Cole County MO Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Cole Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 573-635-7070.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Cole Co Jail is a detention center located at 301 E High St Jefferson City, MO which is operated locally by the Cole County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Cole County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Jefferson City Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Missouri here.

The Cole County Detention Center is tasked with the care, custody, control, and transportation of inmates under the management of the Jail Division. The facility holds an average of 140 to 150 inmates daily but can house 207 inmates, with infrastructure in place for future expansion that could double its capacity. The detention center processes over 6,000 bookings annually, managed by a dedicated team of 33 full-time and 12 part-time Detention Deputies and Jailers. These professionals ensure the facility operates efficiently, maintaining safety and security for inmates and staff alike.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

There is an 18-page Inmate Handbook, provided by the Cole County Sheriff’s Office, which serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals incarcerated here. This handbook outlines the policies, procedures, and rules governing daily life within the facility, ensuring that detainees are informed of their rights and responsibilities during their incarceration.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate meals are provided by Trinity Services Group, LLC, a contracted food service company that ensures nutritional and consistent meal preparation for all inmates housed at the facility.

Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate workers are selected for community service programs based on their demonstrated good conduct, cooperation with facility staff, and adherence to institutional rules. These criteria ensure that only individuals who exhibit responsibility, reliability, and a commitment to positive behavior are allowed to participate. Participation in these programs not only benefits the community through valuable labor contributions but also offers inmates the chance to develop a strong work ethic, learn transferable job skills, and build a sense of accountability.

In certain cases, involvement in community service programs can contribute to a reduction in an inmate's sentence. This incentive reinforces the importance of maintaining good behavior while incarcerated and highlights the program's dual role in supporting both the community and the inmate's journey toward reintegration.

The Detention Center prioritizes inmate health through contracted medical services, including a nurse on duty 10 hours a day, seven days a week, and doctors available on call. This ensures inmates receive timely and appropriate medical care during their detention.

The Cole County Detention Center remains committed to providing a secure and humane environment for its inmates while meeting all necessary care and custody standards.