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 Pettis County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Pettis County Jail 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 Pettis County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Pettis County Jail

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 Pettis County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pettis County Jail?

   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 Pettis County Jail?

   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 Pettis County Jail. 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 Pettis County Jail. 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 Pettis County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Pettis County Jail
   333 S Lamine Ave
   Sedalia, MO 65301
   Phone: (660) 827-0056

5. What are the visiting hours at Pettis County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Pettis County Jail 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 (660) 827-0056 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 Pettis County Jail?

   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 Pettis County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Pettis County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Pettis County Jail 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 Pettis County Jail?

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

   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 Pettis County Jail 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 Pettis County Jail, 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 rehabilitation efforts within Pettis County Jail's comprehensive service framework. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to inmate development, recognizing that meaningful change requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's life circumstances. Through carefully structured programming, inmates may access resources 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 continuing education opportunities that help inmates develop foundational academic skills. These programs may provide individualized learning plans tailored to each participant's educational background and goals. In addition to this, vocational training services typically focus on developing marketable job skills in various trades and industries. Such training may encompass hands-on workshops, certification preparation, and career readiness instruction designed to enhance employment prospects upon release.

Support services frequently extend beyond academic and vocational development to address underlying personal challenges. Creative writing programs may offer inmates constructive outlets for self-expression while developing communication skills and emotional awareness. Mental health counseling services typically provide professional support for addressing psychological barriers to successful reintegration, while substance abuse treatment programs often include both group and individual sessions focused on recovery strategies. These therapeutic interventions may work in conjunction with other services to create a comprehensive support network that addresses the complex factors contributing to criminal behavior.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of Pettis County Jail create a highly structured environment where every aspect of daily life follows established protocols. Inmates now find themselves adapting to a routine that begins early each morning with security counts and continues through scheduled meal times, programming sessions, and designated recreation periods. The facility regularly maintains order through consistent scheduling, with inmates learning to navigate the institutional rhythm that governs their days.

Housing units typically accommodate multiple inmates in shared cells or dormitory-style arrangements, where personal space becomes limited and privacy minimal. Inmates generally receive basic bedding, toiletries, and are allowed to keep approved personal items within strict guidelines. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at set times throughout the day, providing one of the few opportunities for broader social interaction among the inmate population. Despite this structured environment, inmates often develop coping strategies and informal support networks to manage the challenges of confined living.

In addition to this basic routine, the facility may offer various programs designed to provide structure and skill development opportunities. Work assignments within the jail often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and facility maintenance tasks that help inmates stay occupied while contributing to daily operations. Recreation time typically includes access to outdoor areas when weather permits, along with indoor activities and exercise opportunities. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, allowing inmates to maintain contact with their support systems outside the facility walls.