Western Virginia Regional Jail

Western Virginia Regional Jail Information

The Western Virginia Regional Jail is a 805 bed jail in the city of Salem, Salem City, Virginia.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 540-378-3700, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

Phone: 540-378-3700

Physical Address:
5885 West River Road
Salem, VA 24153

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Smart Communications - Western Virginia Regional Mail
PO Box 9134
Seminole, FL 33775-9134

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Western Virginia Regional Jail
5885 West River Road
Salem, VA 24153

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Western Virginia Regional Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 540-378-3700 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Salem City Criminal Court Cases, as well as Virginia Criminal Court cases online for every other county, and daily court dockets for each of the state's courts. If you are not sure what court your inmate is to appear in, this is a list of all the courts in Virginia, broken down by each court circuit.

Western Virginia Regional Jail Inmate Search

The Western Virginia Regional Jail maintains an average of 805 offenders in custody on any given day. The Western Virginia Regional Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Salem City law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 17,720 offenders.

The following charts of Salem City inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Salem City Corrections Department, the state of Virginia Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Salem City.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Salem City and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

For a collection of over 20 additional graphs and charts of the demographic and criminal arrest information of the inmates in Salem City and Virginia state prisons, click the button below.
Salem City INMATE DEMOGRAPHICS

Salem City Inmate Race & Ethnicity - 3/28/2024

Race Inmates % Total
White 590 84.89%
Black 84 12.09%
Hispanic or Latino 21 3.02%
American Indian/Native Alaskan 0 0.00%
Asian 0 0.00%
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 0 0.00%
Other 0 0.00%
Total 695 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Salem City Sheriff’s Department, Virginia Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Salem City Inmate Criminal Charges - 3/28/2024

(many inmates have multiple charges)

Charge Inmates % Total
Felony (3rd Degree) 232 33.38%
Felony (2rd Degree) 122 17.55%
Felony (1st Degree) 0 0.00%
State Jail Felony 57 8.20%
Felony (Uncategorized) 83 11.94%
Misdemeanor (Class A) 201 28.92%
Misdemeanor (Class C) 0 0.00%
Holds 0 0.00%
Uncategorized 0 0.00%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Salem City Sheriff’s Department, Virginia Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Salem City Inmate Sex - 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 624 89.78%
Female 71 10.22%
Total 695 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Salem City Sheriff’s Department, Virginia Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Salem City Inmate Age - 3/28/2024

Age Inmates % Total
Under 18 5 0.72%
18-20 42 6.04%
21-24 69 9.93%
25-30 128 18.42%
31-35 128 18.42%
36-40 132 18.99%
41-45 90 12.95%
46-50 34 4.89%
51-55 28 4.03%
56-60 23 3.31%
61-65 9 1.29%
66-75 7 1.01%
76-85 0 0.00%
Total 695 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Salem City Sheriff’s Department, Virginia Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.
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About the Western Virginia Regional Jail
Within Salem, VA, the Western Virginia Regional Jail is the main facility that houses the newly arrested and those serving a sentence within the city and the county. It is operated by the local sheriff and houses both their inmates that are arrested by other law enforcement agencies in the area. It now requires over 200 people to staff the facility and each officer is trained for over 500 hours during their first year of employment. The daily average inmate population for this facility is 814, and this includes contracted inmates from other localities, state inmates, and federal inmates. All medical and dental services are provided by the facility, and they offer these services onsite to prevent the increased security risk of moving inmates from the facility for treatment and back. To provide money to an inmate for them to make commissary purchases, friends and family can create an account at web.connectnetwork.com, or in the lobby of the jail in the kiosk that is provided. Inmates are able to contact their loved ones via phone call any day from the hours of 8:30am and 11pm, Each call is a collect call and those that are not placed to an attorney will be monitored and can be recorded. Visits are conducted through a video system that can be accessed from the jail or from home, and this program is offered by smartjailmail.com, where an account can be created, and visits scheduled. The hours that are available for visits occur each day of the week from 8am to 11am, 2pm to 5pm, and 7pm to 10pm.
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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Western Virginia Regional Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Western Virginia Regional Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 540-378-3700.

There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.

Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.

If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.

Western Virginia Regional Jail Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Salem City?

After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Salem City for booking.

Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.

What is the booking process like at the Western Virginia Regional Jail?

Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Salem City and other Virginia and USA jurisdictions.

If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.

It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.

What happens to an offender’s personal property during booking?

During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.

Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.

What happens after booking?

At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.

If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Western Virginia Regional Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.

Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.

How long does the Western Virginia Regional Jail Booking process take?

Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.

If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.

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Directions / Map to the Western Virginia Regional Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

There are five choices for putting money on an inmate's books that may be used for paying an inmate's Bond or Bail.

Check with Western Virginia Regional Jail by calling 540-378-3700 prior to paying a bond online as this is being rolled out to different facilities slowly.

1. Commissary money in the form of a money order may be mailed to:
AdvancePay Service Department
P.O. Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722

2. You may use cash or credit/debit cards at any time by using the kiosk located in the front lobby.  The fee for the use of the ATM is generally $1.50 per transaction for cash and 10% fee for credit/debit cards.

3. Commissary money can also be added to an inmates account at any time using any of these methods online.

4Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.

5. You can call customer service 24/7 at 877-650-4249 and get instructions for depositing money over the phone using a debit or credit card.

There are five choices for putting money on an inmate's books that may be used for paying an inmate's Bond or Bail.

Check with Western Virginia Regional Jail by calling 540-378-3700 prior to paying a bond online as this is being rolled out to different facilities slowly.

1. Commissary money in the form of a money order may be mailed to:
AdvancePay Service Department
P.O. Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722

2. You may use cash or credit/debit cards at any time by using the kiosk located in the front lobby.  The fee for the use of the ATM is generally $1.50 per transaction for cash and 10% fee for credit/debit cards.

3. Commissary money can also be added to an inmates account at any time using any of these methods online.

4Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.

5. You can call customer service 24/7 at 877-650-4249 and get instructions for depositing money over the phone using a debit or credit card.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail? What is the Schedule?

Western Virginia Regional Jail ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

5885 West River Road
Salem, VA 24153
540-378-3700

Schedule Video Visits online with Smart Visit

  • On-site Visits are free.
  • Visitation schedule subject to change.
  • Inmates are allowed 15 minute or 30-minute visits per week.
  • Cost is $0.50 per minute.
  • You must arrive 15 minutes prior to the visit.
  • A maximum of one adult and one child are allowed per an on-site video session.
  • Only one infant (under 1 year of age) will be allowed per visit and will not be counted as a visitor
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Any person visiting must not have been incarcerated within the past 180 days.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIME
SUNDAY NO VISITS
MONDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
TUESDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
THURSDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
FRIDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
SATURDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM


Western Virginia Regional Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

Schedule Video Visits online with Smart Inmate

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Remote visits are charged a fee.
  • Visitation Schedule subject to change.

REMOTE VISITATION SCHEDULE

DAY TIME
SUNDAY No Visits
MONDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
TUESDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
THURSDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
FRIDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM
SATURDAY 8:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 5:00PM
7:00PM - 10:00PM

Attorneys have access to their clients during the following times:

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

  • Inmates cannot be seen during mealtimes, lockdowns and emergency situations.
  • Attorneys may call 540-378-3700 for questions or appointments.

Western Virginia Regional Jail uses Smart Communications for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their loved ones.

How Video Visitation Works
SmartJailMail.com provides a two-way, real-time video visitation system which can be used to speak to your loved ones directly in their housing location within the jail.
At some locations you may also use a lobby kiosk at the facility to visit for free when scheduling a local / on-site visit.
Remote visits from home cost 50 cents per minute and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute increments.
To schedule a video visit you must first open a Smart Communications account.

Remote Video Visits From Home
Once you are connected with an inmate you can use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Remote visits from home are billed on a credits-per-minute model and are scheduled in 15 or 30 minute blocks.

Local / On-Site Video Visits
Once you are connected with an inmate at a location where you have a visitation kiosk in the lobby, you may use the visitation section of the website to schedule a visit.
Local / on-site visits are provided free of charge.

This link explains everything you need to know about Smart Communications Video Visitation.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Western Virginia Regional Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 540-378-3700 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail?

Western Virginia Regional Jail ON-SITE INMATE VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • If you want to enjoy FREE video visits with Western Virginia Regional Jail inmates, you can do so at this jail, but also at other jails in counties nearer to where you live.
  • NOTE: Visits done remotely from home cost at least $7.00 for a 15 minute visit, more for a 30 minute visit.
  • Other locations are the Franklin County Jail and the Montgomery County Jail.
  • Video visits are for 15 minutes or 30 minutes.
  • Two visitors per week.

Western Virginia Regional Jail
5885 West River Road
Salem, VA 24153
540-378-3700

Every Day of the Week
8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
7:00PM-10:00PM


Roanoke County / Salem Jail
401 E. Main Street
Salem, VA 24153
540-387-6141

Tuesday & Thursday
7:00PM-10:00PM

Saturday
8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM


Montgomery County Jail
16 S. Franklin Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
540-382-6915

Monday, Wednesday, Sunday
8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
7:00PM-10:00PM

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM


Franklin County Jail
703 E. Court Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
540-483-3020

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
7:00PM-10:00PM

Sunday
2:00PM-4:00PM
7:00PM-10:00PM


Western Virginia Regional Jail REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION

  • Video visits are either 15 minutes or 30 minutes
  • Cost is $7.00 and $15.00 (price subject to change)
  • Two visitors per week.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
7:00PM-10:00PM
MONDAY 8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
7:00PM-10:00PM
TUESDAY 8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
7:00PM-10:00PM
WEDNESDAY 8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
​​​​​​​7:00PM-10:00PM
THURSDAY 8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
​​​​​​​7:00PM-10:00PM
FRIDAY 8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
​​​​​​​7:00PM-10:00PM
SATURDAY 8:00AM-11:00AM
2:00PM-5:00PM
​​​​​​​7:00PM-10:00PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Western Virginia Regional Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 540-378-3700 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail?

There are five choices for putting money on an inmate's books that can be used for communication services:

1. Commissary money in the form of a money order may be mailed to:
AdvancePay Service Department
P.O. Box 911722
Denver, CO 80291-1722

2. You may use cash or credit/debit cards at any time by using the kiosk located in the front lobby.  The fee for the use of the ATM is generally $1.50 per transaction for cash and 10% fee for credit/debit cards.

3. Commissary money can also be added to an inmates account at any time using any of these methods online.

4. Cash deposits to ConnectNetwork are now available at 26,000 retail locations nationwide including Walmart, ACE, Kmart, Kroger, and more. You’ll start the payment process online in your ConnectNetwork account, then complete your transaction with cash at a participating local retail store. Plus, many of these stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Find a retail store near you.

5. You can call customer service 24/7 at 877-650-4249 and get instructions for depositing money over the phone using a debit or credit card.

Depositing Money for Communicating with an Inmate

How to Make a Deposit for Phone, Email or Visitation using GettingOut.com

Western Virginia Regional Jail uses GettingOut for some or all of its communication services with an inmate.

If you want to deposit money using this company for your use or your inmate's account, there are four ways to do it:

  • Online - They accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
  • At the Western Virginia Regional Jail using the kiosk in the jail lobby - (cash, debit or credit card) NOTE - Western Virginia Regional Jail may require identity verification so bring your driver’s license or some other form of ID.
  • By phone by calling 866-516-0115 - They have bi-lingual operators are standing by 24 hours 7 days a week to assist you with your deposit. Major credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
  • By using their app, either Android or iphone. - All credit cards mentioned above are accepted.

For all the information you need to know, including tips, guidelines and warnings about depositing money in a Western Virginia Regional Jail inmate's account for communication services, check out our Send Money page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Western Virginia Regional Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 540-378-3700 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail?

How Do You Communicate with an Inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail by Phone

Follow these instructions on how to open an account with GTL Connect Network (aka Viapath Technologies)

  • Advance Pay - This phone account allows you to prepay so that your inmate can call you (and only you) whenever he/she wants and the cost of each call is deducted from your balance. You can even be notified by text when your balance gets low. You still have the option of accepting or rejecting each call.
  • Pin Debit  -  This option allows you to fund an inmate's commissary account and lets him pay for phone calls to you and others with the money. You will have no control over who your inmate calls.
  • Voicemail  -  You can leave a secure voicemail without having to contact the facility. When you call the local phone number for a facility offering Inmate Voicemail (call Customer Service at 877-650-4249 to get the local voicemail number for Western Virginia Regional Jail, you will be informed of the cost for leaving a message. To leave your message, simply select the inmate by ID number. Then, record your voicemail.

For full instructions on the Western Virginia Regional Jail Inmate Phone System, what the costs are, how it works, and tips and guidelines on rules, regulations and saving money on calls, check out our Inmate Phones Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Western Virginia Regional Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 540-378-3700 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail, and what can I send them?

Postcards & Envelopes

  • The Western Virginia Regional Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They 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.
  • The Western Virginia Regional Jail also allows regular postcards and envelopes to be mailed to inmates as well. All mail must be sent to the following address, where it is scanned in and can be viewed by the inmate digitally.  Do not send commissary or inmate account payments to the jail. Check out our Send Money Page for information regarding inmate funds.

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID# Smart Communications - Western Virginia Regional Mail PO Box 9134 Seminole, FL 33775-9134

Newspapers, Magazines & Books

  • Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.
  • 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.
  • Western Virginia Regional Jail 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 above.
  • Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Western Virginia Regional Jail standards will be disposed of.
  • Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Western Virginia Regional Jail
5885 West River Road
Salem, VA 24153

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Western Virginia Regional Jail

To communicate by text or email with an Salem City inmate, follow these instructions:

  • To send or receive a message you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for Salem City inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Salem City inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Western Virginia Regional Jail will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to send and receive secure messages in the form of text or email with a Western Virginia Regional Jail inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, renting your inmate a tablet, how often you can communicate and more, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your messages will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Western Virginia Regional Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 540-378-3700 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Western Virginia Regional Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 540-378-3700 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Western Virginia Regional Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Western Virginia Regional Jail uses a secure messaging service call Smart Communications so that inmates can communicate electronically with friends and family members on the outside.


SmartMail allows inmates to communicate safely and quickly with family and friends outside of the jail, prison or detention center. Inmates send and receive electronic letters using a safe and secure computer kiosk or tablet stationed in their institution. THE COST IS JUST $0.50 CENTS; cheaper than a postage stamp and envelope.

  • The message can be sent with postage paid and will be free to open and read for the recipient.
  • Or, the message can be sent collect / "COD" for free and will be paid for by the recipient.
  • To send or receive a message you MUST open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for inmates, prisoners, or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • They will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.
  • Sending messages with SmartMail is just like sending an e-mail, except it is contained within the SmartJailMail web site. Messages can be delivered instantly or may be held for review depending on the destination facility.
  • Electronic messages are delivered much more quickly than traditional paper mail to the correctional facility so you can stay connected.

More information on how to send and receive messages and photos with an inmate.

How to Send and Receive Secure Text and Email Messages with an Inmate in Western Virginia Regional Jail

To communicate by text or email with an Salem City inmate, follow these instructions:

  • To send or receive a message you MUST first open a SmartJailMail.com account.
  • Once you open an account, you may search for Salem City inmates or detainees to connect with.
  • When you locate the Salem City inmate that you want to connect with, you can send them a connection request.
  • Western Virginia Regional Jail will then need to approve the request before you can send messages.

For all the information you need to send and receive secure messages in the form of text or email with a Western Virginia Regional Jail inmate, including how it works, how much it costs, renting your inmate a tablet, how often you can communicate and more, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: Your messages will be monitored and stored. You may want to refrain from discussing your inmate's court case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Western Virginia Regional Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 540-378-3700 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Western Virginia Regional Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Western Virginia Regional Jail Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at Western Virginia Regional Jail are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
  • Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call Western Virginia Regional Jail at 540-378-3700 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Salem City:

  • Keeps inmates busy.
  • The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
  • Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
  • Allows communication with family members.
  • Educational programming.
  • Legal research.
  • Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

Western Virginia Regional Jail Gives Inmates Access to Tablets At No Cost for Communication, Research and Entertainment

They may not be directly connected to the internet, but inmates at Western Virginia Regional Jail are provided free tablets to use within the jail that allow them to have access to the following services and information:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
  • Video Visitation - Visitation may not be allowed on the Tablets.  Call Western Virginia Regional Jail at 540-378-3700 to confirm.

The availability of tablets may seem like something that inmates who are serving time do not deserve, but here are some of the benefits for inmates in Salem City:

  • Keeps inmates busy.
  • The threat of losing access to tablets keeps them better behaved.
  • Safer for the staff to keep inmates happy.
  • Allows communication with family members.
  • Educational programming.
  • Legal research.
  • Social programming such as anger management, substance abuse, etc.

For more information about Tablets and how your inmate can get one to use while he is in jail, chek out our Inmate Tablet page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Western Virginia Regional Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 540-378-3700 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Western Virginia Regional Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Salem City

What are the other City and County Jails in Salem City?

Salem City County Jails
Salem City Juvenile Facilities
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US State Prison Population Demographics

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 973,343 93.26%
Female 70,362 6.74%
Total 1,043,705 100.0%

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 327,300 35.27%
Black 345,500 37.23%
Hispanic 226,800 24.44%
American Indian / Alaska Native 15,900 1.71%
Asian 12,500 1.35%
Total 928,000 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 622,200 95.46%
Female 31,700 4.86%
Total 653,900 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 178,600 29.23%
Black 234,500 38.38%
Hispanic 179,500 29.38%
American Indian / Alaska Native 9,600 1.57%
Asian 8,800 1.44%
Total 611,000 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 147,500 93.95%
Female 10,000 6.37%
Total 157,500 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,600 26.04%
Black 63,000 43.63%
Hispanic 39,100 27.08%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,300 1.59%
Asian 2,400 1.66%
Total 144,400 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 16,000 86.02%
Female 2,600 13.98%
Total 18,600 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 5,400 43.90%
Black 3,600 29.27%
Hispanic 2,900 23.58%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.63%
Asian 200 1.63%
Total 12,300 100.0%

Violent Rape & Sexual Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 159,800 98.95%
Female 2,200 1.36%
Total 162,000 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 125,800 96.18%
Female 5,400 4.13%
Total 131,200 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 18.64%
Black 66,800 56.85%
Hispanic 26,500 22.55%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,200 1.02%
Asian 1,100 0.94%
Total 117,500 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 137,000 94.74%
Female 8,100 5.60%
Total 145,100 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,500 23.28%
Black 53,300 33.09%
Hispanic 65,300 40.53%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,800 1.74%
Asian 2,200 1.37%
Total 161,100 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 36,100 91.86%
Female 3,300 8.40%
Total 39,400 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 12,200 32.45%
Black 14,200 37.77%
Hispanic 9,700 25.80%
American Indian / Alaska Native 800 2.13%
Asian 700 1.86%
Total 37,600 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 127,900 90.64%
Female 13,600 9.64%
Total 141,500 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 60,500 50.46%
Black 37,800 31.53%
Hispanic 18,100 15.10%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,100 1.75%
Asian 1,400 1.17%
Total 119,900 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 75,900 95.11%
Female 4,200 5.26%
Total 80,100 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 30,500 44.40%
Black 24,200 35.23%
Hispanic 12,300 17.90%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,100 1.60%
Asian 600 0.87%
Total 68,700 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 22,300 84.47%
Female 4,200 15.91%
Total 26,500 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 13,800 58.97%
Black 6,800 29.06%
Hispanic 2,200 9.40%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 1.28%
Asian 300 1.28%
Total 23,400 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,400 91.43%
Female 600 8.57%
Total 7,000 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,500 48.08%
Black 1,500 28.85%
Hispanic 1,000 19.23%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.92%
Asian 100 1.92%
Total 5,200 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 9,800 75.97%
Female 3,200 24.81%
Total 13,000 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,900 63.30%
Black 2,600 23.85%
Hispanic 900 8.26%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 2.75%
Asian 200 1.83%
Total 10,900 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,600 90.67%
Female 1,400 9.33%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 6,700 58.26%
Black 2,700 23.48%
Hispanic 1,700 14.78%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.74%
Asian 200 1.74%
Total 11,500 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 114,600 87.08%
Female 17,400 13.22%
Total 132,000 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 49,500 47.50%
Black 37,300 35.80%
Hispanic 14,600 14.01%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,700 1.63%
Asian 1,100 1.06%
Total 104,200 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 28,500 84.57%
Female 5,300 15.73%
Total 33,800 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 14,800 56.27%
Black 7,900 30.04%
Hispanic 3,000 11.41%
American Indian / Alaska Native 400 1.52%
Asian 200 0.76%
Total 26,300 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 86,100 88.04%
Female 12,000 12.27%
Total 98,100 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 34,700 44.54%
Black 29,400 37.74%
Hispanic 11,600 14.89%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 1.67%
Asian 900 1.16%
Total 77,900 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 102,500 93.95%
Female 6,900 6.32%
Total 109,400 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 35,900 40.84%
Black 34,500 39.25%
Hispanic 13,800 15.70%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,500 2.84%
Asian 1,200 1.37%
Total 87,900 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 37,800 97.93%
Female 900 2.33%
Total 38,700 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 7,200 22.86%
Black 16,900 53.65%
Hispanic 6,500 20.63%
American Indian / Alaska Native 500 1.59%
Asian 400 1.27%
Total 31,500 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,400 89.33%
Female 1,600 10.67%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,800 59.65%
Black 2,000 17.54%
Hispanic 1,800 15.79%
American Indian / Alaska Native 700 6.14%
Asian 100 0.88%
Total 11,400 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 51,200 92.25%
Female 4,400 7.93%
Total 55,600 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 48.45%
Black 15,700 34.73%
Hispanic 5,600 12.39%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 2.88%
Asian 700 1.55%
Total 45,200 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,100 89.71%
Female 800 11.76%
Total 6,900 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,700 52.94%
Black 1,500 29.41%
Hispanic 700 13.73%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.96%
Asian 100 1.96%
Total 5,100 100.0%
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This facility, known as "Western Virginia Regional Jail" is also known as Franklin County Inmate Search & Arrests, Montgomery County Inmate Search & Arrests, Roanoke County Inmate Search & Arrests, Salem Inmate Search & Arrests, Roanoke city Inmate Search & Arrests, Western Virginia Regional Jail - Salem.