Buchanan County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Buchanan County

Buchanan County Jail Information

Buchanan County Jail is a 224-bed facility based in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri. For inmate information, you can call the facility 24/7 at 816-271-5555.

Offenders arrested for misdemeanors or felonies are processed at this facility. After booking and processing, they may remain incarcerated until they are bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial concludes.

The inmate search tool provides access to the current roster of inmates.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time here, while those with longer sentences are transferred to either the Missouri State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides detailed information on services such as the visitation schedule, funding an inmate’s account, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.

Be sure to save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for communication purposes. If you can’t find it online, you can call Buchanan County Jail at 816-271-5555 for assistance.

Phone: 816-271-5555

Physical Address:
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Buchanan County Jail
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Buchanan County Jail
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Buchanan County Jail?

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. 

You can also look up an Buchanan County inmate's criminal court case online.

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.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
About the Buchanan County Jail

With a top capacity of 224 inmates, the Buchanan County Jail that is located in Buchanan County provides all housing for offenders arrested and charged in the county.

Incarcerated inmates will have a full range of services and programs to aid in their rehabilitation and create a base of education and skills that they can use to build a productive and happy life within their community. This includes GED classes, parenting, anger management, mental health treatment, basic education, money management, and others.

There is also a full kitchen to serve healthy meals, laundry service, medical care from the contracted physician and the nurses, a library with reading material for both legal concerns and recreation, and recreational activities along with exercise.

Mental health care is a focus, and all inmates may be treated for substance abuse, attend support groups, or have counseling for other concerns.

Along with visits, phone calls, and mail, Buchanan County Jail also provides email, video visits, SMS messaging, and other services. Commissary can also be accessed, while phone services are accessed, and allow inmates to make 15 minute calls to numbers that are not blocked, during daytime hours only.

Traditional mail is still offered through the post office and is delivered each weekday, after being checked for contraband.

Visits occur on Saturdays onsite from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm, with an appointment booked at least 24 hours in advance, and each inmate may receive one visit each weekend.  

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Recent Bookings & Arrests

Steps involved in booking at Buchanan County Jail

After an arrest, the individual is brought to Buchanan County Jail for the booking process. This procedure involves identifying the person, determining charges, and deciding whether they’ll be released on their own recognizance, posted for bail, or held until court.

Remaining silent is highly recommended, as anything said can later be used in court. Wait for legal advice before responding to questions.

The booking process typically involves the following steps at Buchanan County Jail:

  • Identification confirmation.
  • Photographs (mugshots).
  • Answering questions regarding health and criminal background.
  • Potential DNA collection.
  • Conducting a physical search.
  • Seizing personal property.
  • Providing a free phone call.

Booking timeframes vary, ranging from one hour to up to 48 hours. For details on an offender’s bail or bond, call Buchanan County Jail at 816-271-5555.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Directions / Map to the Buchanan County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to pay bail in Buchanan County for an arrestee

Once an individual is booked at Buchanan County Jail in St. Joseph, options for their release include:

1. Release without paying bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Continued detention until their court date.
3. Release upon paying a bail or bond. Call 816-271-5555 for the bail amount.

Bail can be paid through various methods.

  • Cash, money orders, or credit cards are accepted for payment.
  • A licensed bail bondsman in Buchanan County can assist with the process.
  • Property located in the county may be used as bail collateral.

For more details on the bail process in Buchanan County, Missouri, visit the Buchanan County Jail Bail Page.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Buchanan County Jail Inmate Visitation Information

Inmates can receive one non-contact visit by the general public every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, except on holidays that fall on those Saturdays.

Individuals from the general public who desire to visit an inmate during the allotted visitation times must schedule a visitation appointment Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  

Appointments can be made in person with the receptionist in the lobby of the Law Enforcement Center or by calling (816) 236-8888.

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:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to visit.
  • Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
  • Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

    Video Visitation must be done from a computer using Google Chrome and an updated Adobe Flash player. Before starting this process you must make sure that your Adobe Flash player is fully updated and that you are using Google Chrome. First... Set up Flash, then restart your computer and then go to Google Chrome on your desktop or laptop computer and log on to Inmate Canteen.
    Steps Inmate canteen Visitation:
    1. Go to www.inmatecanteen.com on a computer (not supported on mobile devices i.e. tablets, cell phones, etc)
    2. Log in, select your inmate, and select the Video Visit an Inmate option.
    3. You will be required to fill out a form, submit a driver's license picture and a picture of your face. Once submitted, Buchanan County Jail will either approve or deny it.
    4. Once approved you will be all set to video visit!
    NOTES: Make sure you are allowing flash player to run in google chrome by selecting the lock icon to left of the browser. Flash Player needs to be set to “allow”. Then you can refresh the page and it should be good to go. If flash player is being blocked you will not be able to take a picture or see any video during the visitation. When you click on the video visitation link on the website, please visit the Audition Room to test your equipment. To find the Audition Room, please click on 'Video Visit an Inmate' and it will be located on the top of your screen. Here you can test and verify that your webcam and microphone are working. We highly recommend a hard line for video visiting, unstable internet can result in poor visit qualities.

How to Have Remote Video Visits with an Inmate in Buchanan County

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:

  • Register and create an account with your Buchanan County inmate using Inmate Canteen.
  • Inmate Canteen has excellent quality video visits between your home device and a video terminal in the inmate's housing area at Buchanan County Jail.
  • You can also send and receive secure messages and use them to make and receive phone calls with your Buchanan County inmate.
  • This is a fee based service.

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.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail?

Buchanan County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for Remote Video Visitation with Inmates.

For best results use Google Chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on Inmate Video Visitation:

  • Register or Log in to your account
  • Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to visit.
  • Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
  • Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

    Video Visitation must be done from a computer using Google Chrome and an updated Adobe Flash player. Before starting this process you must make sure that your Adobe Flash player is fully updated and that you are using Google Chrome. First... Set up Flash, then restart your computer and then go to Google Chrome on your desktop or laptop computer and log on to Inmate Canteen.
    Steps Inmate canteen Visitation:
    1. Go to www.inmatecanteen.com on a computer (not supported on mobile devices i.e. tablets, cell phones, etc)
    2. Log in, select your inmate, and select the Video Visit an Inmate option.
    3. You will be required to fill out a form, submit a driver's license picture and a picture of your face. Once submitted, Buchanan County Jail will either approve or deny it.
    4. Once approved you will be all set to video visit!
    NOTES: Make sure you are allowing flash player to run in google chrome by selecting the lock icon to left of the browser. Flash Player needs to be set to “allow”. Then you can refresh the page and it should be good to go. If flash player is being blocked you will not be able to take a picture or see any video during the visitation. When you click on the video visitation link on the website, please visit the Audition Room to test your equipment. To find the Audition Room, please click on 'Video Visit an Inmate' and it will be located on the top of your screen. Here you can test and verify that your webcam and microphone are working. We highly recommend a hard line for video visiting, unstable internet can result in poor visit qualities.

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.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Money Accounts

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.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Buchanan County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Buchanan County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select Missouri, then Buchanan County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.
  • NOTE: Buchanan County Jail may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally. 

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.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail?

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from 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.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail, and what can I send them?

Buchanan County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Buchanan County Jail
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Buchanan County Jail
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 AmazonBarnes & 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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Buchanan County Jail
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501

Buchanan County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

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:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
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.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Commissary

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. 



How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Buchanan County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Buchanan County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
  • Select Missouri, then Buchanan County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
  • Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
  • Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
  • Maximum spend is $125.00.

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.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Buchanan County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Buchanan County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Buchanan County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register with Inmate Canteen to create an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Select Missouri, then select Buchanan County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
  • Add money to your account.
  • Verify your email.
  • Send message.
  • NOTE: All messages between you and your Buchanan County inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

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.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Tablets

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.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Are there photos of the Buchanan County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Buchanan County?

Buchanan Doniphan Atchison Platte Andrew DeKalb Clinton
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Search for an Inmate in Buchanan County

This facility, known as "Buchanan County Jail" is also known as Buchanan County Jail, Missouri, Buchanan.