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 Scott County Sheriff.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Scott 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 Scott County Sheriff.

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

   Mailing address:

   Scott County Sheriff
   131 S New Madrid St
   Benton, MO 63736
   Phone: (573) 471-3530

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

   Visiting hours at Scott 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 (573) 471-3530 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 Scott 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 Scott County Sheriff for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Scott County Sheriff's Office provides comprehensive financial support systems for incarcerated individuals through multiple deposit methods, including Access Corrections services and Keefe Commissary options. These systems allow family members and friends to contribute to inmate commissary accounts through website transactions, lobby kiosks available 24 hours daily, and telephone payments, with funds typically credited within 30 minutes. The facility also maintains an inmate phone system that enables loved ones to purchase phone minutes, supporting crucial family connections during incarceration.

Beyond these communication and financial services, Scott County Jail may offer educational programming and counseling services typical of Missouri correctional facilities. The facility often provides access to substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and basic educational opportunities to support rehabilitation efforts. Religious services are commonly available through chaplain programs, and the facility may coordinate with local organizations to offer job readiness training and life skills workshops.

The jail's approach to supporting incarcerated individuals typically includes medical services, recreational activities, and library access when available. Work programs within the facility may provide opportunities for skill development and responsibility, while visitation policies are designed to maintain family relationships that are crucial for successful reintegration. These comprehensive services work together to address both immediate needs and longer-term rehabilitation goals for those in custody at Scott County Jail.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Scott County Jail in Missouri maintain contact with family and friends through a structured communication system that includes both commissary services and phone access. The facility utilizes Access Corrections for inmate account deposits, allowing loved ones to add funds through their website, lobby kiosks available 24 hours a day, or telephone payments. These deposits typically appear in inmates' accounts within approximately 30 minutes, enabling them to purchase commissary items and maintain their daily necessities.

The jail's communication infrastructure supports inmate phone services, with family members able to purchase phone minutes through dedicated online systems. Lobby kiosks accept cash, credit, and debit card transactions around the clock, providing flexibility for families visiting or making deposits at any hour. This accessibility helps maintain important family connections during incarceration periods, which often proves crucial for inmate morale and eventual reintegration.

Daily routines at the facility typically follow standard correctional protocols common to Missouri county jails, including scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and structured activities. While specific programming details may vary, inmates generally have access to basic services and may participate in educational or work programs depending on their classification level and length of stay. The facility's location in Scott County provides a smaller, more manageable environment compared to larger state institutions, often allowing for more individualized attention to inmate needs and case management.