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BRRJA - Amherst County Detention Center

Regional Facility

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
219 S Riverview Rd, Madison Heights, VA 24572
Beds
380
County
Amherst
Phone
434-528-3160
Fax
434-528-3748
Mailing Address
PO Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131
View Official Website

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Amherst Detention is for Regional Facility offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for Regional Detention - low facility.

The phone carrier is Viapath Technologies, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is JailATM™ There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules
Satellite View of 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 houses inmates from multiple surrounding counties that do not have a holding facility or jail, in addition to local detainees. Individuals awaiting trial or sentencing, as well as those serving shorter sentences, typically serve 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 Amherst County Adult Detention Center (ACADC) is a facility operated by the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority (BRRJA) under the supervision of Site Administrator Major D. Moore. Completed in December 2011, the ACADC spans 170,000 square feet on a 23.5-acre site. It was designed to alleviate overcrowding by replacing older jails in Amherst and Appomattox counties, as well as an inmate camp in Moneta. The facility has a housing capacity of 380 inmates, with infrastructure designed to support up to 460 inmates.

The ACADC incorporates both direct and indirect supervision models for medium- and maximum-security inmates, while minimum-security and work-release inmates are housed in dormitory-style units under direct supervision. The facility includes specialized units for classification, segregation, and medical needs. Additional features encompass full-service laundry and kitchen areas, medical units, intake and booking areas, magistrate offices, educational services, and administrative spaces. Programs offered to inmates include Alcoholics Anonymous, GED classes, religious services, life skills training, work release, home electronic monitoring, and an inmate worker program.

Notably, the ACADC is the first BRRJA facility to achieve LEED Silver certification, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. The design incorporates energy-efficient systems, water-saving measures, and the use of recycled and regionally sourced building materials. A significant feature contributing to water conservation is the vacuum plumbing system, which reduces wastewater by 70% and overall water usage by more than 60%, saving over 3.5 million gallons annually.

The Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority oversees five facilities across Virginia, serving the counties of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Halifax, and the city of Lynchburg. Established to provide efficient and secure correctional services, the BRRJA emphasizes modern facilities, effective inmate management, and community safety.

Table of Contents for Amherst Detention

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Virginia. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at BRRJA - Amherst County Detention Center.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

The Amherst County Adult Detention Center (ACADC) enforces strict visitation rules and guidelines to maintain security and order within the facility. All visitors are subject to search upon entry, and failure to adhere to the established procedures may result in denial of visitation privileges. Visits may be delayed or canceled without notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

To visit an inmate, individuals must be listed on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or provide a notarized Juvenile Visitation Form, which can be obtained from the officer on duty. Only non-incarcerated parents or legal guardians are authorized to approve juvenile visitation. All visitors are required to present a valid, undamaged photo ID that matches the name on the inmate’s approved list. Each visitor may only visit once per week, and former inmates must wait six months after release before they are eligible to visit an inmate at a Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority (BRRJA) facility. No more than three adult visitors are permitted at a time.

Cell phones, recording devices, and electronic equipment are strictly prohibited inside the visitation area unless expressly approved by the Site Administrator. Visitors are advised to leave personal belongings in their vehicles. Additionally, cell phone use inside the facility is not permitted, and all devices must remain turned off.

The facility enforces a dress code prohibiting see-through clothing, tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, sleeveless tops or dresses, mini skirts, and bathing suits. Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Shoes are required at all times, and visitors may not wear hats, hooded clothing, or headgear, except for religious or medical purposes, in which case alternative security measures may be required.

Visitors may bring a limited number of approved items for inmates, including prescription eyeglasses (without a case), one medic alert bracelet or necklace, prescription medications approved by medical staff, hearing aids, and dentures. Attorneys, Probation and Parole Officers, and Social Services Workers may leave legal documents and other pre-approved items with facility staff.

Visitation Schedule

Visitation at ACADC is available from Tuesday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Work-release inmates may receive visits on Saturdays during the same hours. Visitors must check in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time. On-site parking is available for visitors.

These regulations are in place to ensure a safe and structured visitation process while upholding the security and operational integrity of the facility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

BRRJA - Amherst County Detention Center - FAQs

  1. What counties does this regional detention center serve?
    This facility houses inmates from multiple surrounding counties that do not have their own jails, in addition to local detainees.

  2. What is the capacity of this regional detention center?
    The facility's maximum inmate population varies based on its design, staffing, and classification requirements.

  3. Who operates the detention center?
    The center is typically operated by a county sheriff’s office or a regional law enforcement board, with oversight from state correctional authorities.

  4. What types of inmates are housed here?
    The facility houses pretrial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and inmates awaiting transfer to state or federal correctional institutions.

  5. Are inmates segregated by gender and classification?
    Yes, inmates are housed based on security level, classification status, and gender to ensure safety and compliance with correctional standards.

Visitation & Communication

  1. How do I schedule a visit with an inmate?
    Visitation is typically first-come, first-served or requires advance registration, depending on facility rules. Check with the detention center for specific policies.

  2. What forms of identification are required for visitation?
    Visitors must provide a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or consular card.

  3. Are video visitations available?
    Many regional facilities offer on-site or remote video visitation through contracted service providers.

  4. What items am I allowed to bring into the visitation area?
    Only ID, keys, and a small wallet are typically allowed. Personal belongings, including cell phones, bags, and purses, must be secured outside the visitation area.

  5. How can inmates make phone calls?
    Inmates can make outgoing calls via a prepaid account or collect calls using a contracted phone service provider. Incoming calls are not allowed.

Mail & Commissary

  1. Can I send letters, books, or photos to an inmate?
    Yes, handwritten letters and approved photographs are generally allowed. Books must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved retailer in most cases, please check with the facility 434-528-3160 before ordering as some Regional Jails have ceased this privilege.

  2. Are care packages allowed?
    Some facilities permit commissary care packages through an approved vendor, but outside food, hygiene items, or unauthorized packages are prohibited.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate?
    Funds can be added to an inmate’s account via online deposits, lobby kiosks, money orders, or third-party services such as JailATM or Access Corrections.

Security & Conduct

  1. What happens if a visitor violates facility rules?
    Violations, such as attempting to bring contraband or disruptive behavior, can result in visitation suspension, arrest, or criminal charges.

  2. Are former inmates allowed to visit?
    Many regional detention centers prohibit former inmates from visiting for a set period (e.g., 30 days to 6 months after release).

  3. Can an inmate request a transfer to another facility?
    Transfers are determined by security needs, space availability, and legal requirements, and cannot be requested by the inmate or their family.

  4. What is the procedure for reporting concerns about an inmate’s welfare?
    Concerns regarding inmate safety, medical needs, or mistreatment should be reported directly to jail administration or the facility's designated grievance officer.

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