St. Louis County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In St. Louis County?
Inmate records are official government documents maintained by correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies in St. Louis County that document the custody, care, and supervision of individuals who are incarcerated. These records are created pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 217.075, which establishes requirements for the maintenance of offender records. Inmate records are distinct from court records, as court systems maintain case files related to legal proceedings, while correctional facilities maintain custody records documenting an individual's incarceration.
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process when an individual is first taken into custody. During this process, the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services collects and records:
- Biographical information
- Photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprints
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening information
- Security classification assessments
These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to document housing assignments, disciplinary actions, program participation, and medical care. Upon release, the inmate record is closed but maintained according to Missouri's record retention requirements.
Are Inmate Records Public In St. Louis County?
Inmate records in St. Louis County are partially accessible to the public under the Missouri Sunshine Law, specifically § 610.011, which establishes that public records shall be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law. However, access to inmate records is subject to specific limitations outlined in § 217.075 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which governs offender records.
The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
Certain portions of inmate records are explicitly exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary reports
- Classification documents
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Victim information
The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services maintains an online inmate locator system that provides public access to basic custody information while protecting sensitive information in accordance with state law.
What's Included Inmate Records in St. Louis County
Inmate records in St. Louis County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration. The following categories of information are typically included:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of admission
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer
- Classification status
- Housing assignment
- Custody level
- Disciplinary history while incarcerated
- Program participation
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Case numbers
- Warrant information
- Arresting agency
- Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bond conditions
- Bond hearing dates
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case numbers
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions
Release Information:
- Scheduled release date
- Actual release date and time
- Type of release (time served, bond, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
St. Louis County Prison System
The St. Louis County correctional system operates under the authority of the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services, which is responsible for the care, custody, and control of individuals who are detained pre-trial or serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor convictions. This system is distinct from the Missouri Department of Corrections, which manages state prisons housing individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year.
The St. Louis County jail system primarily serves as a pre-trial detention facility, housing individuals who are awaiting trial, unable to post bond, or serving short sentences for misdemeanor convictions. The system also temporarily holds individuals who are awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony convictions.
The primary facility is the St. Louis County Justice Center, which is operated by the Department of Justice Services:
St. Louis County Department of Justice Services
100 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5245
St. Louis County Department of Justice Services
The Department of Justice Services operates under the administrative authority of the St. Louis County Executive and is overseen by a director who reports to the County Executive. The department works in close coordination with the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and the 21st Judicial Circuit Court.
Types of Correctional Facilities In St. Louis County
St. Louis County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations:
St. Louis County Justice Center
100 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5245
St. Louis County Justice Center
The Justice Center is the main detention facility in St. Louis County with a capacity of approximately 1,232 inmates. This maximum-security facility houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses. The facility includes specialized housing units for various classifications including general population, administrative segregation, disciplinary segregation, medical housing, and mental health housing.
St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center
501 South Brentwood Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-2995
St. Louis County Family Court
This facility houses juveniles who are detained pending juvenile court proceedings. It is operated by the Family Court of St. Louis County rather than the Department of Justice Services.
Buzz Westfall Justice Center
100 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5245
St. Louis County Department of Justice Services
This facility, named after former St. Louis County Executive Buzz Westfall, is part of the main Justice Center complex and houses administrative offices and court facilities in addition to detention areas.
St. Louis County Intake Service Center
100 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5245
St. Louis County Department of Justice Services
This facility processes all individuals being admitted to or released from St. Louis County custody. It includes booking areas, temporary holding cells, and release processing areas.
Who's in Prison In St. Louis County
The St. Louis County jail system houses several categories of individuals:
Pre-trial Detainees: The majority of individuals in St. Louis County custody are pre-trial detainees who have been charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are either awaiting trial or have been unable to post the required bail. Under the U.S. Constitution, these individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Misdemeanant Offenders: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and sentenced to terms of incarceration up to one year serve their sentences in the St. Louis County jail system. Common misdemeanor offenses include:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Petty theft
- Simple assault
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Minor drug possession
Individuals Awaiting Transfer: Persons who have been convicted of felonies and sentenced to state prison terms may be temporarily housed in St. Louis County facilities while awaiting transfer to the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held in county custody pending revocation hearings or as a sanction for the violation.
Federal Detainees: Through intergovernmental agreements, St. Louis County may house federal detainees who are awaiting trial in federal court or transfer to federal prison facilities.
Individuals Serving Weekend Sentences: Some offenders are permitted to serve their sentences on weekends only, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities during the week.
According to data from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the daily population of the St. Louis County jail system averages approximately 900-1,000 inmates, with the majority being pre-trial detainees.
How To Search for Inmate Records In St. Louis County in 2026
Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently in custody in St. Louis County may utilize several methods to access inmate records. The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services currently maintains an online inmate locator system that provides real-time information about individuals in custody.
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the St. Louis County Inmate Locator website
- Enter the inmate's information in at least one of the search fields:
- Last name (required)
- First name (optional, but recommended for common surnames)
- Date of birth (optional, but helpful for exact matches)
- Click the "Search" button
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Full name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if scheduled)
- Housing facility
Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may contact the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services directly:
- Call (314) 615-5245 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
- Staff will confirm if the individual is in custody and provide basic information
In-Person Request: Individuals may visit the St. Louis County Justice Center to request inmate information:
- Go to the public information desk at the St. Louis County Justice Center 100 South Central Avenue Clayton, MO 63105
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Staff will provide available public information
Written Request: Written requests for inmate information may be submitted:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Your full name and contact information
- The full name and date of birth (if known) of the inmate
- Specific information requested
- Mail the request to: St. Louis County Department of Justice Services Records Division 100 South Central Avenue Clayton, MO 63105
Pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law, the Department of Justice Services may charge reasonable fees for document duplication and staff time required to fulfill extensive records requests.
How To Find an Inmate in St. Louis County for Free?
St. Louis County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody. These free resources are available to family members, friends, legal representatives, and members of the general public.
St. Louis County Online Inmate Locator: The most efficient method for locating an inmate at no cost is through the county's online inmate search portal:
- Access the St. Louis County Inmate Locator
- Enter the inmate's last name (required) and first name (recommended)
- Review the search results, which display all current inmates matching the search criteria
- The system updates multiple times daily to reflect new bookings and releases
St. Louis City Inmate Search: For individuals who may be in custody in the neighboring City of St. Louis (which is separate from St. Louis County):
- Visit the St. Louis City Inmate Finder
- Enter the required search information
- Review results for current inmates in City of St. Louis custody
Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:
- Access the Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Enter the individual's name or DOC identification number
- Review results for offenders in state custody
Telephone Information Line: The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services maintains a public information line that provides basic custody information at no charge:
- Call (314) 615-5245 during regular business hours
- Provide the name of the person you are trying to locate
- Staff will confirm if the individual is in custody and provide basic information
Visiting the Justice Center: Individuals may visit the public information desk at the Justice Center during regular business hours:
- Go to the St. Louis County Justice Center 100 South Central Avenue Clayton, MO 63105
- Request inmate location information from the information desk
- No fee is charged for basic custody status information
How To Visit an Inmate In St. Louis County
The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services has established specific procedures for visiting inmates housed in county facilities. All visits must comply with facility regulations designed to maintain security and safety.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Inmates may have up to 8 approved visitors on their list
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is on the approved visitor list
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or who are on probation/parole may be denied visitation privileges
Visit Schedule:
- General population inmates are permitted two 30-minute visits per week
- Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
- Visitation hours are:
- Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- No visits on Mondays or county holidays
- To schedule a visit, call (314) 615-5245 during business hours
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
- Visitor pass obtained at check-in
- Locker key (provided at facility for storing personal items)
- Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, oxygen, etc.)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tools
- Drugs or alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches)
- Cameras or recording devices
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- More than $20 in cash
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire is required
- No revealing clothing (shorts, tank tops, halter tops, crop tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
- No sunglasses
- No excessively baggy clothing
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone communication)
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
- Special visits (with prior approval from facility administration)
Visit Restrictions: Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 221.111, it is a class D felony to deliver or attempt to deliver any item to an inmate without authorization. Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for:
- Providing false information
- Attempting to bring contraband into the facility
- Disruptive behavior
- Violation of facility rules
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
How To Send Money to a St. Louis County Inmate
The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase items from the commissary including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other approved items.
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Services website
- Select "St. Louis County Department of Justice Services" from the facility list
- Create an account or continue as a guest
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Enter payment information (credit/debit card or checking account)
- Complete the transaction
- Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
- Service fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on deposit amount)
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the payment kiosk located in the lobby of the St. Louis County Justice Center 100 South Central Avenue Clayton, MO 63105
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Enter the inmate's information
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Obtain and keep receipt
- Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
- Service fees apply for credit/debit card transactions
Money Order by Mail:
- Obtain a money order payable to "St. Louis County Department of Justice Services"
- Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with the money order
- Mail to: St. Louis County Department of Justice Services Inmate Accounts 100 South Central Avenue Clayton, MO 63105
- Funds are typically available within 3-5 business days after receipt
- No service fees for money orders
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $1.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Maximum account balance: $1,000.00
What Money Can Be Used For: Inmates may use funds in their accounts for:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
- Child support payments (if court-ordered)
What Money Cannot Be Used For: Funds in inmate accounts cannot be used for:
- Purchasing items from outside vendors
- Paying for special privileges
- Transferring to other inmates' accounts
- Bail or bond payments
- Court fees (unless specifically authorized)
How To Send Jail Mail In St. Louis County
The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services has established specific procedures for sending mail to individuals in custody. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and must comply with facility regulations.
Regular Mail:
- Address envelopes with complete information: Inmate's Full Name and ID Number St. Louis County Justice Center 100 South Central Avenue Clayton, MO 63105
- Include your complete return address on the envelope
- Send only letters, cards, and photographs
- Mail is delivered to inmates Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
- Money orders (see previous section for details)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail")
Prohibited Mail Items: Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 221.111, the following items are prohibited:
- Cash, checks, or currency
- Stamps or envelopes
- Packages or boxes
- Books, magazines, or newspapers (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Stickers or labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related materials
- Items containing glitter, lipstick, perfume, or other substances
- Blank paper, cards, or envelopes
- Food items or candy
Legal Mail: Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies receives special handling:
- Mark envelope clearly as "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Include attorney bar number or court/agency information
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Legal mail is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
Electronic Messaging: The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services offers electronic messaging through the GTL ConnectNetwork:
- Create an account on the GTL ConnectNetwork website
- Add the inmate to your contacts using their full name and ID number
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages (similar to email)
- Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours
- Fees apply per message (typically $0.25-$0.50)
Mail Restrictions:
- All mail is subject to inspection for contraband
- Mail containing threats, criminal activity, escape plans, or other security concerns will be rejected
- Mail may be held or rejected if it violates facility rules
- Inmates in disciplinary status may have restricted mail privileges
- The facility may limit the volume of mail an inmate can receive
Lookup Inmate Records in St. Louis County
St. Louis County Inmate Locator