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 Southeast Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Southeast 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 Southeast Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Southeast Correctional Center
   300 Pedro Simmons Dr
   Charleston, MO 63834
   Phone: (573) 683-4409

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
   • 2:30 – 6:30 PM
   • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
   • 2:30 – 6:30 PM
   • Sunday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
   • 2:30 – 6:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Southeast Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Southeast 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) 683-4409 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 Southeast 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 Southeast Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

With chaplaincy services led by dedicated religious staff, Southeast Correctional Center emphasizes spiritual guidance as part of its comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. The facility's chaplain program provides counseling, religious services, and faith-based support to individuals across all security levels, recognizing the important role that spiritual wellness can play in personal transformation and successful reentry preparation.

The facility typically offers educational programming that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses designed to help individuals develop essential academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical trades and job skills that can support employment upon release. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are commonly available, along with cognitive-behavioral programs that address criminal thinking patterns and decision-making skills.

As a multi-level security facility housing minimum, medium, and maximum security populations, Southeast Correctional Center may provide specialized programming tailored to different custody levels and individual needs. Support services often include medical care, library access, and recreational activities. The facility's structured visiting schedule on weekends reflects its commitment to maintaining family connections, which research shows can be crucial for successful rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visiting hours at Southeast Correctional Center are structured around weekend schedules, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sessions running from 9:30am to 1:30pm and again from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. This multi-security level facility in Charleston, Missouri, houses individuals across minimum, medium, and maximum custody classifications, which typically influences the daily routines and privileges available to residents. The facility's location at 300 East Pedro Simmons Drive provides a structured environment where inmates may participate in various programming activities, work assignments, and educational opportunities depending on their security classification and behavior status.

Daily schedules at correctional facilities like Southeast Correctional Center often begin early with count procedures and meal service, followed by work assignments or programming activities. Inmates classified at different security levels may have varying degrees of movement and program participation throughout their day. Common activities might include vocational training, educational classes, library access, and recreational periods. The facility likely maintains structured meal times, with breakfast typically served in the early morning, lunch at midday, and dinner in the evening, punctuated by regular security counts and unit activities.

Communication with family members extends beyond the weekend visitation schedule, as inmates may typically have access to telephone privileges and correspondence opportunities. The facility's chaplain services, coordinated through the religious programs department, may offer spiritual guidance and faith-based programming as part of the daily routine. Evening hours often include recreational activities, television viewing in common areas, and personal time in housing units, with lights-out procedures following established institutional schedules that support both security requirements and rehabilitation goals.