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 Lawrence County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lawrence County Sheriff 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 Lawrence County Sheriff.

Frequently asked questions about Lawrence County Sheriff

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 Lawrence County Sheriff.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lawrence County Sheriff?

   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 Lawrence County Sheriff?

   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 Lawrence County Sheriff. 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 Lawrence County Sheriff. 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 Lawrence County Sheriff?

   Mailing address:

   Lawrence County Sheriff
   300 E Water St
   Mt Vernon, MO 65712
   Phone: (417) 466-2131

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Lawrence County Sheriff?

   Visiting hours at Lawrence County Sheriff 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) 466-2131 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 Lawrence County Sheriff?

   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 Lawrence County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lawrence County Sheriff?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lawrence County Sheriff 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 Lawrence County Sheriff?

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

   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 Lawrence County Sheriff 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 Lawrence County Sheriff, 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 growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Lawrence County Sheriff's facility in Missouri. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inmate transformation, recognizing that meaningful change requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's life. Through carefully structured programming, inmates may access opportunities designed to build both practical skills and personal resilience, creating pathways toward successful community reintegration.

Educational services often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and adult learning opportunities that help inmates strengthen foundational academic skills. Vocational training programs may provide hands-on experience in high-demand fields such as culinary arts and construction trades, allowing participants to develop marketable skills while incarcerated. These programs typically combine classroom instruction with practical application, giving inmates the chance to build confidence alongside technical competency. In addition to this, the structured learning environment often helps participants develop workplace habits and professional communication skills.

Support services may include commercial driving (CDL) preparation programs that open doors to employment opportunities upon release. Transitional planning services typically help inmates prepare for the practical challenges of reentry, addressing housing, employment, and community resources. The facility often includes substance abuse treatment programs that provide therapeutic intervention for those struggling with addiction, recognizing that addressing underlying issues is essential for long-term success. These comprehensive services work together to create a foundation for positive change that extends well beyond the period of incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure walls and controlled access points, the physical environment at Lawrence County Sheriff's Office detention facility shapes every aspect of an inmate's daily experience. The structured housing units typically feature dormitory-style accommodations or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Today, inmates follow a consistently regulated schedule that begins with early morning counts and extends through evening lockdown procedures.

Living conditions generally include basic furnishings such as bunks, storage areas for personal belongings, and shared bathroom facilities within each housing unit. Inmates may adapt to the close quarters by establishing informal routines and respecting personal space boundaries. The facility typically provides three meals daily in a designated dining area, with menu items that meet basic nutritional requirements. Personal property is usually limited to approved items, and inmates often rely on commissary purchases to supplement their basic needs with additional food items, hygiene products, and writing materials.

In addition to this structured living environment, the facility generally offers various programs and activities designed to provide meaningful engagement during incarceration. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, facility maintenance, or laundry services, which help inmates maintain productive routines. Recreation opportunities typically include access to television areas, reading materials, and limited outdoor exercise time when weather and security conditions permit. Despite this controlled environment, family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and phone call privileges, allowing inmates to maintain relationships with loved ones while serving their time.