How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Chillicothe Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Chillicothe Correctional Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Chillicothe Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Chillicothe Correctional Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Chillicothe Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Chillicothe Correctional Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Chillicothe Correctional Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Chillicothe Correctional Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Chillicothe Correctional Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Chillicothe Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Chillicothe Correctional Center
   3151 Litton Rd
   Chillicothe, MO 64601
   Phone: (660) 646-4032

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Chillicothe Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Chillicothe Correctional Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (660) 646-4032 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Chillicothe Correctional Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Chillicothe Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Chillicothe Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Chillicothe Correctional Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Chillicothe Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Chillicothe Correctional Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Chillicothe Correctional Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Chillicothe Correctional Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Chillicothe Correctional Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Missouri Department of Corrections has implemented a comprehensive digital mail system that connects individuals at Chillicothe Correctional Center with their families and support networks through electronic correspondence. Since July 2022, all personal mail is processed through a Digital Mail Center in Tampa, Florida, where letters, postcards, pictures, and drawings are scanned and delivered electronically to residents' media players. This digital communication system, combined with email capabilities through computer tablets, helps maintain crucial family connections that support successful reintegration into the community.

Beyond communication services, Chillicothe Correctional Center typically provides educational opportunities that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training programs designed to develop job-ready skills. The facility often offers substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and cognitive behavioral programs to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available to support spiritual growth and personal development.

Additional support services at the facility may include library access, recreational activities, and work programs that provide valuable job experience while maintaining facility operations. Medical and dental care are typically provided on-site, along with case management services that help individuals prepare for their eventual release. These comprehensive programs work together to create an environment focused on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates throughout the Missouri correctional system.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the routine for residents at Chillicothe Correctional Center, with the facility utilizing modern digital mail systems to maintain these vital connections. Since July 2022, all personal correspondence is processed through a Digital Mail Center in Tampa, Florida, where letters, postcards, pictures, and drawings are scanned and delivered electronically to residents' tablet devices. This technological approach typically allows for faster delivery of mail while maintaining security protocols, with residents able to access their correspondence through personal media players throughout the day during designated periods.

The structured environment at Chillicothe Correctional Center generally follows standard Missouri Department of Corrections schedules, which often include early morning wake-up calls, meal times in the dining facilities, and various programming opportunities. Residents may participate in educational programs, vocational training, or work assignments during daytime hours, with recreational activities and additional tablet time commonly available during evening periods. The facility's mail system requires specific addressing protocols, with all correspondence directed through the digital processing center and limited to 10 items per envelope to ensure efficient scanning and delivery.

Family connections remain a priority within the facility's daily operations, with the electronic mail system complementing other communication methods that may include scheduled phone calls and video visitation opportunities. Residents without tablet access typically receive printed versions of their scanned mail, ensuring all individuals can maintain contact with their support networks. The facility generally maintains standard security procedures while working to facilitate meaningful connections between residents and their families, recognizing the importance of these relationships in supporting successful reintegration goals.