St. Louis City Justice Center

You can support your loved ones at City Justice Center on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 314-621-5848.

The City Justice Center serves as a low/medium-security city detention center located at 200 S Tucker Blvd in St. Louis, MO. Operated locally by the police and sheriff's departments, it houses inmates and detainees awaiting trial or sentencing. Most sentenced inmates have terms of less than two years. The facility also accepts inmates from surrounding towns and occasionally from the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees are regularly admitted to the jail, with some being released on bail or placed under pretrial services caseloads. Others may be supervised by probation agencies or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who remain in custody await their court appearances at the facility, receiving accommodations such as bedding and meals.

For access to arrest records in Missouri, you can view them here.

The City Justice Center (CJC) in St. Louis, Missouri, serves as the primary detention facility for individuals held under the jurisdiction of the City of St. Louis. Opened in 2002, this modern, multi-level facility can house approximately 860 inmates, including pretrial detainees and those serving short-term sentences. The CJC is operated by the City of St. Louis Division of Corrections, overseen by the Public Safety Department (St. Louis Police Department), which ensures compliance with state and municipal standards for correctional operations. The facility spans several stories and incorporates advanced security systems to provide a secure and structured environment for inmates and staff alike. As a critical component of the city’s criminal justice system, the CJC emphasizes inmate safety, rehabilitation, and public accountability.

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.

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 City Justice Center provides comprehensive resources for inmates through its detailed handbooks, available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility. The 20-page Inmate Handbook, available in English, and the 31-page Inmate Handbook, available in Spanish, outline the facility’s policies, procedures, and inmate rights and responsibilities. These handbooks serve as essential guides, covering topics such as housing regulations, visitation rules, commissary services, grievance procedures, and access to medical care. Designed to foster understanding and compliance, the handbooks are distributed to inmates during orientation and act as a valuable reference throughout their time in the facility. By providing clear information in both English and Spanish, the Justice Center ensures inclusivity and transparency in its operations.

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.

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.