It is the goal of the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office to facilitate communications, to the extent practicable, between attorney and client.

There are circumstances where a face-to-face meeting is an important component of client representation and preparation. We are excited to resume attorney visitation inside the Norfolk City Jail. Attorney visitation will be available Monday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, we also offer video visitation by appointment in Visitation for those who choose not to enter the facility. Video Visitation will be available by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Both the Norfolk City Jail and Video Visitation will lockdown daily from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. No visitation will be allowed during that time and all attorneys must exit the facility during these hours.

Upon entering the facility, the attorney must provide the deputy a valid photo identification card such as a driver’s license, military ID, passport, or state-issued identification AND a valid Virginia Attorney State Bar Card in good standing. The attorney will receive a purple unescorted badge enabling them to proceed to the appropriate floor. This badge must always remain visible. In addition, during the check-in process, attorneys must provide the name (s) of all clients they intend to visit. Attorneys may not visit inmates who were not included in the initial check-in, nor can they utilize their time in the facility to solicit their services. Attorneys will arrive unaccompanied on the assigned floor where they are required to inform the post deputy of who they are there to visit. Visits between attorneys and their clients will be confidential. The deputy will then place the individual in the visitation room or in the hallway until the visit is completed. Attorneys may request a deputy escort to the post when necessary. At the conclusion of the visit, the attorney will notify the Post Deputy so the individual can be returned to his/her housing location. At no time should the attorney leave the floor without informing the deputy assigned to that post.

Professional visitors entering the facility must be screened prior to entering the facility and must agree to comply with all security measures and pat-down searches when requested. Additionally, all attorneys will be required to sign a waiver indicating they understand the facility's safety policies. These waivers will be kept on file at the Loading Dock. Below is a list of non-allowable items that cannot be brought into the facility for security reasons:

1. No weapons of any type (guns, ammunition, chemical sprays, knives, tasers, brass knuckles, etc.)
2. No cellphones, Bluetooth, headphones, any device connectable to the internet (ex: apple watches, fit bits), or pagers unless authorized.
3. No tobacco or non-tobacco products. (Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, lighters, matches, vapes, smokeless tobacco)
4. No controlled substances of any type or amount.
5. No pocketbooks (purses) are allowed; however, briefcases are permitted.
6. No grooming supplies. (Razors, toenail clippers, eyelash curlers, metal nail files, etc.)
7. No glass or metal objects in any form (cans, ceramic containers, glass bottles, eating utensils, aluminon foil, glass, or non-clear containers)

Visitors must obtain prior approval from the OIC of Corrections or their representatives to obtain permission to bring their laptops or cellphones when necessary for their representations.

Legal and Official visitors are permitted to exchange legal documents during a visit. All documents must be free from staples or paperclips. If notary services are requested for the documents, the Post Deputy will notify Classification of the request. If a notary is not immediately available, the Post Deputy will return the documents to the inmate pending notarization. The attorney and official visitor will be advised that they or their authorized agents may pick up the legal documents in the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Administration Information area once a Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Property Release Form (Cf #071) has been obtained from the inmate.

All legal and official visitors will be appropriately attired, including the wearing of shoes. The dress code for visitors is explained in the chart attached to this policy. This chart will be posted for all visitors to see when coming to visit an inmate in the facility. If a visitor violates this dress code, they will not be allowed to visit any inmate in the facility or be allowed to enter the facility until they are appropriately dressed. There will be no shorts, spaghetti-strapped shirts, or flip-flops allowed in the facility. Please click on the image to the right to see a copy of appropriate attire.

For any questions please contact Capt. Mike Imprevento NSO Staff Attorney at (757) 664-4344.

(Click HERE for a  mobile-friendly version of this app)

PLEASE NOTE: The Norfolk Sheriff's Office does NOT provide Criminal History / Background Checks.

For information to be provided by the City of Norfolk, such requests should be made to the Police Department.

FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES:

• It is recognized that your inquiry comes on behalf of a law enforcement agency and as such you need the best available resource to process your request.
  
  In order to retrieve the most comprehensive Criminal History/Background Check for Norfolk, Virginia, your agency should contact the Norfolk Police Central Records Division Officer Raymond Deguzman (757) 664-4166.
  
  

FOR CIVILIAN REQUESTS (NOT LAW ENFORCEMENT):

• Contact the Norfolk Police Central Records Division Office (757) 664-4166. Fax (757) 664-7001 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A.    Social media sites that are intended as a public forum shall contain a visible statement noting the purpose of the site is to promote effective communication between the NSO and the community. Interaction with the public is, or may be, a feature of a Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Viewpoints upon issues of public concern must comply with the policies set forth below taking into consideration the important component of First Amendment expression by the public and engagement upon issues of public concern.

B.    The following postings will be deemed to be in violation of this Policy:

     Content, postings, or comments shall not be related to:

1. 1.  Violence or incitement to violence
   2.  Offensive language or content of a sexual nature including nudity
   3.  Defamatory or libelous content not related to protected expression
   4.  Hate speech- a direct attack on persons based upon protected characteristics
   5.  Misrepresentation of identity
   6.  Comments or content that promote, foster, or perpetuate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin,  pregnancy status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veterans’ status, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by law.
   7.  Private/personal matters not related to a matter of public concern
   8.  Personal, sensitive, or confidential information
   9.  Advertising or links to other sites; spam
   10.  Illegal activity or the promotion of such activity
   11.  Promoting particular services, products, or organizations
   12.  Political activity unrelated to a comment on a matter of public concern
   13.  Infringement on copyrights or trademarks
   14.  Personally identifiable medical information
   15.  Information that may compromise the safety, security, or proceedings of public systems or any criminal or civil investigations

C.    It should be noted that for any social media site that is owned by Facebook, the policies of its own Community Standards may cause removal of a post under circumstances that are neither directed by or under the control of the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office or its agent’s servants or employees.

NSO Inmate Tablet Program

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Reentry Programs

• Addiction Recovery Program (ARP)

  The program consists of cognitive behavior therapy focusing on mental health and substance use disorders. Focus is on education and support for the co-occurring interplay of both substance use and mental health, and the direct impact on lifestyle choices and criminal behaviors. The topics include DSM-5 exploration of mood disorders and personality disorders, medications available, medication compliance, relapse prevention, relationship development, family dynamics, core beliefs, consequences of lifestyle choices, medical consequences related to substance use, emotional regulation, trigger identification, sober support, 12 step programing, and irrational thought processes. The clients participate in multiple self-evaluations pertaining to core beliefs, personality inventories, relapse prevention worksheets, criteria pertaining to mental health issues/diagnoses, and identification of emotions. The clients are expected to participate in each group they attend, and designed to increase personal insight pertaining to the direct relationship between mental health, substance use, and personal choices. At the successful completion of the program, each participant shares with their peers what they learned while in the program, and a detailed plan that consists of a focus on release, support system development, employment, prosocial focus relating to good citizenship, relapse prevention, mental health services/plan to continue treatment and medication, and plans regarding sobriety.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 3 sessions weekly for 12 Weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Required to meet the jail criteria for programing

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

  The purpose of the Tidewater Intergroup Council of AA Corrections Committee is to coordinate the work of individual AA members and groups who are interested in carrying our message of recovery to alcoholics behind the walls through correspondence and meetings. Also, to set up means of smoothing the way from the facility to the larger AA community through prerelease contacts.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 3 meetings monthly
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: No requirements (15 max class size)

• Adult Basic Literacy

  The Adult Basic Literacy program is designed to help adults improve foundational reading, writing, and math skills. The program serves individuals who read below a high school level and aim to enhance their literacy to improve daily life functioning, employment opportunities, and further education readiness. The program for Adult Basic Education is provided for students who do not meet the minimum threshold for participation in Secondary Adult Education. Participants use the Essential Education GED Academy software and workbooks to help improve their overall knowledge of core subject areas.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 2x weekly until completion or release from Program
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: No Restrictions

• Anger Management

  The Adult Anger Management Program is a 90-day group instruction where individuals learn to manage their anger in healthy ways. It is led by a certified trained professional which involves group discussions, skill-building exercises, and sharing experiences. The goal to develop strategies for managing and expressing anger constructively.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 12 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

• Art/ Creative Writing

  Using the healing power of the arts, students engage in reflective journaling, visual arts, yogic movement, meditation, and music to facilitate deeper understanding and insights into the recovery process and mental well-being.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 1x Weekly for 8 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

• Choices

  Performs a variety of interactive support, guidance, assistance and liaison functions to assist program participants with community reintegration upon release from jail. is designed to support incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society, with the goal of reducing recidivism and promoting long-term reintegration and self-sufficiency

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 12 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

• Conquering Pitfalls

  Life Skills + Life Coaching = Life Recovery

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 6 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

• G.E.D.

  Program #1: NPS Special Education Program fulfills the Federal No Child Left Behind Mandate to serve inmates under the age of 22 who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Session Frequency & Duration: These classes are offered during the school day Monday through Friday during the school calendar year.

  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Must have an IEP and be under the age of 22.

  ---

  Program #2: Participants use Essential Education GED Academy software and workbooks to progress through the learning requirements. Session Frequency & Duration: These classes are offered during the school day Monday through Friday during the school calendar year.

  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: No restrictions.

• Lifeskills - Preventing Human Trafficking

  Freekind exists to prevent human trafficking in our communities and support survivors on their journey to freedom. Freekind brings together two Virginia-based anti-trafficking nonprofits, Richmond Justice Initiative (RJI) and Virginia Beach Justice Initiative (VBJI).

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 6 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

• Residential Substance Abuse Program (RSAT)

  The program consists of cognitive behavior therapy, reentry, and trauma informed therapy. The program is designed to educate incarcerated persons on how one's thinking influences behavior and help identify faulty thinking patterns. RSAT places emphasis on providing an understanding of emotions, triggers, relapse prevention, trauma, anger management, and effective coping skills. Throughout the program, clients participate in transitional planning, they are educated on community resources, and are linked to services to promote success as they re-enter society.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 3x week for 12 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Individuals that have been Court ordered to address their addictions as well as those seeking relief from their struggle with addiction.

• Second Chances Parenthood

  This is a comprehensive training program designed specifically for incarcerated fathers to strengthen their parenting skills, deepen their understanding of responsible fatherhood, and maintain positive relationships with their children and families. The program addresses unique the unique challenges of parenting while incarcerated and provides participants wit practical tools to foster emotional connections, effective communication and personal growth.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 2x Weekly for 12 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

• STEP-UP

  Offers comprehensive reentry assistance available to ex- offenders returning to the Hampton Roads area. The purpose of STEP- UP program is to prepare the Ex-offender for reentry into the workforce. Additional services include assistance in preparing resumes and applications as well as referrals for support services in the surrounding areas.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 6-8 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Pathway Program Participant

• Thinking For Change

  A cognitive-behavioral curriculum designed to help individuals, particularly those in the justice system, change their thinking patterns and behaviors. It focuses on improving social skills, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive self-change, ultimately aiming to promote positive behavioral outcomes.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 2x Weekly for 12 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

• Tidewater Community College Job Skills Training Program

  JSTP is a comprehensive approach to job skills training and placement for those wanting to enhance their employability, change careers, or are unemployed or underemployed. The Job Skill areas available at the Norfolk City Jail are under the Hospitality component and include Hotel Front Desk Clerk, Maintenance, Restaurant Server and Guest Room Attendant.

  • Session Frequency & Duration: 1x week for 8-10 weeks
  • Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

• Inmate Property Retrieval

  Property being held by the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office can be recovered at the property window located at the back of the jail.

  Property Window hours of operation are:

  • Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 4:00pm
  • Closed on weekends and holidays

  
  Directions: Take Union Street past City Hall and proceed to the intersection with East Street. Cross the intersection and the window will be on your left.

  An inmate must take his/her property with them immediately upon release from the jail.

  If an inmate is transferred to another lockup or to the state (corrections), he/she (or family member) has 30 days to retrieve his/her property.

  Bring the receipt you received during intake and a photo I.D. To claim the property of an inmate at the Norfolk City Jail the inmate is required to complete a property release form. To receive the property you must have the property release form and show proper identification at the time of pick-up.

• Personal Property

  New Admits to the NCJ cannot bring any personal items with them when booked into the facility.  Any items found on your person will be vouchered and stored for pickup upon release. 

  However, certain approved items listed below can be either purchased or requested via an indigent application. These items must be kept inside the issued personal property container which can be searched without notice for the safety and security of the facility.

  • Personal hygiene items
  • Canteen items
  • 5 books, magazines,
  • 3 personal legal pads (soft back)
  • Religious materials
  • All personal undergarments
  • Legal materials
  • Personal ID
  • Cup and spoon
  • Authorized medications
  • Prescription eyeglasses
  • Newspapers (less than 3 days old)
• Jail Issued Property

  Residents of the Norfolk City Jail are issued the following items upon intake.

  • 1 Norfolk City Jail Jumpsuit
  • 1 Blue Property Container
  • 1 Pair of shower shoes
  • 1 Personal Hygiene kit
  • 1 Mattress with pillow attached
  • 1 Blanket
  • 2 Sheets
  • 1 Spoon
  • 1 Cup

  If an item is damaged missing or destroyed the inmate is charged the price of that item to replace it.

• Contraband

  The following items are considered to be contraband by the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office as it applies to the residents and staff:

  • Any articles of clothing found to be altered for another purpose. 
  • Any flammable device 
  • Provocative Drawings or Pictures
  • Photographs
  • Money 
  • Jewelry 
  • Excessive amounts of authorized items 
  • Items which are illegal to posses by law 
  • Electronic Devices (Unless Medical Related) 

  And any other items deemed to be contraband by the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.

• Canteen Services

  The Norfolk City Jail provides canteen services which allow family and friends of inmates to provide them with goods to make their stay at the jail a bit more comfortable. These include fresh premium meals (which you must order yourself), as well as snacks and some items of personal clothing, which inmates can purchase themselves using their (outside-funded) canteen account, or which family and friends can purchase directly and have provided to their inmate.
  
  In order to ensure that your loved one receives canteen during their stay at the Norfolk City Jail, please follow these directions.

  To deposit money to an inmate’s canteen account, please mail postal money orders with the inmate’s name and ‘TRN’ clearly printed to:

  Resident Canteen
  (Inmate Name and TRN Number)
  P. O. Box 3908
  Norfolk, VA 23514
  
  The inmate’s name and ‘TRN’ number must be included on the money order and ‘payable to’ the inmate.

  Please send only Postal Money Orders.

  Other ways to credit Canteen accounts:

  • Pay by phone: 1-866-345-1884
  • Online: www.accesscorrections.com
  • Use the kiosk machine in the main lobby of the Public Safety Building, 811 E. City Hall Ave.

  
  Keefe Commissary Network runs the commissary and canteen, but the Sheriff’s Office oversees the program.

• Premium Fresh Meals

  811 Marketplace

  The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office opened the 811 Marketplace to serve your loved ones fresh food in jail.  This program offers you the opportunity to provide a meal to a loved one during their stay.  It also gives a select few people the opportunity to work in the kitchen preparing meals and gaining skills that they can take with them when they are finished with their stay. Our cooks prepare the hot meals in-house, and we hand-deliver orders every day.

  We are excited about this program and look forward to providing your loved ones with a gift from you.

  (Click HERE for to get started!)

• Canteen Packages

  This is the order form for the packages and items available to inmates from our canteen. To place an order click HERE

  (Click HERE for a  mobile-friendly version of this app)

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