mailing the Portsmouth City Jail.

Personal Mail:
Inmate Name and Housing
701 Crawford Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704