We are glad you came here for help. We want to give you the best facts for your Missouri Inmate Search. Our aim is to make this hard task a bit less of a chore for you. We will show you the right steps and tools to use.
If you need to find someone right now, you can start your Missouri Inmate Search at: https://missouriinmaterecords.com/. This site lets you look for records fast. It links to official state tools. Use it to find data on persons in state care. It can help you find where they are held. You may also see some facts on their time in jail. Go there now if you are ready to search.
The main way to find a state inmate is online. The Missouri Department of Corrections runs a tool. It is called the Offender Web Search. This tool helps the public find people in state prisons. It is the best first step for a Missouri Inmate Search for state offenders. You can use it any time day or night. It provides quick access to public records.
To use the search, you need some information. You can search using the person's DOC ID number. This is a unique number given to each inmate. If you do not know the ID, you can use their name. Enter the first and last name. Be sure the spelling is right. The tool is found on the MODOC website. Go here to use it: https://web.mo.gov/doc/offSearchWeb/searchOffender.do. The site will show a list of names that match. You may need to look through a few names. This is common if the person has a usual name. The tool makes the state Missouri Inmate Search process clear.
The online search gives key details. This helps you find the right person. You can often see:
The inmate's full name. Known aliases may also be listed.
Their Department of Corrections ID number.
Date of birth, race, and sex.
A physical description. This includes height, weight, hair color, and eye color.
A recent mugshot or photo.
The name and location of the prison where they are held.
A short summary of their current sentence.
The crimes they were found guilty of.
Dates like when the sentence began. It may show a possible release date too.
This data is from official records. It is kept up to date by MODOC. Using this tool is key for an accurate Missouri Inmate Search. The information is public under Missouri law. But remember, some details might be limited.
Sometimes the web tool is not enough. You might need more help. Or maybe you cannot find the person. You can contact MODOC directly. The Constituent Services Office helps with questions. They can help clarify search results. They also explain policy. But they might not share very specific case details. You can email them via the MODOC website. You can also call for general help. The main phone number for inquiries is 573-751-2389. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 236, Jefferson City, MO 65102. When you ask for help, give the full name. Spell it right. If you know it, give the DOC ID number. Date of birth can also help find the right person.
People are not always in state prison. They might be in a local jail. County jails and city jails are different. They are run by local sheriffs or police. MODOC search does not show who is in local jails. You must check with the local place for a Missouri Inmate Search there. This is true for people waiting for trial. It is also true for those serving short terms in local jails.
To find someone in a local jail, contact the county sheriff. Or contact the city police department. Many counties now have online search tools too. Look at the sheriff's office website for the county. Some major areas have easy online access. For example, Greene County offers an Active Jail Population search online (https://greenecountymo.gov/sheriff/division/detention/jailtracker.php). Livingston County Sheriff has an online inmate roster (https://www.livcoso.org/roster.php). Stone County also provides an online roster (https://www.stonecountymosheriff.com/roster.php). Not all counties have online tools. You may need to call them. The Livingston County Sheriff's administrative line is 660-646-0515. Their office is at 901 Webster St., Chillicothe, MO 64601. Office hours are often standard business hours, like 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays, but call to check.
Some people are in federal prison. This system is run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). It is separate from state and local systems. Missouri has federal prison facilities. These include MCFP Springfield. To find a federal inmate, use the BOP Inmate Locator tool. It is on the BOP website. You can search by name or BOP number. This tool covers inmates going back to 1982. It is the right tool for a federal Missouri Inmate Search.
When you do a Missouri Inmate Search, you can find much info. Most tools, state or local, provide similar basic facts. These usually include:
Full Name and any known aliases.
Inmate ID Number (DOC number for state, booking number for local).
Current location (which prison or jail).
The crimes the person was convicted of.
Sentence details, like length and start date.
Sometimes a projected release date or parole eligibility date.
Basic physical description and mugshot.
However, there are limits. You cannot find juvenile records this way. Records that have been expunged (cleared) will not show up. Info on people just arrested might take time to appear. Details about specific medical conditions are private. They are protected by law like Missouri Statute 217.075 RSMo. This statute requires offender health care information be kept confidential. You usually need a signed release from the inmate to get health details. Old records, like those before 1931, might be at the Missouri State Archives, not in the online tool.
Search results use special terms. Knowing these helps understand the information. A DOC ID is the Missouri Department of Corrections number. Each state inmate gets one. Custody Level shows the security level needed for the inmate. This affects where they are housed. Location codes name the specific prison or unit. Sentence details are vital. The start date shows when the sentence began. An end date might be listed. This could be a projected release date. Parole eligibility dates show when they might be considered for parole. These dates can change based on behavior or new laws.
Crime victims have rights in Missouri. One key service is notification. The Missouri Victim Automated Notification System (MOVANS) helps. It is part of the national VINE system (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). MOVANS tells victims about changes in an inmate's status. This includes release, transfer, escape, or death. It also gives updates on related court events. This service is free and private. The inmate will not know you registered.
You can access MOVANS online or by phone. The website is https://www.vinelink.com. The main toll-free number is 1-866-566-8267. Some sources also list 1-800-770-0192. You can register for alerts by phone, text, or email. You will need the inmate's name or ID number. For phone alerts, you create a PIN. You use this PIN when VINE calls to confirm you got the message. For state prison inmates, you can also contact the MODOC Office of Victim Services. Their number is 573-526-6516. They can help register you for notifications about state prisoners. VINE is a great tool for safety planning. But do not rely on it alone.
Staying in touch with someone in prison is important. MODOC has set rules for this. You must follow these rules closely. They cover mail, phone calls, visits, and sending money. These rules keep prisons safe and secure. Breaking rules can lead to loss of contact privileges. Always check the latest rules before acting.
You can send letters to inmates. All mail is opened and checked for safety. There are rules about what you can send. Do not send items that are not allowed. This includes things like drugs, weapons, or cash. You usually cannot send packages unless approved first. Photos are often allowed but must meet rules (no nudity, etc.). Address mail correctly. Use the inmate's full name and DOC ID number. Include the prison's full address. Find specific mail rules here: https://doc.mo.gov/programs/family-friends/mail.
Inmates cannot receive phone calls. They can make outgoing calls. These calls are usually collect calls. Or they can use funds from a phone account you set up. Calls are recorded and monitored. There are limits on call length and times. MODOC uses specific phone service providers. You may need to set up an account with that provider. Check MODOC's site for phone rules: https://doc.mo.gov/programs/family-friends/visiting/phone. This page details the process. It helps families stay connected through approved means. Costs apply to these calls.
Seeing an inmate in person requires steps. First, you must apply to be a visitor. Fill out the application form honestly. MODOC checks your background. Approval is needed before you can visit. Once approved, check the prison's visit schedule. Rules vary by facility. Some limit visits to certain days or times. Weekends might be for close family only. You need valid photo ID to enter. Minors need ID too and must come with an approved adult. There is a dress code you must follow. Rules limit physical contact. Usually, a brief hug and kiss at the start and end are okay. Holding hands might be allowed. Read all rules before you go. Find the application and rules here: https://doc.mo.gov/programs/family-friends/visiting. Some local jails, like Buchanan County, require scheduling visits in advance during specific hours (Mon-Thurs 8:00 AM-12:30 PM & 1:30 PM-5:00 PM, Fri 8:00 AM-12:30 PM for visits on Saturdays). Always check the specific facility's rules.
Inmates need money for things like commissary items or phone calls. You can send money through approved ways. MODOC uses specific companies for money transfers. Common ways include online payments, money orders, or kiosks at some facilities. There are limits on how much money an inmate can receive or have. Fees often apply to transfers. Follow the exact steps needed. Using the wrong method can cause delays. Details on sending money are here: https://doc.mo.gov/divisions/adult-institutions/money-transfer. This ensures funds reach the inmate's account properly.
Several state laws and agencies relate to inmate information. Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo) states that many government records are public. This includes inmate records. However, some information is kept private by other laws. Title XIII of the Missouri Revised Statutes covers Correctional and Penal Institutions. You can find state laws about prisons here: https://codes.findlaw.com/mo/title-xiii-correctional-and-penal-institutions/. Specific sections like 217.075 address record confidentiality. Section 221.111 lists items not allowed in jails. Section 217.025 outlines the DOC director's duties.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol handles some records. They maintain the state's Sex Offender Registry. They may also have arrest record information. The Missouri Board of Probation and Parole oversees inmates released under supervision. Their contact number is 573-751-8488. For overall information about the Missouri Department of Corrections, visit their main site: https://doc.mo.gov/.
Helpful Resources
Cascade County Jail | New York Warrant Search | Camden County JailĀ