Yakima County Annex Emailing An Inmate

Yakima County Annex

Address:
111 North Front Street
Yakima, WA 98901

Phone:

509-574-1700

Using a Digital Email Service to Send mail to an Inmate in Yakima County Annex

Yakima County Annex Digital Mail Instructions

When you send mail to an inmate in Yakima County Annex (see mailing address below), it gets sent to a third party service that takes the content and scans it, then forwarded to the jail to be printed out and given to the inmate.

Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
Yakima County Jail-1120
P.O. Box 96777
Las Vegas, NV 89193

Yakima County Annex is using this service because all too often, inmates were receiving letters soaked in illegal liquid drugs.

The service, called Pigeonly, accepts non-privileged (legal) mail.

Pigeonly will also process the following non-privileged (personal) mail:

  • Letters (including drawings)
  • Greeting Cards
  • Postcards
  • 4x6 Photos (limit of up to 10 per parcel)
  • Unbound Newsletters

As an additional service Pigeonly offers a service where you don't even have to use the USPS to send the inmate mail, but can send your letters and photos directly from your phone or computer. There are several plans; monthly and annual, that come with a fee, but save you the trouble of dealing with writing and mailing letters the old school way.

How to Communicate with your Yakima County Annex Inmate by Text and Email

Using edovo text and email service you can communicate with your inmate that is incarcerated in the Yakima County Annex

How it works: 

  • First, your inmate has to initiate comminication with by email or text from the jail using a tablet or kiosk.
  • Then you can respond. By loading up some money into the edovo system, you can communicate as often as you want.
  • Messages are securely transferred directly from the incarcerated user’s device to your personal phone or computer.
  • The staff at the Yakima County Annex have full oversight of all your texts and email so be careful what you write.

 

Can inmates send and receive texts and emails?

Almost all jails and prisons have adopted a messaging system which allows inmates to communicate with their friends and family using an electronic messaging system. It’s neither email nor text, it’s something in between.

The inmate and their contacts do not use their regular email accounts or phone numbers, but account numbers that are set up with the company providing the service.
All communication goes through them. Think of them as a middleman.

Once a contact of the inmate is approved, like the approval process a visitor goes through, an account is set up, using a credit or debit card to fund the account. 

To start, the inmate’s contact can send a message that has a limit of so many characters, usually about one page of text. 

The message is then reviewed by a computer that scans the message for certain keywords or phrases that are not allowed, almost like a censoring service. If the machine scanner finds problems with the message it sends the message to the Yakima County Annex staff to review, and if they find no issues, will then forward it to the inmate’s account so that they can read it.

If there are problems with the message, it is possible the message will not be sent. The sender will be notified of the decision and will not get a refund.

Once the inmate receives the message, should the account holder have funded the account allowing replies, the inmate can respond with a similar length message.

How much does it cost for an inmate to use a text or email service?

The cost to use the electronic messaging service, which is like texting or emailing, costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per page; a page being about 500 characters.

Can inmates send and receive photos through their messaging system?

Photos can be sent by the inmate’s contact that is not incarcerated, but not by the inmate due to security concerns. There is an extra cost, usually about $0.50 for each photo attached. 

The photos must go through a security screening where nudity, violence and other things are checked before the photo can be delivered. If the photo is rejected, the sender will be notified, but no refund will be given.

The inmate does not have the ability to print out the photos that make it past the screening, but the photos will stay in their account so that they can view them at their leisure. 

Can I send an inmate a link to a video to watch?

No.  Because this is a closed system, the inmate has no access to the internet, thus the inmate will have no access to any links that you send them.

Can I send the inmate a video?

Yes, just as you can send text and photos, you can send a video message, or if not a message, then a video of your children or yourself. Every company has a limit on the length of the video, usually no more than one minute, and at a cost of approximately $2.00 to $3.00 per video.

The video will first be screened for any nudity, excessive vulgarity, violence, etc. If it is rejected on any of the grounds the sender will not be given a refund.

As with the policy of photos, the inmate cannot reciprocate. They cannot send videos of themselves or anything in jail.

What device does an inmate use for texting and emailing?

The jails that contract with the electronic messaging service is given a certain number of kiosks within each unit for inmate use. Inmates can log on as they might with a public computer terminal. 

In addition to the public terminal kiosks, inmates are given (or can rent) access to individual tablets like a bulky, almost indestructible ipad. These allow an inmate to use them to access your messages, photos and videos in a more private manner. 

Should the inmate damage the tablet, they will be responsible for replacing it. The money will be deducted from their commissary account.

What is the inmate text and email system in Yakima County Annex?

The electronic messaging system used by Yakima County Annex, if there is one, can be found at the top of this page. If there is no information about the ability to text or email with an inmate, it is possible that the facility has recently changed companies or does not have this service available. Call 509-574-1700 to confirm.

What are the companies that provide inmate electronic messaging services?

This is a list of all the companies in the United States that work with jails and prisons, providing text and email messaging between inmates and their friends and families:

Access Corrections
CIDNET
City Tele Coin
Correct Pay
Corrlinks
Ctel
Edevo
Express Account
Gettingout
GTL
Homewav
IC Solutions
Inmate Canteen
Inmate Sales
JailATM
J Pay
NCIC
Paytel
Pigeonly
Prodigy Sales
Reliance
Securus
Smart Communications
TBE
Visitel

How do I fund the inmate’s messaging system?

You fund the messaging service with credit and debit cards. All of them take Visa and MasterCard, most also take Discover, and just some take America Express.

How often can an inmate text and email?

There is no limit to the amount of texting and email that an inmate can have with their family and friends.

Can inmates’ text any time of the day or night?

If an inmate has their own tablet, then they can text any time of the day or night, however if the must use the wall mounted kiosk terminal in their unit, they are limited to using it only during the hours they are allowed off their bunks; usually 7:00AM to 10:00PM, excluding meals, head counts and shift changes.

Can inmates email other inmates in other jails or prisons?

No, inmates are not allowed to communicate with each other, nor with inmates in other institutions. There is always a way to get around it, for example if one of the inmates has access to a phone with an internet connection, but this would be the only way.

For mailing, emailing and texting an Inmate in the Yakima County Annex use Pigeonly

Pigeonly allows you to physically or digitally send an inmate:

  • Letters (including drawings)
  • Greeting Cards
  • Postcards
  • 4x6 Photos (limit of up to 10 per parcel)
  • Unbound Newsletters

Pigeonly offers a service where you don't even have to use the USPS to send the inmate mail, but can send your letters and photos directly from your phone or computer. There are several plans; monthly and annual, that come with a fee, but save you the trouble of dealing with writing and mailing letters the old school way.

will either print them out for your inmate or put them on a terminal in their unit to see and read them.

For complete information on using pigeonly to mail letters, email letters, cards, photos, articles, as well as find out pricing plans, check out our Inmate Email page or Inmate Mail page.


 

Using edovo text and email service you can communicate with your inmate that is incarcerated in the Yakima County Annex

How it works: 

  • First, your inmate has to initiate comminication with by email or text from the jail using a tablet or kiosk.
  • Then you can respond. By loading up some money into the edovo system, you can communicate as often as you want.
  • Messages are securely transferred directly from the incarcerated user’s device to your personal phone or computer.
  • The staff at the Yakima County Annex have full oversight of all your texts and email so be careful what you write.

 

Yakima County Annex Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Yakima County Annex allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.

Envelopes
The Yakima County Annex also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
Yakima County Jail-1120
P.O. Box 96777
Las Vegas, NV 89193



Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
Yakima County Department of Corrections
111 N Front Street
Yakima, WA 98901



Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Yakima County Annex allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Yakima County Annex standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Booking Number
Yakima County Department of Corrections
111 N Front Street
Yakima, WA 98901


 

Yakima County Bail Bond Information

Because Yakima County and Washington can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Yakima County Annex at 509-574-1700, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Yakima County Annex or the Yakima County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to pay it?
  4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
  5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
  6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.


 

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account in Yakima County Annex

To deposit money into the account of an inmate in Yakima County, follow these instructions:

  • Create an account with Touchpay Services, a GTL company.
  • Select Washington.
  • Select Yakima County Annex
  • Enter the Inmate ID of your inmate.  This can be found by calling 509-574-1700 or by looking up the inmate's name in the Inmate Search link.
  • Enter your billing information and send money.
  • You can also deposit cash using the kiosk at the Yakima County Annex.  To do this you need the Inmate's ID Number and the Facility Locator Number for Yakima County.

For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.


 

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Yakima County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Yakima County Annex follow these steps:

  • Register here to create an account with icaregifts for Yakima County.
  • Choose Washington, then Yakima County Annex, and then the products you want shipped to them, and input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Yakima County at any one time.
  • There are a total of fourteen (14) pre-determined icaregift packs available to choose from. 
  • The gift packs for inmates in Yakima County range in price from $10.49 for ten pre-stamped envelopes, 2 pens and a pad of writing paper, to $104.99 for a box of 85 snack and food items.

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Yakima County Annex, as well as sending money to the inmate so that they can purchase their own items, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Yakima County.


 

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Yakima County Annex

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Yakima County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Yakima County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.


 

How to Schedule and Visit an Inmate in Yakima County Annex

To schedule and set up a visit, either at-the-jail or remotely from your home, follow these instructions:

  • Register and/or log in.
  • Select Yakima County Annex, then your inmate.
  • Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits in Yakima County.
  • Schedule your visit.

To get more complete instructions, and understand visit lengths, times, locations, fees and all the other rules including children, dress codes and more, check out or Visit Inmate Page.
NOTE: All visits are recorded and whatever you say and do will be monitored. It is best to never discuss sensitive information regarding your inmate's pending case.


 

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