Kansas City Jail

The 30-bed Kansas City Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Kansas City, Missouri 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 816-234-5180, 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 Kansas City 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: 

1125 Locust St.
Kansas City, MO 64106

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:

1125 Locust St.
Kansas City, MO 64106

Understanding the booking process at Kansas City Jail

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 816-234-5180.