How to Do Laundry for Your Loved One at Monroe County Jail (what families need to know)

Monroe County Jail doesn't have a working laundry facility right now. The posted policy says laundry "shall be cleaned by the inmate's family" until funding comes through for an on-site laundry room. In practice, that means you'll be rotating clothes and linens in and out yourself.

Timing matters. The jail only accepts inmate property during regular visiting days. Show up outside those hours with laundry or replacement clothing, and you'll likely be told to come back.

Planning to bring a book or other reading material along with laundry? Build in extra time. The jail inspects all reading material before allowing it inside, so it takes longer than a simple clothing drop-off.

1. Separate laundry from hygiene items - Treat clothing and linens as one bundle, and personal hygiene items as a separate bundle, since hygiene items have stricter packaging rules.
2. Keep hygiene items factory-sealed and visible - Monroe County Jail requires personal hygiene items to be new, in clear plastic, and unopened. Do not bring opened bottles, partially used products, or anything repackaged at home.
3. Use clear, easy-to-check packaging when you can - Clear bags or other see-through containers can make screening smoother, especially when you are also bringing hygiene items that must be in clear plastic.
4. Label everything clearly (strongly recommended) - Put your loved one’s name and booking number on the outside of the bag and on any internal bundles if possible. This is not listed as a rule in the posted policy, but it helps prevent mix-ups at the desk.
5. Only bring what you are ready to leave - Once you hand items over, you should assume they are going into the property process. Keep your own valuables and extras out of the bag.

• ✓ Laundry to be washed by the family (clothing and any linens you are rotating)
• ✓ Personal hygiene items that are new, in clear plastic, and unopened
• ✓ Any identifiers you can use to label the bag (name and booking number)
• ✓ Everything your loved one needs for that rotation, since deputies will not buy items for inmates

Can't make it to the jail on a regular visiting day? Don't assume staff can cover things until your next trip. The policy is clear: inmates must have their family bring necessary items, and deputies will not purchase items for inmates.

One workaround the sheriff's office highlights is online ordering. Families can order commissary items for inmates housed at Monroe County Jail through the web. This helps when you can't deliver items in person, especially for basics available through commissary.

Before making a trip, call to confirm the current procedure for property drop-off and any packaging requirements. Monroe County Sheriff's Office: 300 North Main Street, Paris, Missouri 65275. Phone: 660-327-4060. Fax: 660-327-5188. Email: sheriffsoffice@monroecountymo.gov.