BRRJA - Amherst County Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Amherst Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 434-528-3160.

The Amherst Detention is a locally operated low to medium-security regional detention center situated at 219 S Riverview Rd in Madison Heights, VA. This facility primarily houses individuals awaiting trial or sentencing, as well as those serving shorter sentences, typically less than five years. Amherst Detention accommodates detainees brought in by the Amherst County Sheriff's Office, the Virginia DOC, Madison Heights Police Department, and other nearby law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

New detainees arrive frequently and may be released on bail, under pretrial supervision, or on their recognizance with a commitment to appear in court. Those who remain in custody receive essential amenities, including secure accommodations, meals, and access to necessary services. To review recent arrest records for Virginia, you can access public records here.

The Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority (BRRJA) was created by Member Jurisdictions for the purpose of developing and operating a regional jail system; which was established by acquiring, renovating, and expanding existing jail facilities and constructing additional jail facilities. Member Jurisdictions were faced with increasing jail populations resulting in the need for additional capacity, which was exacerbated by the poor physical condition of many of the existing facilities. The Member Jurisdictions were the Cities of Bedford and Lynchburg and the Counties of Bedford, Campbell, and Halifax. Faced with similar problems of overcrowding and deteriorating physical structures, the Counties of Amherst and Appomattox joined the Authority in 2007.

The Amherst County Adult Detention Center opened in late 2011. The 380-bed facility was built to replace the existing Amherst and Appomattox County jails and the BRRJA’s Moneta facility. The facility is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and conforms to the Green Building Rating System.

In addition to inmate housing, the site has a kitchen, medical, and laundry areas, as well as program and work release space for inmates. The facility also houses the BRRJA’s Maintenance and Training Departments.

It is located on approximately 23.5 acres of land in Amherst County off the 210 connector near the Amherst by-pass. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1150, Madison Heights, VA 24572. The facility is operated under the direction of Major Mike Schmitt and employs 127 staff members.

INMATE MAIL

RECEIVING MAIL

• When mailing letters to inmates, please use your correct return name and address.
• Inmates may not receive or keep in their possession more than 10 pictures at a time.
• Polaroid pictures and frames are not allowed.
• Pictures must be no larger than 4×6.
• Nude or revealing pictures of any type are not allowed.
• Greeting cards with mechanical devices, such as musical or recording, are not allowed.
• Bookmarks, plastic or paper, are not allowed.
• Do not send envelopes, paper, or stamps. These items must be purchased from the commissary.
• Do not send letters, cards, or drawings with stickers, glitter, crayons, plastic, strings, or any type of paste.
• Do not send credit cards, phone cards, or calling cards through the mail.
• Do not send any types of books, magazines, or pamphlets through the mail.

RECEIVING BOOKS

• Inmates can only have three (3) paperback books at a time.
• No hardcovers or metal binders.
• Inmates can only have three (3) magazines or newspapers at a time.
• Books, magazines, and newspapers must be by subscription only and must have a label with the inmate’s name verifying the subscriber. They must be sent directly from a publisher, bookstore, or book club.
• Only AA or NA books will be accepted at the Main Lobby on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.

RECEIVING MONEY

ONLY MONEY ORDERS MAILED will be accepted at the facilities. No drop-offs permitted. NO CASH, CERTIFIED CHECKS, OR PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Make money orders payable to BRRJA with the inmate’s name written after the purchaser’s name