State to cut prison visiting hours starting in September

ST. LOUIS -- Missouri plans to cut visiting hours in its prisons starting in September in order to save money.

The department, which houses about 30,000 inmates, saw its budget cut this year by $4.5 million, to $660 million.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the change would affect 18 of the department's 20 facilities. Hours will continue to vary by institution. Missouri corrections officials say they are uncertain how much money the changes will save.

Generally, visits have been allowed Thursday through Sunday at most facilities. Friends could visit on Thursdays and Fridays, with weekends reserved for family. Under the changes, Thursday visiting hours would be eliminated.

Total visiting periods would be lengthened on Fridays but end at 6:30 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday visiting periods would be shorter and end earlier.