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 Tipton Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Tipton 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 Tipton Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Tipton Correctional Center
   619 N Osage Ave
   Tipton, MO 65081
   Phone: (660) 433-2031

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

   Visiting hours at Tipton 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 (660) 433-2031 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 Tipton 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 Tipton Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Digital communication services form a cornerstone of maintaining family connections at Tipton Correctional Center, where residents can send and receive email through computer tablets as part of the facility's modern approach to correspondence. The center operates under Missouri's updated mail system, which digitally scans all personal postal mail at a centralized facility in Tampa, Florida, before making it available on residents' media players. This electronic delivery system ensures that individuals can stay connected with family and friends through letters, postcards, pictures, and drawings, all processed through secure digital channels.

Beyond communication services, Tipton Correctional Center typically provides educational programming that may include GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training opportunities designed to support successful reentry. The facility often offers substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and cognitive behavioral programs to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Religious services and spiritual counseling are commonly available to support residents' personal growth and rehabilitation goals.

Work programs at the facility may include maintenance operations, food service, and other institutional assignments that help residents develop job skills while contributing to facility operations. The center likely provides recreational activities, library services, and visitation programs that complement the digital communication options, creating a comprehensive support system for individuals working toward rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the routine for residents at Tipton Correctional Center, with digital mail delivery occurring through computer tablets that inmates access regularly throughout their day. Since July 2022, all personal correspondence is processed through Missouri DOC's Digital Mail Center in Tampa, Florida, where letters, postcards, pictures, and drawings are scanned and made available electronically on each resident's media player. This modern system typically allows inmates to check for new messages during designated tablet access times, which may occur multiple times throughout the day depending on housing unit schedules and facility operations.

The digital communication system represents a significant shift in how residents maintain connections with family and friends, as traditional postal mail is no longer accepted directly at the facility. Correspondence must be properly addressed with the inmate's full name and DOC identification number, sent to the Tampa processing center where items are digitized within the scanning guidelines - including a maximum of 10 items per envelope and requirements that materials be easily scannable. For residents without tablet access, scanned mail is printed and delivered in person, ensuring all inmates can receive correspondence regardless of their technology access level.

Beyond digital communications, residents at Tipton Correctional Center likely follow structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programming, recreational activities, and meals at designated times. The facility typically operates with count times throughout the day when all inmates must be accounted for in their assigned locations, punctuating the routine with periods of secured movement between housing units, work areas, dining facilities, and program spaces. Evening hours often provide additional opportunities for tablet use, phone calls to approved contacts, and personal time within housing units before lights-out procedures.