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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hickory County Sheriff’s Office 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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office.

Frequently asked questions about Hickory County Sheriff’s Office

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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hickory County Sheriff’s Office?

   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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office?

   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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office. 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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office. 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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office?

   Mailing address:

   Hickory County Sheriff’s Office
   18682 Jackson St
   Hermitage, MO 65668
   Phone: (417) 745-6415

   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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office?

   Visiting hours at Hickory County Sheriff’s Office 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 (417) 745-6415 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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office?

   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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hickory County Sheriff’s Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hickory County Sheriff’s Office 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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hickory County Sheriff’s Office, 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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office?

   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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office 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 Hickory County Sheriff’s Office, 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

Personal transformation through structured intervention forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Hickory County Jail, where inmates encounter comprehensive opportunities designed to address the multifaceted challenges that often contribute to incarceration. The facility's approach emphasizes skill-building and behavioral modification through evidence-based programming that targets both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. This holistic methodology recognizes that sustainable change requires addressing educational deficits, vocational limitations, and underlying personal struggles simultaneously.

Educational services typically encompass literacy enhancement and GED preparation, providing inmates with foundational academic skills essential for future employment and personal growth. These instructional opportunities often incorporate individualized learning plans that accommodate varying educational backgrounds and learning styles. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training services may offer hands-on experience in trades and technical skills, enabling participants to develop marketable competencies that enhance their employment prospects upon release. Such programming frequently includes both theoretical instruction and practical application, allowing inmates to build confidence while acquiring industry-relevant knowledge.

Support services extend beyond the classroom to encompass job placement assistance, which may include resume development, interview preparation, and connections to potential employers who value second-chance hiring practices. Commercial driving certification programs often provide specialized training that opens pathways to stable employment in transportation and logistics sectors. In addition to this career-focused support, therapeutic services addressing substance abuse treatment typically utilize group counseling, individual therapy sessions, and educational workshops that help inmates understand addiction patterns and develop coping strategies. These comprehensive interventions work synergistically to create a foundation for successful community reintegration and personal accountability.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel fixtures of the housing units at Hickory County Jail create an institutional environment where inmates must quickly learn to navigate the structured confines of their temporary living space. Daily routines currently revolve around established meal times, scheduled counts, and designated periods for various activities, while the facility continues to maintain order through consistent scheduling that provides predictability for residents adjusting to incarceration.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates generally sleep on metal bunks with basic bedding and store their limited personal belongings in designated areas. The dining arrangements usually involve scheduled meal service in a common area, with inmates receiving three meals per day that meet basic nutritional requirements. Despite this structured environment, inmates often find ways to adapt by establishing routines around available recreation time, which may include access to a dayroom area with television, basic exercise equipment, or outdoor recreation when weather and security conditions permit.

In addition to this daily structure, the facility typically provides work assignments that may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or maintenance tasks that help inmates stay occupied while contributing to facility operations. Visitation policies generally allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, though these communications are subject to standard security monitoring procedures. Programming schedules often include educational opportunities, religious services, or counseling sessions designed to provide structure and support during an inmate's stay, helping residents maintain connections to the outside world while serving their time.