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 Potosi Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Potosi Correctional Center 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 Potosi Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Potosi Correctional Center

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 Potosi Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Potosi Correctional Center?

   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 Potosi Correctional Center?

   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 Potosi Correctional Center. 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 Potosi Correctional Center. 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 Potosi Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Potosi Correctional Center
   11593 State Hwy O
   Mineral Point, MO 63660
   Phone: (573) 438-6000

   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 Potosi Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Potosi Correctional Center 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 (573) 438-6000 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 Potosi Correctional Center?

   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 Potosi Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Potosi Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Potosi Correctional Center 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 Potosi Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Potosi Correctional Center, 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 Potosi Correctional Center?

   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 Potosi Correctional Center 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 Potosi Correctional Center, 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

Located in Mineral Point, Missouri, Potosi Correctional Center operates as a multi-security level facility housing minimum, medium, and maximum security residents. The facility provides chaplaincy services through dedicated religious programming, with Chaplain Robert Gerst overseeing spiritual care and faith-based support for the incarcerated population. These religious services typically form a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, offering residents opportunities for spiritual growth, counseling, and community connection during their incarceration.

The facility may offer various educational and vocational programs designed to prepare residents for successful reintegration into their communities. These programs often include basic literacy education, GED preparation, and vocational training in areas such as construction, maintenance, or food service. Additionally, the center likely provides substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and life skills programming to address the underlying factors that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Such comprehensive programming approaches are common in Missouri correctional facilities and focus on reducing recidivism through skill development and personal growth.

Support services at Potosi Correctional Center may also include medical care, library services, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. The facility's multi-level security classification allows for tailored programming that matches residents' security needs and rehabilitation goals. Visitation opportunities are available on weekends, providing crucial family connections that research shows can significantly impact successful reentry outcomes. These various programs and services work together to create a structured environment focused on accountability, skill-building, and preparation for eventual release.

Daily Life & Visitation

With visitation hours limited to Friday through Sunday from 9:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 6:30pm, residents at Potosi Correctional Center must carefully coordinate family connections around this structured schedule. Located on State Highway O in Mineral Point, Missouri, this multi-level security facility houses individuals across minimum, medium, and maximum custody classifications, with daily routines varying significantly based on security level and housing assignment. The facility's chaplain services, led by Chaplain Robert Gerst, provide spiritual support and programming that may include weekly services, religious study groups, and pastoral counseling for those seeking faith-based guidance during their incarceration.

Daily schedules typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or recreational activities depending on each resident's custody level and individual case plan. Those in minimum security housing often have greater freedom of movement and may participate in work details, vocational training, or educational classes throughout the day. Medium and maximum security residents generally follow more structured routines with designated times for meals, programming, recreation, and return to housing units. The facility may offer various rehabilitative programs including substance abuse treatment, anger management, and job skills training designed to prepare individuals for eventual reintegration into the community.

Communication with family and friends extends beyond the weekend visitation schedule through telephone privileges and correspondence, though specific policies regarding phone access and mail procedures vary by housing unit and security classification. Residents typically have access to commissary services where they can purchase approved personal items, snacks, and hygiene products using funds deposited by family members or earned through facility work assignments. Medical and mental health services are available on-site, with routine healthcare needs addressed through the facility's medical unit and more serious conditions requiring coordination with outside medical providers when necessary.