Cole County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Cole County?
Inmate records in Cole County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Cole County Sheriff's Office that document individuals who are in custody. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration history within the county's detention facilities. Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 217.075, these records are distinct from court records, which are maintained by the judicial system and document case proceedings, whereas inmate records specifically track custody status and institutional history.
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody. During this initial phase, personal identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge information are collected and entered into the county's records management system. These records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect:
- Changes in custody status
- Disciplinary actions
- Housing assignments
- Medical information
- Visitation logs
- Court appearances
- Release information
The Missouri Department of Corrections and local detention facilities maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules and information management protocols. The Cole County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian for inmate records for individuals housed in the Cole County Jail.
Are Inmate Records Public In Cole County?
Inmate records in Cole County are partially accessible to the public under the Missouri Sunshine Law, which governs public access to government records. According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.011, public records shall be presumed open unless otherwise provided by law. However, specific provisions under § 217.075 establish limitations on what inmate information may be disclosed.
The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information
- Charges filed
- Mugshots/booking photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Facility location information
Certain information within inmate records is explicitly exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Internal investigation reports
- Information that would compromise institutional security
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
Members of the public seeking access to inmate records must submit requests through the appropriate channels, typically the Cole County Sheriff's Office or the Missouri Department of Corrections, depending on where the inmate is housed.
What's Included Inmate Records in Cole County
Inmate records in Cole County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- State identification number and/or booking number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of admission
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer information
- Current housing assignment
- Custody classification level
- Disciplinary history within the facility
- Special housing needs or restrictions
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Case numbers
- Warrant information
- Arresting agency
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Prior booking history in the facility
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
- Bond conditions
- Bondsman information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders related to custody
- Attorney of record
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Post-release supervision requirements
- Destination upon release
These records are maintained in compliance with state record-keeping requirements and are subject to regular audits to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Cole County Prison System
The Cole County correctional system operates within Missouri's broader criminal justice framework, with distinct roles for county and state facilities. Cole County maintains local detention facilities primarily for pre-trial detention and for housing individuals serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor convictions. Individuals sentenced to longer terms for felony convictions are transferred to the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections to serve their sentences in state prison facilities.
The Cole County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county and is operated by the Cole County Sheriff's Office. This facility houses individuals who:
- Are awaiting arraignment or trial
- Have been sentenced to county jail time (typically less than one year)
- Are being held on probation or parole violations
- Are awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Are being detained on behalf of other jurisdictions
The Cole County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the administration and operation of the county jail, including inmate supervision, facility maintenance, and record-keeping.
Cole County Sheriff's Office
350 East High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-9160
Cole County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office works in coordination with the Cole County Circuit Court, the Cole County Prosecutor's Office, and various law enforcement agencies throughout the county to manage the inmate population and ensure public safety.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Cole County
Cole County's correctional system encompasses several types of facilities, each serving distinct functions within the local criminal justice system:
Cole County Jail
301 East High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-9160
Cole County Jail
The Cole County Jail is the primary detention facility in the county, operated by the Cole County Sheriff's Office. This medium-security facility houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses. The facility provides various services including medical care, commissary, visitation, and limited programming.
Cole County Juvenile Detention Center
1716 Four Seasons Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-2900
Cole County Juvenile Court Services
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders under the age of 17 who are awaiting court proceedings or serving short-term detention sentences. The facility operates under different regulations than adult facilities and provides educational services and counseling.
Algoa Correctional Center
8501 No More Victims Road
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-3911
Missouri Department of Corrections
While not operated by Cole County, this state prison facility is located within Cole County and houses adult male offenders serving sentences in the Missouri Department of Corrections system. This minimum/medium security facility has a capacity of approximately 1,500 inmates.
Jefferson City Correctional Center
8200 No More Victims Road
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-3224
Missouri Department of Corrections
This maximum-security state prison facility is also located in Cole County but is operated by the Missouri Department of Corrections. It houses male offenders serving longer sentences for more serious offenses and has specialized housing units for various custody levels.
Community Supervision Centers
1804 Southridge Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 526-0036
Missouri Department of Corrections
These facilities provide residential programming for probationers and parolees who require more structure than traditional supervision but less security than incarceration. They offer treatment services, employment assistance, and transitional housing.
Each facility operates under specific security protocols, visitation policies, and programming options based on its mission and the population it serves.
Who's in Prison In Cole County
The inmate population in Cole County detention facilities represents a diverse cross-section of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The county jail population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment or other court proceedings
- Individuals deemed flight risks or dangers to the community
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
- Individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences
- Those participating in work release programs while serving their sentences
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Individuals convicted of felonies awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Persons serving short portions of felony sentences in the county jail
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated terms of community supervision
- Those awaiting revocation hearings or sanctions
Special Population Inmates:
- Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
- Those in protective custody due to safety concerns
- Inmates with medical conditions requiring monitoring
According to data from the Missouri Department of Corrections, the demographic composition of the Cole County inmate population generally reflects statewide trends, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and sentencing practices.
The state prison facilities located within Cole County (Algoa Correctional Center and Jefferson City Correctional Center) house inmates from throughout Missouri who have been sentenced to terms of incarceration exceeding one year. These facilities maintain separate populations based on security classification, programming needs, and institutional management requirements.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Cole County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Cole County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple search options to accommodate different information needs:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Cole County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Roster" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the requested search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Housing location (if publicly disclosed)
Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS):
- Access the Missouri State Highway Patrol's MACHS portal
- Create a user account if you don't already have one
- Select "Name-Based Criminal Record Check"
- Pay the required fee (currently $14.00 per search)
- Enter the subject's information
- Receive results electronically or by mail
In-Person Records Request:
- Visit the Cole County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification and specify the records being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
- Receive available records according to the office's response timeline
Written Records Request:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific records being sought
- Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Purpose of the request (optional)
- Submit the request to:
- Cole County Sheriff's Office
- Records Division
- 350 East High Street
- Jefferson City, MO 65101
- Include payment for any applicable fees
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
For inmates housed in state facilities within Cole County, the Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search provides a comprehensive database of current and former state inmates.
How To Find an Inmate in Cole County for Free?
Cole County residents and other interested parties may locate inmates currently in custody without incurring fees through several publicly available resources:
Cole County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Roster:
- Navigate to the Cole County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Roster" or "Current Inmates" section
- Use the search function to locate an individual by name
- The roster is updated regularly and includes:
- Current inmates only (not historical records)
- Basic booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Housing facility
Missouri Vinelink System:
- Visit Missouri Vinelink
- Select "Find an Offender"
- Choose Missouri from the state dropdown menu
- Enter the inmate's name or identification number
- Review the custody information provided
- Register for notifications regarding custody status changes if desired
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Cole County Jail at (573) 634-9160
- Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
- Basic information about current inmates may be provided over the phone
- Note that detailed record information typically requires a formal request
Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search:
For inmates who have been transferred to state custody but are housed in facilities within Cole County:
- Access the Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Enter the inmate's name or DOC identification number
- Review the results, which include:
- Current location
- Offense information
- Sentence data
- Projected release date
These free resources provide basic custody information but may not include comprehensive record details. For complete inmate records, formal requests may need to be submitted through the procedures outlined in the previous section.
How To Visit an Inmate In Cole County
Visitation with inmates housed in Cole County detention facilities is governed by established protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following guidelines apply to visitation at the Cole County Jail:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit up to 8 names for their approved visitor list
- Changes to visitation lists are processed on the 1st and 15th of each month
- Visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the visitation area
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
Visit Schedule:
- Non-contact visitation occurs during designated hours based on housing unit
- Each inmate is permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- Visitation days are assigned alphabetically by inmate last name
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) occur during separate designated hours
- Special visits may be arranged through the jail administrator for exceptional circumstances
What to Bring:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
- Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
- Baby care items if visiting with an infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products or smoking materials
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20
- Medications (unless medically necessary and approved)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts, see-through materials)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts required
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone communication)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
- Video visitation (where available)
- Special visits (with administrative approval)
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Persons on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
- Visitors with active warrants will be denied entry
- Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit
Visitation policies are established pursuant to Missouri Department of Corrections Policy D1-8.6 and local jail regulations. For the most current visitation information, contact the Cole County Jail directly at (573) 634-9160.
How To Send Money to a Cole County Inmate
Cole County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.
In-Person Deposits:
- Visit the Cole County Jail lobby kiosk
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Cash deposits only (no checks or money orders)
- Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
- Processing fee: $2.50 per transaction
- Funds available in inmate account within 1 hour
Online Deposits:
- Visit Access Corrections
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Cole County Jail" as the facility
- Enter inmate information (name and ID number)
- Enter payment information (credit/debit card)
- Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
- Processing fee: $5.95 for deposits up to $100; $7.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
Telephone Deposits:
- Call 1-866-345-1884
- Follow automated prompts
- Provide inmate information and payment details
- Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
- Processing fee: $6.95 for deposits up to $100; $8.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
Mobile App Deposits:
- Download the Access Corrections app (available for iOS and Android)
- Create an account or log in
- Follow the prompts to complete a deposit
- Maximum deposit: $300 per transaction
- Processing fee: $5.95 for deposits up to $100; $7.95 for deposits $100.01-$300
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
Amount Limits and Restrictions:
- Maximum weekly deposit limit: $500 per inmate
- Maximum account balance: $1,000
- Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
What Money Can Be Used For:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Approved educational materials
What Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fees or fines (these require separate payments)
- Items from outside vendors
- Transferring funds to other inmates
- Purchasing prohibited items
All financial transactions are monitored and subject to review. Suspicious deposits may be investigated and potentially rejected. For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact the Cole County Jail at (573) 634-9160.
How To Send Jail Mail In Cole County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Cole County detention facilities must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. The following protocols govern mail services for Cole County inmates:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Cole County Jail
- 301 East High Street
- Jefferson City, MO 65101
- Return address must include sender's full name and complete mailing address
- Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender
- All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and prohibited content
- Personal mail is limited to standard white envelopes and postcards
- Colored envelopes, padded mailers, and plastic/wrappings are prohibited
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages, standard white paper only)
- Postcards (standard size, white only)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
- Money orders (must be sent separately from letters)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail")
- Religious materials (subject to review)
- Greeting cards (plain paper only, no musical, pop-up, or oversized cards)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Stamps or envelopes
- Stickers or labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Cash or personal checks
- Perfumed or scented items
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Items containing glitter, glue, tape, or other adhesives
- Any items that have been altered from their original state
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must include attorney's name, bar number, and return address
- Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
- Is not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening
Electronic Messaging (where available):
- Available through Access Corrections
- Requires creation of an account
- Messages limited to 2,000 characters
- Fee of $0.50 per message
- Messages subject to review and monitoring
- Typically delivered within 24 hours
Mail Restrictions:
- Inmates on disciplinary status may have limited mail privileges
- Mail suspected of containing plans for criminal activity, escape, or security threats will be rejected
- Mail containing threats, extortion, or obscene content will be rejected
- Correspondence between inmates at different facilities requires prior approval
All mail services are provided in accordance with Missouri Department of Corrections Policy D2-9.1 and local jail regulations. For current mail policies, contact the Cole County Jail at (573) 634-9160.