June 18, 2020
Dear Family and Friends:
As the Missouri Department of Corrections continues to conduct mass COVID-19 testing among offenders and staff at all state prisons, we will begin a gradual return to more normal operations at sites where there are no cases of COVID-19. Changes may include reinstating programming, group activities and visits.
At this time, we plan to resume visiting, with restrictions, beginning Thursday, June 25 at three locations:
All visitors must call the facility to schedule an appointment.
Contact information is available on our website. Ask to speak to the staff member in charge of the visiting schedule. Spots are limited. Visiting will be increased to four days per week, Thursday through Sunday. However, the visiting rooms will be open at only 30% capacity, with 2-hour slots, with 2 visitors per offender, so you must schedule your appointment in advance.
Several new restrictions are in place to protect the health and safety of your offenders and staff. These restrictions are based on recommendations from offender councils.
The most important component of reopening visiting and keeping it open is you. If visitors help keep the virus out, visiting can continue. Make smart health decisions. Follow social distancing guidelines and other recommendations. Wash your hands. Avoid crowds. Stay home if you are sick. We encourage everyone who plans to visit a loved one to get tested for the virus within seven days of a planned visit. Testing sites are located throughout the state, and free testing is available at popup community testing locations.
The department and offenders’ families and friends are partners in protecting the health and safety of incarcerated Missourians and prison staff. We must all work together to keep everyone safe during this public health crisis.
Dates for resuming visiting at other facilities have not yet been set. If you have a loved one in a Missouri Department of Corrections facility, please sign up to receive email or text alerts here. Enter your email address or cell phone number, and select "Family & Friends" in the topics menu.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience.