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 Ste Genevieve County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Ste Genevieve 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 Ste Genevieve County Jail.

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

   Mailing address:

   Ste Genevieve County Jail
   5 Basler Dr
   Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
   Phone: (573) 883-9896

5. What are the visiting hours at Ste Genevieve County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Ste Genevieve 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 (573) 883-9896 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 Ste Genevieve 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 Ste Genevieve County Jail for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Ste Genevieve 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 Ste Genevieve County Jail?

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

Based on the facility’s modern infrastructure and capacity to serve diverse populations ranging from civil detainees to serious offenders, the St. Genevieve County Detention Center typically provides a range of support services designed to address the varied needs of its approximately 300 daily residents. The facility operates under strict safety protocols, including comprehensive Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance with zero-tolerance policies for sexual abuse and harassment, creating an environment where programming can be effectively delivered.

The detention center may offer educational opportunities such as GED preparation classes and basic literacy programs to help detainees work toward completing their high school education during their stay. Vocational training programs could include job readiness workshops, basic computer skills, and life skills courses that prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community. Given Missouri’s emphasis on substance abuse treatment, the facility likely provides counseling services and may partner with local organizations to offer addiction recovery programs and mental health support services.

Administrative support services include assistance with obtaining documentation such as Letters of Incarceration for former detainees who submit written requests with self-addressed stamped envelopes. The facility maintains structured visitation policies, currently offering Sunday visits from 12:00 to 4:00 PM on a established-come, established-served basis for 30-minute sessions. With 35 full-time correctional officers managing daily operations, transportation services, and security, the facility may also coordinate with community organizations to provide religious services, library access, and recreational activities that support the overall well-being of the detainee population.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Ste. Genevieve County Detention Center operates under structured schedules that accommodate its capacity of approximately 300 detainees, with 35 full-time deputies and correctional officers maintaining facility operations around the clock. Families and friends can visit on Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 PM for 30-minute sessions arranged on a established-come, established-serve basis, providing an important connection to the outside community. The facility serves a diverse population ranging from civil detainees to those facing serious felony charges, requiring careful classification and housing arrangements to ensure safety and security.

Throughout the week, detainees typically follow established routines that may include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and educational or work programs common to Missouri correctional facilities. The detention center’s staff coordinates various daily activities including court transports and both in-state and out-of-state extraditions, which can affect individual schedules. Administrative matters such as requesting letters of incarceration must be handled through proper channels, with current detainees submitting general requests through facility procedures, while former detainees must mail written requests with self-addressed stamped envelopes.

The facility maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and harassment under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), reflecting the administration’s commitment to detainee safety and welfare. Located at 5 Basler Drive in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, the modern detention center operates with administrative offices open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, while detention operations continue 24 hours daily to serve local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the community.