Getting approved, scheduling, and background checks for visits
- Confirm you need approval first. Missouri DOC requires visitors to be pre-approved before attempting to visit.
- Complete the application thoroughly and honestly. The DOC states you should fill it out completely and truthfully.
- Expect a criminal history check. The DOC conducts a criminal history check, and dishonesty can lead to denial of visiting privileges.
County jails may require appointments and can be strict about check-in times. In Buchanan County, general-public visitors must schedule appointments during weekday hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. General-public non-contact visitation happens on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except holidays). Check in 10 minutes early, or the visit will be canceled.
Some jails also control which day an inmate can receive visits and who is eligible. Monroe County Jail lists visiting hours as Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and prisoners may visit only one of those days per week. Special visits are by appointment only and must be approved by the Sheriff or Jail Administrator. Monroe County's visitor rules include completing a form, and restrictions apply for people on probation or parole, or those who are a victim, co-defendant, or potential witness in a case involving the inmate.
Common Questions
Q
How do I set up an account to video visit or message an inmate?
It depends on the facility’s vendor, but systems like CIDNET require you to create a customer account and buy data, which is consumed as you communicate. After you submit a link request, the facility decides whether you are approved or denied. Some Missouri jails also use HomeWAV for video visitation and phone-related services, and Buchanan County requires general-public visitors to schedule visitation appointments by phone or in person during the scheduling window it posts.
Q
How do I get approved to visit someone in a Missouri state prison?
You must be pre-approved through the Missouri DOC visiting application process. The DOC says you should complete the application thoroughly and honestly, and a criminal history check will be conducted. If you have questions, you can contact DOC Constituent Services by phone or email, or reach out to the facility directly for visit status and scheduling details.
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