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 Clay County Detention Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Clay County Detention Department 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 Clay County Detention Department.

Frequently asked questions about Clay County Detention Department

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 Clay County Detention Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Clay County Detention Department?

   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 Clay County Detention Department?

   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 Clay County Detention Department. 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 Clay County Detention Department. 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 Clay County Detention Department?

   Mailing address:

   Clay County Detention Department
   14 S Water St
   Liberty, MO 64068
   Phone: (816) 407-3800

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Clay County Detention Department?

   Visiting hours at Clay County Detention Department 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 (816) 407-3800 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 Clay County Detention Department?

   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 Clay County Detention Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Clay County Detention Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Clay County Detention Department 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 Clay County Detention Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Clay County Detention Department, 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 Clay County Detention Department?

   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 Clay County Detention Department 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 Clay County Detention Department, 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

Building marketable skills and fostering personal development creates pathways to successful reintegration for those incarcerated at Clay County Detention. The facility typically emphasizes structured learning environments that prioritize both security and meaningful growth opportunities. Through carefully supervised offerings, participants can develop practical abilities while maintaining the safety and order essential to the correctional environment.

Educational advancement and vocational preparation form the foundation of skill-building opportunities. Those incarcerated may access education programs designed to help complete high school equivalency requirements or develop basic literacy skills. Furthermore, vocational training offerings often include hands-on instruction in electrical work and commercial driving preparation for CDL certification. These structured learning experiences typically operate within secure classroom settings that maintain facility safety protocols while providing practical knowledge for future employment.

Therapeutic and support services address personal development needs that extend beyond technical skills. Substance abuse treatment may furnish group counseling sessions and educational components focused on recovery strategies. Furthermore, life coaching offerings often include guidance on decision-making and goal-setting skills. Parenting classes typically provide instruction on child development and effective communication techniques. These support-focused offerings generally operate through structured group sessions that emphasize both personal accountability and peer learning within the secure facility environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections remain a vital lifeline for those incarcerated, with the facility recognizing that maintaining these bonds supports both rehabilitation and community reintegration. At present, those incarcerated at Clay County Detention actively participate in structured daily routines that begin with morning count and meal service. The schedule typically includes designated times for housing unit activities, recreational periods, and programming opportunities that furnish stability and purpose to each day.

Housing arrangements generally consist of dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated typically share common areas within their housing units, creating opportunities for social interaction and peer support. Meals are usually served in central dining areas or delivered to housing units, providing regular gathering times that help establish community connections. Furthermore, recreational activities may include access to television areas, reading materials, and outdoor exercise periods when weather and security considerations permit.

Communication with family members typically occurs through scheduled phone calls, written correspondence, and visitation programs that operate according to facility guidelines. Although visiting schedules may vary, the facility generally maintains policies that allow regular contact between those incarcerated and their loved ones. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that provide structure while teaching valuable skills. Programming schedules may furnish educational opportunities, substance abuse counseling, and other services designed to support successful community reentry upon release.