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Buchanan Co Jail Visitation Center

County Jail

Last Updated: December 03,2024


Visitation Hours

The County Jail provides on-site and online visitation options to help inmates maintain contact with family and friends.

On-Site Visitation Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Holidays - call for available times and reserve yours as these days are the busiest times of the year

Visitors must follow the dress code and behavior guidelines whether they are visiting here or from their computer/smartphone. Violations may result in the termination of the visit.

Online Video Visitation
Online visits can be scheduled in advance, allowing remote connection from home or work. Visitors must set up an account and adhere to dress and behavior guidelines. Visits cost a minimum of $0.25 per minute and are monitored for security.

General Information
Visitation hours and policies are subject to change. Call the facility at 816-236-8800 for updates. For more information and to set up an online visitation account.

General Visitation Information

Buchanan County Jail Visitation Policies

The Buchanan County Jail provides structured visitation opportunities for both the general public and professional visitors, with specific guidelines in place to maintain security and ensure smooth operations.

General Public Visitation

Visitation Schedule and Rules
Inmates may receive one non-contact visit per week during the following hours on Saturdays only:

  • Morning: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Afternoon: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    These visits are not available on holidays that fall on Saturdays.

Appointments must be scheduled Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 12:30 PM or 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM and on Friday between 8:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Appointments can be made in person at the Law Enforcement Center lobby or by calling (816) 236-8888.

Visitor Requirements and Guidelines

  • Visitors must be at least 18 years old and provide valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
  • Individuals on probation or parole are not permitted to visit inmates.
  • All visitors will undergo checks for outstanding warrants.
  • Visits may be denied if they compromise justice, case prosecution, jail operations, or security.
  • Visitors must arrive 10 minutes early to check in; failure to do so will result in cancellation.

Dress Code and Prohibited Items
Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code, ensuring attire is not revealing or provocative. Prohibited items include purses, bags, cameras, cell phones, or recording devices. All personal belongings must be left outside the facility.

Professional (Non-Attorney) Visitation

Visitation Schedule and Location
Professional visits are conducted Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, during the following hours:

  • Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Afternoon: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

All visits occur in the non-contact visitation rooms. Probation and Parole Officers conducting UAs or interviews must utilize these rooms unless directed otherwise by jail staff.

Identification and Check-In
Professional visitors must provide official identification, such as a driver’s license and credentials related to their profession (e.g., clergy cards for clergy members). Visitors must arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in procedures, which include a search via a metal detection wand and a cursory inspection of briefcases, bags, or purses.

Attorney Visitation

Visitation Schedule and Special Access
Attorneys may visit inmates Monday through Friday during regular professional visitation hours, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Visits immediately after an inmate’s arrest are permitted in the no-contact bond room at any time and are arranged as soon as practicable, subject to security and operational conditions.

Reservations and Check-In
Attorneys are encouraged to schedule reservations during regular professional visitation hours by calling (816) 236-8828. Attorneys must present a valid Bar Association card and driver’s license for identification.

Special Accommodations
For special visits or extended sessions, attorneys must coordinate with the Lieutenant of Custody or Lieutenant of Compliance.

By adhering to these policies, the Buchanan County Jail ensures a safe and organized visitation process for inmates, visitors, and staff. For further questions or to schedule a visit, contact the facility directly.

Visiting Inmates at Buchanan County MO Jail

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this St. Joseph MO location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Buchanan Sheriffs Department. The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Buchanan County MO Jail, located in St. Joseph, MO, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.