Thomas County Jail
Thomas County Jail
You can call the -bed Thomas County Jail 24 hours a day for inmate information at 785-460-4570.
This facility handles offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies, who are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, inmates may remain in custody until they are either bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial is completed.
The inmate search tool can be used to view the jail's roster and find out who is in custody.
Offenders sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this jail, while those with longer sentences will be transferred to either the Kansas State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on a range of inmate services, including the visitation schedule, inmate account funding, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.
It’s a good idea to keep the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for future communication needs. If it’s not available online, call Thomas County Jail at 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
Inmate Services
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Thomas County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 785-460-4570 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up Thomas County Criminal Court Cases online, as well as for every county in Kansas.
Thomas County Jail Inmate Search
The Thomas County Jail maintains an average of offenders in custody on any given day. The Thomas County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Thomas County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 0 offenders.
The following charts of Thomas County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.
The information is compiled from the Thomas County Corrections Department, the state of Kansas Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Thomas County.
For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Thomas County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.
We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe new 50-bed Thomas County Jail also houses the Thomas County Sheriff, Colby Police Department, the 911 Communications Center, Court Services, Community Corrections, Thomas County Attorney Office and the District Courts of Thomas County, Kansas.
The Thomas County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Thomas County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year.
It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.
If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 785-460-4570, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.
Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment.
Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks.
The Thomas County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills.
Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided.
Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit.
Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program.
Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page.
All personal mail is sent to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Thomas County Jail
275 N Court Ave
Colby, KS 67701
Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.
Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Thomas County Jail
275 N Court Ave
Colby, KS 67701
- Jail (Main): 785-460-4570
- Sheriff: 785-460-4570
Understanding the booking process at Thomas County Jail
After an arrest, individuals are taken to Thomas County Jail where they go through booking. This process includes identifying the person, reviewing charges, and determining whether they will be released on their own, eligible for bail, or detained until their court date.
It’s crucial to remain silent after being arrested. Anything said may be used in court, so it’s better to refrain from speaking until consulting with an attorney.
The following steps outline the booking procedure at Thomas County Jail:
- Personal identification verification.
- Taking photographs (mugshots).
- Medical and mental health assessment, as well as inquiries about substance use.
- Possibly collecting DNA samples.
- Performing a full-body search.
- Seizing personal belongings for safekeeping.
- Allowing one phone call.
Booking can take from a short hour to longer periods, especially on busy nights or with uncooperative individuals. For inquiries about posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 785-460-4570.
Paying bail for someone in custody in Thomas County
Once someone is booked at Thomas County Jail in Colby after an arrest, there are several outcomes:
1. They may be released without paying bail, agreeing to show up on a scheduled date.
2. They may remain in custody until their court appearance.
3. They can pay a bail or bond for release. Call 785-460-4570 for bail details.
Bail payments can take several forms.
- The full cash bond is paid at the jail's bonding window or at the clerk of court using cash, a cashier's check or a money order, while many jails add a card option at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond service for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and call the jail at 785-460-4570 with questions.
- A licensed bail bond agent in Thomas County can help cover bail.
- Many courts take real estate as security for a bond; the property owner must show clear title plus equity at least equal to the bond, often twice it, backed by a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set the bail gives final approval.
For detailed information about the bail process in Thomas County, Kansas, see the Thomas County Jail Bail FAQ.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Visit an Inmate in the Thomas County Jail? What is the Schedule?
Thomas County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE
275 N. Court
Colby, KS 67701
785-460-4570
- Visits are 15 minutes.
- You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
- Visitation schedule subject to change.
- Inmates are allowed one visit per day however the weekly limit is determined by the inmates classification.
- A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
- Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
- Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.
Visitation is Monday through Friday 7:00am to 7:00pm via CIDNET video kiosks in the jail lobby.
Thomas County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Thomas County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Thomas County Jail?
Thomas County Jail uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Thomas County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Thomas County Jail?
There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:
Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail
Bring money to the jail in person.
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use a Jail ATM self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.
Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Thomas County Jail uses Jail ATM to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. The company charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.
Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union. Call the Thomas County Jail first as they may want you to do this online or at the jail kiosk instead.
Make the Money Order out to the payee the jail names (check with the jail first) and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order. Never mail cash or a personal check.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Thomas County Jail
275 N Court Ave
Colby, KS 67701
Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit with Jail ATM over the Phone by calling 877-810-0914
To do this you will need the inmate's offender # (inmate ID #) and full legal name.
How to Deposit Money Online for an Inmate in Thomas County
To deposit money online for an inmate in Thomas County Jail follow these steps:
- Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, the deposit service used for inmates at Thomas County.
- After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
- Choose Kansas, then choose Thomas County Jail
- Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
- Select your inmate.
- Input an amount to deposit to your inmate in Thomas County Jail, and then input your payment method.
- NOTE: JailATM's support page lists a deposit limit of $300 a week per inmate and says the limit can be different at each facility.
- If you need to phone JailATM customer support, call 877-810-0914.
For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Thomas County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Thomas County.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Thomas County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Thomas County Jail?
How to Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Phone Calls from an Inmate in Thomas County
To register and sign up for a phone account with CIDNET Inmate Phone Service, follow the instructions below:
- Register and create an account with CIDNET.
- Type in your Email, Time Zone and First & Last Name of your Thomas County Jail inmate.
1. Click the Create Account button.
2. Read the Terms of Use, then click Agree.
3. Login to your email and open the CIDNET email.
4. In the email, click the Complete Your Verification link.
5. Choose a Security PIN and a Password.
6. Click the Sign In button. - After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Kansas, then the Thomas County Jail, then your inmate's name.
- Once you have completed this, the Thomas County Jail will have to give final approval for you to set up a phone account with your inmate.
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding making phone calls with an inmate in Thomas County, visit our full page guide.
NOTE: All phone conversations are recorded. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Thomas County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Thomas County Jail, and what can I send them?
Thomas County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Thomas County Jail whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Thomas County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Thomas County Jail
275 N Court Ave
Colby, KS 67701
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Thomas County Jail
275 N Court Ave
Colby, KS 67701
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
Ask the Thomas County Jail whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Thomas County Jail standards will be disposed of.
Ask the Thomas County Jail whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Thomas County Jail
275 N Court Ave
Colby, KS 67701
Thomas County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
For inmates receiving mail in the Thomas County Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Thomas County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Thomas County Jail
275 N Court Ave
Colby, KS 67701
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Thomas County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Thomas County Jail, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Thomas County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Thomas County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?
Thomas County Jail uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
How to send a text or email to an inmate in Thomas County
To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Thomas County follow these instructions:
- Register and create an account with CIDNET.
- Choose a Security PIN and Password.
- After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Kansas, then the Thomas County Jail, then your inmate's name.
- Once you have completed this, the Thomas County Jail will have to give final approval for you to communicate by email with your chosen inmate.
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Thomas County, visit our full page guide.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Thomas County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Thomas County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Thomas County Jail may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.
CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
- Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
- eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
- Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
- Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
- Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
- Law Library - Legal research with up-to-date case information.
- eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
- Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
- Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
- Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
Here's how it works:
- Register here.
- Pay for the subscription.
- You get charged the 1st of each month.
- You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
- No activation or early termination fees.
- Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Thomas County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 785-460-4570 for further assistance.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Thomas County?
Nearby counties
This facility, known as "Thomas County Jail" is also known as Thomas County Jail , Thomas County Jail , Kansas, Thomas.