The Buena Vista County Jail is a 24-bed jail located in the city of Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa. For inmate information, you can call them 24/7 at 712-749-2452.
This facility processes offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies within the county. They are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, they may remain incarcerated until they are either bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or ordered to stay in custody until their trial is resolved.
You can use the inmate search tool to view the jail's roster and see who is currently in custody.
Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time in this facility. Those with sentences longer than one year will be transferred to either the Iowa State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
On this page, you'll find information on inmate services, including the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, sending mail, receiving phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's useful to note and save the inmate's jail ID or booking number, which is often needed for sending mail or other communications. If you can't find it online, you can call Buena Vista County Jail at 712-749-2452 for assistance.
Phone: 712-749-2452
Physical Address:
411 Expansion Blvd
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buena Vista County Jail
PO Box 276
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buena Vista County Jail
PO Box 276
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Buena Vista 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 712-749-2452 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's criminal court case and docket schedule online for Buena Vista County and any other county in Iowa.
Buena Vista County Jail Inmate Search
The Buena Vista County Jail maintains an average of 24 offenders in custody on any given day. The Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 1,380 offenders.
The following charts of Buena Vista County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Buena Vista County Corrections Department, the state of Iowa Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Buena Vista County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Buena Vista County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
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All of the offenders who are arrested in Buena Vista County will be transported to the 24 bed Buena Vista County Jail for booking, and it is here they will remain during their pretrial period and their sentence, both for felony and misdemeanor charges. Within the facility, inmates are separated into housing units depending upon gender, history of behavior in prior detention facilities, the seriousness of charges and if they are violent offences, and the level of security that is needed. Any inmates who are involved in the same case will be housed in different units as well.
An online roster is maintained that provides updates on the status and location of all inmates which is accessible at any time, and further concerns may be addressed directly to the staff by calling 712-749-2452.
It is the responsibility of the county to ensure that all medical needs are met, and mental health support is provided, along with meals, laundry, recreation, exercise, and social interactions.
It is also ensured that all inmates are able to communicate with their family and their friends, as well as legal representatives, as this provides lower recidivism rates and encourages safer environments in jails as the mental health of inmates is improved. To achieve this, Buena Vista County Jail provides access to postal services, phone calls, and visits, as well as the ability for inmates to receive money and commissary items.
A work release program is also operated and allows for those who are enrolled to attend their work shifts off campus and return at the end of the day to continue their incarceration, and in home incarceration sees offenders sentenced to their own home with a GPS tracker to ensure they are remaining in the areas they are expected to be at all times.
To provide commissary purchases for an inmate there is access from anywhere with internet access and adding money to an account can be done the same way or through accessing the kiosk that is maintained in the lobby of the jail.
Emails are able to be sent similar to regular mail, and they will be sent to the jail email where they will be sorted and checked for contraband and a return address, before being delivered to the final receiver.
Mail is permitted but packages, magazines, books, food, and other items will not be accepted. Send all mail to the jail address and ensure that a full return address has been included on the envelope or it will not be accepted.
All personal mail is sent to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buena Vista County Jail
PO Box 276
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.
Legal mail and money orders are mailed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buena Vista County Jail
PO Box 276
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Both collect calls and prepaid accounts can be used through the phone system, but there will not be any incoming calls that can be accepted through the phone system. Phones are located in housing units to provide access to all inmates, and they are able to receive voice messages. You can leave a free voice message at 712-634-0580.
Visits are available every day for up to 20 minutes, and may be scheduled up to one week in advance. It is necessary to create an account for the video visits and it is through that account that approved visitors only will be able to book a visit. Hours are 8:00am-11:00am and 2:00pm-4:00pm.
Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Buena Vista County Jail for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.
It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.
The booking process at Buena Vista County Jail typically includes the following steps:
Depending on circumstances, booking can take anywhere from one hour to up to 48 hours, especially during busy periods or if the individual is uncooperative. For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 712-749-2452.
After an individual is apprehended and taken to Buena Vista County Jail in Storm Lake for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:
1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond. Call 712-749-2452 for the exact bail amount.
There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.
For more information on the bail process in Buena Vista County, Iowa, visit the Buena Vista County Jail Bail Information Page.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Buena Vista County Jail? What is the Schedule?
411 Expansion Blvd
Storm Lake, IA 50588
712-749-2452
ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 712-749-2452 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE!
| DAY | TIMES |
| MONDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
| TUESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
| WEDNESDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
| THURSDAY | 8:00AM - 11:00AM 2:00PM - 4:00PM |
| Weekends & Holidays |
varies |
Buena Vista County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.
Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.
Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones. Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls. The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buena Vista County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-749-2452 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 Buena Vista County Jail?
Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buena Vista County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-749-2452 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Buena Vista County Jail?
1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.
Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132
Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.
5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.
Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages
Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Email: customerservice@accesscorrections.com
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.
To send commissary money to an inmate in Buena Vista County Jail follow these steps:
For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Buena Vista County Jail.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buena Vista County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-749-2452 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Buena Vista County Jail?
To set up your Buena Vista County inmate to make to make phone calls to you and others, follow these instructions:
For all the information you need in order to receive phone calls from your Buena Vista County inmate, or to assist them in making calls to others, including instructions, fees, cost of calls, payment methods and times that your inmate can use the phone, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when discussing sensitive information about their pending case.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buena Vista County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-749-2452 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Buena Vista County Jail, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buena Vista County Jail
PO Box 276
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buena Vista County Jail
PO Box 276
Storm Lake, IA 50588
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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buena Vista County Jail
PO Box 276
Storm Lake, IA 50588
For inmates receiving mail in the Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buena Vista County Jail
PO Box 276
Storm Lake, IA 50588
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 Buena Vista County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-749-2452 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Buena Vista County Jail, and what can I purchase?
To send commissary money to an inmate in Buena Vista County Jail follow these steps:
For all information on how to Send Money to an inmate's account check out our full money and commissary guide for Buena Vista County Jail.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buena Vista County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-749-2452 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Buena Vista County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy.
To set up your Buena Vista County inmate to make to send and receive texts and emails to you and others, follow these instructions:
For all the information you need in order to send and receive texts and emails from your Buena Vista County inmate, or to assist them in sending and receiving secure messages to and from others, including instructions, fees, cost of each message, tablet rentals, payment methods and times that your inmate can send messages, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when communicating sensitive information about their pending case.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buena Vista County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-749-2452 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Buena Vista County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if tablets are available.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buena Vista County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 712-749-2452 for further assistance.
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What are the other City and County Jails in Buena Vista County?
What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Buena Vista County?
This facility, known as "Buena Vista County Jail" is also known as Buena Vista County Jail , Buena Vista County Jail , Iowa, Buena Vista.
