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 Joplin Police Department.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police Department.

Frequently asked questions about Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police Department.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police Department?

   Mailing address:

   Joplin Police Department
   303 E 3rd St
   Joplin, MO 64801
   Phone: (417) 623-3131

5. What are the visiting hours at Joplin Police Department?

   Visiting hours at Joplin Police 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 (417) 623-3131 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 Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police Department for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Joplin Police Department?

   You can send money to an inmate at Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police Department?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police 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 Joplin Police 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

Transformative pathways toward personal growth and community reintegration form the cornerstone of offerings available to those incarcerated at the Joplin Police Department facility in Missouri. The institution’s approach emphasizes structured development through comprehensive programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term success factors. By fostering an environment where individuals can acquire essential skills and address underlying challenges, the facility creates meaningful opportunities for positive change during periods of incarceration.

Educational advancement serves as a fundamental component of the facility’s developmental framework, with offerings that may include basic literacy instruction, high school equivalency preparation, and continuing education opportunities. These academic pursuits often complement vocational training initiatives that equip participants with marketable skills in various trades and industries. Furthermore, such programming typically incorporates hands-on learning experiences designed to enhance both technical competencies and workplace readiness, preparing those incarcerated for successful employment upon release.

The facility’s therapeutic and support services address the multifaceted nature of successful reintegration through comprehensive substance abuse treatment programming and specialized counseling services. Employment readiness initiatives often include resume development, interview preparation, and job search strategies, while mentoring programs may connect participants with community volunteers who provide ongoing guidance and support. Additionally, family reunification services typically focus on rebuilding and strengthening relationships through structured communication opportunities and conflict resolution programming, recognizing that strong family connections often contribute significantly to post-release success and community stability.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family members and maintaining social bonds remains a central focus for those incarcerated at the Joplin Police Department facility, where structured communication opportunities help preserve vital relationships during periods of confinement. The facility currently operates on a regimented daily schedule that begins with early morning wake-up calls, continues through structured meal periods, and furnishes consistent routines that help residents adapt to institutional life. Those incarcerated typically participate in organized activities throughout the day, with programming schedules designed to provide both structure and opportunities for personal development.

Living accommodations at the facility generally consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated may develop supportive relationships with fellow residents while adapting to communal living arrangements. The dining arrangements typically involve scheduled meal times in common areas, creating natural opportunities for social interaction and community building among residents. Although personal space remains limited, those incarcerated usually have access to basic personal property storage and may utilize commissary services to supplement their daily needs and maintain some personal preferences.

Furthermore, the facility often provides various recreation and exercise opportunities that allow those incarcerated to maintain physical wellness while engaging in group activities that foster positive social connections. Visitation policies typically accommodate regular contact with family members and loved ones, while communication options may include telephone access and correspondence privileges that help preserve important outside relationships. Work assignments and facility jobs generally offer additional structure to daily routines, providing those incarcerated with opportunities to contribute to facility operations while developing skills and maintaining productive schedules throughout their period of confinement.