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 Western MO Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Western MO 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 Western MO Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Western MO Correctional Center
   609 E Pence Rd
   Cameron, MO 64429
   Phone: (816) 632-1390

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Tuesday: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Wednesday: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Thursday: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Friday: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Saturday: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Sunday: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM

5. What are the visiting hours at Western MO Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Western MO 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 (816) 632-1390 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 Western MO 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 Western MO Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Western MO 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 Western MO Correctional Center?

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

The Western Missouri Correctional Center, operating as a medium-security facility since 1988, focuses on providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to its male inmate population. Located on 385 acres in Cameron, Missouri, the facility typically emphasizes educational advancement and vocational skill development as core components of its programming approach. Inmates may have access to adult basic education classes, GED preparation programs, and various vocational training opportunities that align with local workforce needs. The facility often includes substance abuse counseling programs, anger management courses, and mental health services to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Supportive services at the facility may encompass religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and library services that promote personal growth and positive use of time. The center typically offers work assignments that provide inmates with job skills and work experience, potentially including maintenance, food service, and facility operations roles. Family connection programs, such as visitation services and correspondence opportunities, are often available to help maintain important relationships during incarceration.

Given its medium-security classification, Western Missouri Correctional Center may also provide pre-release planning services to help inmates prepare for successful reintegration into their communities. These services typically include assistance with job placement resources, housing referrals, and connections to community support organizations. The facility's programming approach generally aims to reduce recidivism by equipping inmates with the education, skills, and support systems necessary for successful reentry into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 1,975 male inmates housed at Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron follow structured daily schedules within the medium-security facility's 385-acre grounds. Since opening in 1988, the facility has maintained routines that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or vocational training opportunities. Inmates may participate in various rehabilitative programs designed to prepare them for successful reentry into the community, though specific program offerings can vary based on security level and individual needs.

Visitation at the facility generally follows Missouri Department of Corrections guidelines, with family members and approved visitors able to maintain contact through scheduled visits. The facility typically offers both contact and non-contact visitation options, depending on an inmate's security classification and behavior record. Communication with the outside world may also include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping inmates maintain important family relationships during their incarceration.

Located on East Pence Road, the facility operates alongside the adjacent Crossroads Correctional Center, creating a correctional complex that serves the western Missouri region. Daily operations include medical services, meals prepared according to nutritional standards, and recreational activities when security conditions permit. The structured environment aims to balance security requirements with opportunities for personal growth and preparation for eventual release, though the specific details of programs and privileges can change based on facility policies and individual inmate status.