Hope Life Learning Center

The Missouri Department of Corrections maintains a searchable public database of all of the inmates they have in custody.

In addition, the inmate search contains information about prisoners, parolees, and probationers who are currently under supervision. It also contains those inmates who have absconded or escaped.

The actual prison that an inmate is assigned to depends on factors such as security classification, remaining time of their sentence, gang affiliation, and location of their residence.

The Missouri State Prison System began in 1836, when the first state prison in Missouri opened in Jefferson City.

Today the state of Missouri Prison System maintains 21 state prisons, including 2 community release centers.

With a staff of 11,000 correctional workers, as of the end of 2023 they oversee approximately 23,000 inmates, with another 90,000 on parole or supervised release.

The following will explain the instructions, tricks and hacks you can use to find any inmate in custody with the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Missouri Department of Corrections Inmate Search Instructions

The Missouri Department of Corrections provides a limited amount of information you may want to know about any inmate in their system, however they do list every inmate. Inmates in custody have their crimes listed, as well as previous convictions. They also list all inmates who have been discharged.

STEP 1  -  Enter the code given in order to proceed to the Official Search page.

STEP 2  -  To look up an inmate, you need the full last name and first name.  

• You can list all inmates who share the same last name and first name.
• You can search an inmate using their DOC ID.

The first set of results if you used the full last name will list their name, DOC (Offender) Number, Date of Birth, Race, Height, Weight and Sex. Click on the linked DOC ID to get to the inmate's page.  In this example we used a last name of 'Smith',first name of 'Robert'

The inmate's page will have quite a bit of information, including an inmate's mugshot.

Sending Money to an Inmate in the Hope Life Learning Center

There are two ways to send money to an inmate in the Hope Life Learning Center:

Jpay, or
Mailing a Money Order

Hope Life Learning Center uses the services of JPAY for you to send money to an inmate's trust fund / commissary account. 



You can send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
There are several ways to send money to an inmate/offender.

1. Online payments
2. Over the phone by calling 800-574-5729
3. MoneyGram
4. If you wish to send cash you can use MoneyGram. MoneyGram has many convenient locations nationwide.
   The following establishments will always have MoneyGram services:
   Walmart
   7-11
   CVS Pharmacy

You will need:
Inmate's Correctional ID number and last name
The facility name or receive code.
You can visit the MoneyGram website to find locations near you.

        5. Money Order - Inmate's Name must be on the Money Order

        6. Lobby Kiosk
            You can use a debit or credit card in the lobby kiosk to send funds to an inmate/offender.

Hope Life Learning Center also allows you to send money to an inmate's trust fund / commissary account by sending a Money Order.

The Money Order must be made payable to the Missouri Department of Corrections and be accompanied by a Department of Corrections deposit slip.

Each offender has access to deposit forms and can send the slips to you at any time, or you can print one out here.

Once completed, mail to this address:

Offender Finance Office
Missouri Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 1609
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Don't enclose anything else in the envelope, as the office processes money transactions only. Fill out the slip COMPLETELY, and in either blue or black ink.

If you have questions, call the Offender Finance Office at 573-526-6445.

It takes about 1-3 days to post in the inmate's account. They can check on it from their unit.

Hope Life Learning Center Inmate in-person Visitation Information (Remote video visitation information is in the following section)

Step 1 - Application to Visit

All potential visitors, whether they are immediate or extended family, friends, or clergy, must complete an online Application to Visit.  Background checks are done on all applicants so be truthful. 

These are the instructions to help you fill out the Application.

Once you are approved (or denied) your inmate will be notified and then it is their responsibility to notify you of the decision.

Step 2 - The Visit

Be familiar with visiting rules, regulations, procedures and dress code before you visit. You will be required to follow them.  Rules are available here, upon request from the facility and are posted in the visiting room. 

The Visiting Hours vary and are subject to change, so you can view the visitation schedule online.

The number and length of visits may also vary, however all visits shall be limited to 3 visitors per offender and may include up to 3 additional visitors who are age 5 and under. That said, inmates on reception and orientation status may receive only one visit per month while awaiting assignment to a permanent institution or treatment center.

Arrive 30 minutes earlier, but not before that, and don't leave anyone or a pet in your car.

Leave your purse, wallet, phone and keys in your car, or you can always store it in a locker on site.

Required Identification
Adult visitors: valid photo ID, such as current driver’s license or Department of Revenue ID card
Visitors age 13-18: a current school photo ID card that includes their name or a valid federal or state government-issued ID card
Visitors under age 18, unless married to the offender, must be accompanied by an authorized adult visitor.

Allowed Items
You can bring in coins in clear sandwich bag or transparent plastic pouch for use in vending machines, medications and devices needed for your health (with a physician's note), and if you have an infant, you can bring in the following: one clear carry-all, 6 diapers, 1 blanket, 3 clear plastic bottles of prepared infant beverage, 1 clear plastic no-spill toddler cup, 3 unopened vendor containers of baby food, 1 plastic pacifier, teether and/or rattle, 1 small plastic spoon and 1 unopened package of baby wipes.

Hope Life Learning Center uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 

Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk. 

Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.

What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.

How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that Hope Life Learning Center inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.

Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.

Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Hope Life Learning Center Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app

The Hope Life Learning Center Inmate Phone System is Securus. 

Sign up with Securus by clicking the banner below.

1.  AdvanceConnect – Good Option - You control all phone numbers your inmate can call.

This type of account offers you the following benefits:
•    You are able to receive inmate calls as long as funds are available in your account.
•    You can add multiple phone numbers to your account so your inmate can reach your home phone, work phone, cell phone, other relatives, neighbors, friends, etc.
•    Calls WILL connect to cell phones.

2.  Inmate Debit – Inmate can call anyone they choose (subject to jail's approval)

This type of account offers you the following benefits:
•    You can fund an Inmate Debit account without having your own calling account.
•    Inmates can call anyone on their approved calling list without requiring friends and family to create separate prepaid accounts.
•    Calls WILL connect to cell phones.
•    Funds placed in the Inmate Debit account will become the property of the inmate and friends & family members will not be able to receive refunds on this account. 

3. Direct Bill - You receive calls from your inmate, and the charges are billed to you monthly.

• Requires a credit check. 
• Costs more.
• Good for lawyers, bail bonds, long-term inmates, etc.

Resources
Contact Securus by Phone:  972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591
Contact Securus Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit a Question for Securus Online
Online Rate Quote

Hope Life Learning Center Inmate & Family Voicemail

Securus Outbound Voicemail provides your inmate an opportunity to leave a message for their family and friends when a call to their mobile goes unanswered. Once the inmate leaves a voicemail, a text message containing a link will be sent to the dialed number. The recipient of the inmate's voicemail is then sent to a web form to pay and listen to the message. The voicemail will be available for up to 30 days after it is sent, and then another 30 days after it is paid for.

Securus Phone System Cost & Fees - *Subject to Change

ADVANCE CONNECT Phone Calls 
$0.21 per minute

INMATE DEBIT Phone Calls
$0.21 per minute

DIRECT BILL Phone Calls
$0.25 per minute

TRADITIONAL COLLECT Phone Calls
$0.25 per minute

VOICEMAIL Message
One minute - $0.75 per minute

For current online rate quote, go here.

Hope Life Learning Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Hope Life Learning Center allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Hope Life Learning Center also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink. No greeting cards allowed.

All personal mail is copied and sent to the inmates digitally.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the letter and the envelope. 

PERSONAL MAIL - Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:

Offender Name and DOC ID#
C/O Digital Mail Center-Missouri DOC
PO Box 25678
Tampa, FL 33622-5678

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
CONFIRM THE aDDRESS TO SEND IT TO

Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Hope Life Learning Center allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Hope Life Learning Center standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
CONFIRM THE ADDRESS TO SEND IT TO

Hope Life Learning Center Inmate Commissary and Canteen Purchases

Inmates may purchase from the prison store things like food, soap, toilet tissue, clothing, shoes, bedding, towels, education, medical care and dental supplies.

They make these purchases from the commissary store using their state pay they earn while incarcerated, and from money sent to their account per the instructions outlined in a section above.

The canteen store also sells candy, soda, snacks, radios, televisions, toiletries, postage supplies, writing materials, shoes, clothing and other personal items. 

Hope Life Learning Center uses Securus eMessaging for Inmate Email.

Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Securus for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation').

Steps: 
1.  Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Securus ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.

Things you CAN do:
1.  You CAN ONLY send messages from the Securus website, or with the Securus app. (links below).
2. You CAN transfer ‘stamps’ to your inmate.
3. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can purchase ‘stamps’ on their end.
4. Each time you send a message, you CAN pay for them to reply.
5. You CAN send photos. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness) 

Things you CANNOT do:
1.  You CANNOT use your own personal email to send messages.
2. You CANNOT send any message or photo that would normally be rejected by regular mail.

Other Things:
1.  Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png.
2. eMessages and photos must meet the jail’s standards for regular mail.
3. If your eMessage or Photo is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.

What is the cost of sending inmate messages?

• Send a text Message - 1 stamp
• Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
• Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
• Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
• Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
• Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps

What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?

• Reply to your eMessage if you attach a return stamp
• Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
• When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account

Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ  
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information  
Online Customer Service Support 
Phone Support: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591
iphone app
Android app

Mailing Check payments
Securus Correctional Billing Services
PO Box 650757
Dallas, Texas 75265-075

Hope Life Learning Center now offers Securus 'SecureView' Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

  
Securus is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

• Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
• eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
• Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
• Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
• Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
• Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
• Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
• eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
• Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
• Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
• Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

• Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
• Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
• You get charged the 1st of each month. 
• You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
• No activation or early termination fees.
• Your inmate will receive their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Questions:

• By phone - 800-844-6591 or 972-734-1111.
• By email - tablets@securustech.net

Once an inmate is convicted and sentenced for a violation of that state’s felony laws (and their sentence is more than one year in length), they are moved from the City or County Jail and sent to a State Prison in Missouri. If the violation they are convicted of is a federal crime, they will be sent to a Federal Prison, but will not necessarily be doing their time in Missouri.

Missouri State Prisons are operated and maintained by the state government and are used to confine and rehabilitate criminals. State prisons are funded by state tax money. The fund is used to provide food and clothes to inmates and to hire employees to keep the prison running. Inmates in state prison enjoy certain privileges such as TV use and recreation, both indoor and outdoor. The number of privileges allowed depends on the security level of the prison, the inmate and the overall needs of the prison on a specific day.

Missouri has minimum, medium and maximum security prisons. The Corrections Department in Missouri also maintains low (or no) security residential settings and camps where inmates assist in state property maintenance and duties such as fighting fires. Almost all prisons provide ‘jobs’ where an inmate can earn a small hourly wage and even learn a trade. Some prisons even contract with call centers and handle phone calls on issues related to their state government. Criminals who have committed a violent crime or killed someone are likely housed in a maximum security prison. If the inmate in these prisons behave, they are also eligible to recreate and/or work as well.

In Missouri Prisons rehabilitation is the stated goal but the reality is that they exist to punish inmates for their crimes and keep them from hurting or harming innocent people on the outside who follow the laws and live and act responsibly. The fact is that most prison systems are underfunded, overcrowded and are not able to spend time and money rehabilitating offenders. This is not the fault of the people hired to work in prisons, they are just victims of the lack of resources due to budgeting constraints.

State Inmate

Most states have Department of Corrections websites that allow you to type in a felon's first and last name and pull up inmates in that state.

If you need to find a sentenced inmate serving time in a state other than Missouri, go here. To find an inmate in Missouri, just scroll to the top of the page and click on the Inmate Search button.

Once you locate them click next to the inmate's name or on the link provided and it will show you which prison the inmate is housed in. If the inmate is no longer incarcerated, but is on parole/probation or discharged, it will tell you that as well. In addition, many state prison inmate pages show recent mug shots.

Federal Inmate

The federal prison system has its own inmate locator called the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.

Type in the inmate's name and it will tell you where he or she is incarcerated and their projected release date. It also lists released federal prison inmates and the date they were released.

Federal inmates who are moved from one prison to another will show as "No longer in federal custody" on the system until they reach their next federal prison destination. This movement can take a few days to several months to complete, so keep checking back to find out where the inmate was taken.

ICE Inmates

The ICE Detainee Lookup allows friends, family members and interested parties to locate illegal and/or undocumented immigrants that are in the United States without permission.

Has the Inmate been recently arrested?... Try a County Jail

In many cases, the person you are looking for has either not been convicted or sentenced or has been sentenced and is awaiting transport to a State or Federal Prison and is still incarcerated in a City or County Jail.

To locate that person, go here to first find the State, and then the County where they were originally arrested or have been transported to. From there you can begin your search in our databases that contain the names and information of millions of inmates.

Jailexchange.com has all information on every jail and prison in the United States.