The Buchanan County Jail is a 224 bed jail in the city of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 816-271-5555, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
Phone: 816-271-5555
Physical Address:
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's first and last name
Buchanan County Jail
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Buchanan County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 816-271-5555 for the information you are looking for.
Buchanan County Jail Inmate Search
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Buchanan County Jail, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
The Buchanan County Jail maintains an average of 224 offenders in custody on any given day. The Buchanan County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Buchanan County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 4,480 offenders.
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To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Buchanan County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 816-271-5555.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Buchanan County Jail Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Buchanan County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Buchanan County and other Missouri and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Buchanan County Jail will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Buchanan County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for 'At the Jail' Visitation with Inmates.
For best results use Google Chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on Inmate Video Visitation:
To register and sign up for a remote visitation account with Inmate Canteen to communicate with your Buchanan County Jail inmate, follow the instructions below:
Instructions for Inmate Video Visitation:
- Register or Log in to your account
- Select Buchanan County Jail and the inmate you wish to visit.
- Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
- Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding visiting with an inmate (both at the jail and remotely) in Buchanan County, visit our full page guide.
NOTE: All video visits are recorded and stored. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some video visits providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buchanan County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail?
For best results use Google Chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on Inmate Video Visitation:
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buchanan County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Buchanan County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Buchanan County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Buchanan County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buchanan County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail?
To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Buchanan County do the following:
1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.
2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.
To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Buchanan County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buchanan County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Buchanan County Jail 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 Buchanan County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
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 Buchanan County Jail 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 Buchanan County Jail 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:
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
For inmates receiving mail in the Buchanan County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Buchanan County Jail:
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buchanan County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail, and what can I purchase?
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select Missouri, then Buchanan County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
5. Maximum spend is $125.00.
Inmate Canteen has a selection of hundreds of items available to purchase for inmates in Buchanan County.
The items range from candy, snacks, coffee and other drinks, undergarments, stationary supplies and more.
To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Buchanan County Jail follow these steps:
For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Buchanan County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Buchanan County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buchanan County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
To send a secure email message to an inmate in Buchanan County Jail follow these steps:
For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Buchanan County Jail, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Buchanan County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buchanan County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Buchanan County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buchanan County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 816-271-5555 for further assistance.
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What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Buchanan County?
This facility, known as "Buchanan County Jail" is also known as Buchanan County Jail, Missouri, Buchanan.
