How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Buchanan County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Buchanan County Jail is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Buchanan County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Buchanan County Jail

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Buchanan County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Buchanan County Jail?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Buchanan County Jail?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Buchanan County Jail. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Buchanan County Jail. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Buchanan County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Buchanan County Jail
   501 Faraon St
   St Joseph, MO 64501
   Phone: (816) 236-8800

5. What are the visiting hours at Buchanan County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Buchanan County Jail vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (816) 236-8800 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Buchanan County Jail?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Buchanan County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Buchanan County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Buchanan County Jail through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Buchanan County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Buchanan County Jail, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Buchanan County Jail?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Buchanan County Jail for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Buchanan County Jail, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Rehabilitation through structured learning opportunities forms the cornerstone of Buchanan County Jail's comprehensive approach to resident development. The facility typically emphasizes skill-building initiatives that address both immediate educational needs and long-term career preparation, recognizing that meaningful engagement during incarceration often correlates with successful community reintegration. These multifaceted initiatives may deliver services through collaborative partnerships with local educational institutions and workforce development organizations, creating pathways for residents to acquire credentials and competencies that enhance their prospects upon release.

Educational initiatives often include adult basic education courses designed to help residents complete their high school equivalency requirements, while vocational training opportunities may focus on practical skills development in areas such as construction trades, food service, and maintenance operations. These programs typically provide hands-on learning experiences that allow residents to develop marketable abilities while contributing to facility operations. Additionally, computer literacy courses and basic financial management workshops are commonly integrated into the educational framework, equipping participants with essential life skills necessary for navigating contemporary society and maintaining stable employment.

Support services encompass work release programs that may allow eligible residents to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences, facilitating continuity in their professional lives and family responsibilities. Therapeutic initiatives typically address underlying issues through substance abuse treatment programs and dual diagnosis treatment services for residents managing both addiction and mental health challenges. These evidence-based interventions often incorporate group counseling sessions, individual therapy, and educational components about addiction recovery, providing residents with comprehensive tools for addressing the root causes of their involvement in the criminal justice system and developing sustainable coping strategies for long-term success.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of scheduled activities now anchors each day, with residents regularly following a structured timetable that begins before dawn and continues through evening hours. Wake-up calls typically occur in the early morning hours, followed by scheduled meal times, work assignments, and programmed activities that deliver consistent structure throughout the day. This predictable routine generally helps residents adapt to the facility environment while maintaining a sense of order and purpose in their daily lives.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of shared housing units where residents are assigned based on various classification factors including security level and behavioral considerations. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with residents rotating through in organized groups to maintain order and security. Additionally, the facility generally provides access to recreational activities and exercise opportunities during designated periods, which may include outdoor time when weather and security conditions permit. Personal property is typically limited to approved items, and residents can usually access commissary services to purchase additional necessities and approved comfort items.

While maintaining security protocols, the facility often offers various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, vocational training, and structured activities designed to support rehabilitation goals. Visitation policies generally allow scheduled visits with approved family members and friends, typically conducted in designated areas under supervision. Additionally, residents usually have access to telephone services and may be able to send and receive approved correspondence, helping them maintain important connections with their support systems. Work assignments within the facility typically provide residents with opportunities to contribute to daily operations while developing job skills and maintaining productive routines.