Western Virginia Regional Jail

County Jail

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
5885 W River Rd, Salem, VA 24153
Beds
605
County
Independent City
Phone
540-378-3700
Fax
540-380-3143
Mailing Address
3735 Franklin Rd SW #275 , Roanoke, VA 24014-2260

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Western VA Regional Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

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 County - medium facility.

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

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

Satellite View of Western Virginia Regional Jail

You can support your loved ones at Western VA Regional Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 540-378-3700.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Western VA Regional Jail is a detention center located at 5885 W River Rd Salem, VA which is operated locally by the Independent City County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Independent City County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Salem Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Virginia here.

Books, Newspapers & Magazine Subscriptions - A variety of newspapers, books and magazines are provided to the inmates through the jail library. However, should an inmate want a subscription to a particular newspaper or magazine, the Jail guidelines must be followed.

Rules & Regulations

  • Items must be brand new and come directly from the publisher. Ex. Barnes and Noble, Amazon Fulfillment Center, etc.
  • Books must be paperback/softcover.
  • Inmates are allowed to receive a total of four (4) books each month.
  • No used books or books received from third party sellers will be accepted and will be returned to the sender upon arrival.
  • Reasonable quantities of items will be allowed. However, if excessive quantities create a fire hazard in the inmate's cell, these items will either be placed in the inmate's property or disposed of.
  • Publications cannot violate U.S. Postal Regulations.
  • Items ordered from a publisher (books, magazines and newspapers) will be approved upon delivery to the Western Virginia Regional Jail.
    • The jail may disapprove, in whole or in part, any issue if the contents are of a nature to compromise jail security, order or rehabilitative efforts.
    • Items disapproved by the WVRJ will be placed in the inmate's property or can be mailed out at the inmate's expense.

​Mail - Family and friends are encouraged to communicate with their loved ones incarcerated at the jail. The mail is a good resource for maintaining that line of communication. Incoming and outgoing mail will not be rejected on the basis of its contents unless the mail falls under one of the following criteria:

  • Any material which contains obscenity, sexually explicit, blackmail, contraband, or threats
  • Any material which contains plans of criminal activities, maps, or plots to escape, and any material which communicates information designed to encourage inmates to disrupt the jail by strikes, riots, fights, racial or religious hatred, or other prohibited acts
  • Any publication which may adversely affect the security of the jail or the safety of the persons therein
  • Newspaper or magazine clippings from outside publications
  • No construction paper, card stock or sketch paper
  • No greeting card
  • Paper with any coloring or markings
  • Photos will be photocopied, the original will be placed in the inmate's property and the photocopy will be delivered to the inmate
  • Publications which advocate the violent overthrow of the government of the United States or of a state, or which advocate violence or rebellion against government authority, under which the inmate is held
  • Publications which violate USPS regulations
  • The Regional Jail will not accept items for inmates that are free or incentives for purchasing or receiving publications or other items

Correspondence that does not conform to these restrictions will be returned to sender.

Telephone - Each inmate in general housing is afforded access to telephone services. Calls may be made to family, friends, attorneys, parole officers, bondsmen, etc. These calls are collect calls to the other party and there are no restrictions on the number of calls an inmate may make so long as all inmates have reasonable equal access to the telephone.

Each inmate in general housing is afforded access to telephone services and access hours are usually between 8:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. During this time frame calls may be made to family, friends, attorneys, parole officers, bondsmen, etc. These calls are collect calls to the other party and there are no restrictions on the number of calls an inmate may make so long as all inmates have reasonable equal access to the telephone.

Property - When Items Will Be Accepted. Accepted items will be received in the lobby:

  • Monday through Friday
  • 8 a.m.- noon
  • 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Accepted Medical Items - Medically necessary items will be accepted at any time.

Approved Property Items

  • Approved commissary items from a transferring jail
  • Approved medications and eyewear
  • Legal materials
  • Medical alert bracelet or necklace
  • One religious medallion (must be the appropriate size)
  • Personal funds
  • A plain wedding band (no raised stones)

Pre-Approved Items - Visitors may bring pre-approved items for inmates including:

  • Anything specifically pre-approved by the Jail Administration.
  • Magazines, newspapers, and books must be sent directly from the publisher and must be specifically addressed to an inmate
  • One set of Court clothes (for Circuit Court only)
  • Pre-approved legal materials and religious material in reasonable quantities
  • Visitors may not bring inmates stamps, photographs, cards, magazines, etc.
  • Medical items (inmate must submit request slip for approval through the Medical Section)

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 Western Virginia Regional Jail.

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

Western Virginia Regional Jail - Visitation

Family & Friends Visitation - All non-professional visitation with WVRJ inmates will be conducted via video or home visitation. This means that the inmate will stay in his/her housing unit and communicate with family and friends through a video monitor and telephone. There will be no face-to-face visitation with the exception of professional visits or specially approved visits by the Superintendent. Video visitation is conducted at the WVRJ or one of the participating local jails.

Home Video Visitation - Home Video Visitation is a service provided for a fee that allows family and friends to visit an inmate from home using a personal computer. Visits are 15 or 30 minutes in duration and cost $0.50 cents/minute. You must set up an account by logging onto Smart Jail Mail prior to initiating a visit. You may attempt to conduct a visit any time during the visitation hours. However, a visit might be blocked if the kiosk is in use at that time. For more information on the new remote visitation procedures, please visit Smart Jail Mail.

Schedule for the WVRJ Home Video Visits

  • Monday through Sunday
  • 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

When Visiting at the Western Virginia Regional Jail

  • Enter the lobby and walk up to the Master Control window. Press the button to speak with an officer.
  • Present your photo I.D. and let the officer know which inmate you are visiting.
  • Have a seat in the lobby.
  • When your name is called, report to the visitation booth number that the officer directs you to.
  • Sit down in front of the monitor.
  • Wait until you see the correct inmate on the screen before you pick up the handset. Your time starts once you pick up the handset.

You will be notified audibly, as well as visually when your visit has two minutes remaining.

Visitation Rules & Regulations

  • Visitors must comply with all rules of the facility in which the visit is conducted.
  • Upon incarceration, inmates will be permitted to complete and turn in a visitation list containing 2 to 8 individuals, depending on the classification status of the inmate.
  • All inmates are allowed two visitors per week.
  • Visitation time limits range from 15 to 40 minutes, again depending on the classification status of the inmate. Visitation lists may only be changed or otherwise updated, on the first day of every third month. (March 1, June 1, Sept. 1, and Dec. 1).
  • In order for an inmate’s child to visit, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must be on the inmate’s visitation list. Although they are not counted toward the total for the inmate’s visitation list, the inmate’s children must be included on the visitation list for verification and documentation purposes.
  • Visitors are required to identify themselves by picture ID. Those without proper identification will be denied admission.
  • Family and friend visitation is via video & phone and is non-contact.
  • Misconduct by a visitor(s) may result in that person being prohibited from visitation for a specified time which shall be at the discretion of the Superintendent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Western Virginia Regional Jail - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Western Virginia Regional Jail?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Western Virginia Regional Jail, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Western Virginia Regional Jail directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Western Virginia Regional Jail?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Western Virginia Regional Jail?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Western Virginia Regional Jail?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Western Virginia Regional Jail before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Western VA Regional Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Western VA Regional Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Western Virginia Regional Jail?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Western Virginia Regional Jail?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Western VA Regional Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Western VA Regional Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Western Virginia Regional Jail?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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