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 Reception Diagnostic Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Western Reception Diagnostic 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 Reception Diagnostic Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Western Reception Diagnostic Correctional Center
   3401 Faraon St
   St Joseph, MO 64506
   Phone: (816) 387-2158

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

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

   Visiting hours at Western Reception Diagnostic 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) 387-2158 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 Reception Diagnostic 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 Reception Diagnostic Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Western Reception Diagnostic 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 Reception Diagnostic 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 Reception Diagnostic 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 Reception Diagnostic 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 diagnostic and reception process at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WRDCC) in St. Joseph, Missouri, serves as a crucial entry point where individuals undergo comprehensive assessments to determine appropriate placement and programming needs. Under the guidance of Chaplain Efrem Byrd, spiritual and counseling services may form an integral part of the facility's rehabilitation approach. As both a minimum-security and diagnostic institution, WRDCC typically provides initial evaluations that help identify educational deficiencies, substance abuse issues, mental health needs, and vocational interests that inform individualized treatment planning.

The facility may offer educational programs designed to address literacy and basic academic skills, potentially including GED preparation and adult basic education courses. Vocational training opportunities could encompass various trades and job readiness programs that prepare individuals for successful reentry into the community. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are often available to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior, while life skills programming may focus on financial literacy, anger management, and social responsibility.

Given its role as a reception center, WRDCC likely provides orientation programs that help new arrivals understand facility rules, available services, and expectations during their incarceration. The chaplaincy services, accessible through Chaplain Byrd, may include religious programming, spiritual counseling, and faith-based support groups. Medical and dental services are typically available to ensure basic healthcare needs are met, while library services and recreational activities may provide constructive outlets for personal growth and physical wellness during the assessment and classification period.

Daily Life & Visitation

With visiting hours available Friday through Sunday from 9:30am to 1:30pm and again from 2:30pm to 6:30pm, family connections remain an important part of the experience at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph, Missouri. Located at 3401 Faraon Street, this minimum security and diagnostic facility typically maintains structured daily schedules that accommodate both assessment processes and routine institutional operations. The presence of Chaplain Efrem Byrd, reachable at extension 1564, indicates that spiritual services and counseling may be available as part of the daily programming.

As a diagnostic facility, daily life often includes various assessment activities and evaluations that help determine appropriate placement and programming needs. Residents typically participate in interviews, testing, and orientation sessions while also maintaining basic daily routines common to correctional facilities. The minimum security designation suggests that individuals may have more freedom of movement within the facility and potentially access to work assignments, educational programs, or vocational training opportunities that fill much of the daily schedule.

The facility's dual role as both a reception and diagnostic center means that daily routines may vary depending on an individual's stage in the process. New arrivals typically undergo comprehensive evaluations and orientation programs, while those awaiting transfer or serving shorter sentences may participate in work details, educational classes, or other structured activities. Family members seeking to maintain contact can reach the facility at (816) 387-2158, and the weekend visiting schedule allows for regular family connections that often serve as important highlights in the weekly routine.