Buffalo County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Buffalo County

Buffalo County Jail Information

Buffalo County Jail is a 38-bed facility based in Alma, Buffalo County, Wisconsin. For inmate information, you can call the facility 24/7 at 608-685-4433.

Offenders arrested for misdemeanors or felonies are processed at this facility. After booking and processing, they may remain incarcerated until they are bonded out, released on recognizance, or held until their trial concludes.

The inmate search tool provides access to the current roster of inmates.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time here, while those with longer sentences are transferred to either the Wisconsin State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides detailed information on services such as the visitation schedule, funding an inmate’s account, sending mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.

Be sure to save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for communication purposes. If you can’t find it online, you can call Buffalo County Jail at 608-685-4433 for assistance.

Phone: 608-685-4433

Physical Address:
407 South Second Street
Alma, WI 54610-0396

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Buffalo County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Buffalo 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 608-685-4433 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up the Criminal Court case of an offender in this county, online.

Buffalo County Jail Inmate Search

The Buffalo County Jail maintains an average of 38 offenders in custody on any given day. The Buffalo 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 Buffalo County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 16,980 offenders.

The following charts of Buffalo 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 Buffalo County Corrections Department, the state of Wisconsin Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 less
About the Buffalo County Jail

The 38-bed Buffalo County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Buffalo 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 608-685-4433, 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 Buffalo 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 #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610

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 #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Recent Bookings & Arrests

Steps involved in booking at Buffalo County Jail

After an arrest, the individual is brought to Buffalo County Jail for the booking process. This procedure involves identifying the person, determining charges, and deciding whether they’ll be released on their own recognizance, posted for bail, or held until court.

Remaining silent is highly recommended, as anything said can later be used in court. Wait for legal advice before responding to questions.

The booking process typically involves the following steps at Buffalo County Jail:

  • Identification confirmation.
  • Photographs (mugshots).
  • Answering questions regarding health and criminal background.
  • Potential DNA collection.
  • Conducting a physical search.
  • Seizing personal property.
  • Providing a free phone call.

Booking timeframes vary, ranging from one hour to up to 48 hours. For details on an offender’s bail or bond, call Buffalo County Jail at 608-685-4433.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Directions / Map to the Buffalo County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

How to pay bail in Buffalo County for an arrestee

Once an individual is booked at Buffalo County Jail in Alma, options for their release include:

1. Release without paying bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Continued detention until their court date.
3. Release upon paying a bail or bond. Call 608-685-4433 for the bail amount.

Bail can be paid through various methods.

  • Cash, money orders, or credit cards are accepted for payment.
  • A licensed bail bondsman in Buffalo County can assist with the process.
  • Property located in the county may be used as bail collateral.

For more details on the bail process in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, visit the Buffalo County Jail Bail Page.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Buffalo County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Buffalo County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

407 South Second Street
Alma, WI 54610-0396
608-685-4433

  • Visits are 30 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 4 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 608-685-4433 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

DAY HOURS
SUN 1PM-3PM
THU 7PM-9PM

 

Buffalo 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
Contact Customer Support

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buffalo County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-685-4433 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Buffalo County Jail?

Buffalo 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
Contact Customer Support

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buffalo County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-685-4433 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Buffalo 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
Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610


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 Buffalo County

To deposit money online for an inmate in Buffalo County Jail follow these steps:

  • Register to open an account, or Sign In to JailATM, a service that acts as a bank for inmates in Buffalo County.
  • After registering and signing in, select 'Send Money Now'.
  • Choose Wisconsin, then choose Buffalo 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 Buffalo County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much money you can send your inmate in Buffalo County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914.

For all information, tips and procedures for sending money to an inmate in Buffalo County Jail, or depositing money at the jail, over the phone or by mail, check out our Send Money Page for Buffalo County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buffalo County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-685-4433 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Buffalo County Jail?

How to Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Phone Calls from an Inmate in Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Wisconsin, then the Buffalo County Jail, then your inmate's name.
  • Once you have completed this, the Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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!
Also, be warned that some phone providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buffalo County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-685-4433 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Buffalo County Jail, and what can I send them?

Buffalo County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Buffalo County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Buffalo 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 #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610



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
The Buffalo County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & 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 Buffalo County Jail standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610

Buffalo County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Buffalo 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 Buffalo County Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Street
Alma, WI 54610


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 Buffalo County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-685-4433 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Buffalo County Jail, and what can I purchase?

JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Buffalo County Jail

Search for JailATM services for Buffalo County Jail.

Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Buffalo County Jail. 

Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Buffalo County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.

Send Gift Packs

Buffalo County Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.

These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Buffalo County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Buffalo County Jail follow these steps:

  • Go to JailATM, choose Wisconsin, then choose Buffalo County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
  • Select the products you want shipped to them at Buffalo County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Buffalo County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Buffalo County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Buffalo County.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buffalo County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-685-4433 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Buffalo County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Buffalo 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
Contact Customer Support

How to send a text or email to an inmate in Buffalo County

To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Buffalo 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 Wisconsin, then the Buffalo County Jail, then your inmate's name.
  • Once you have completed this, the Buffalo 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 Buffalo County, visit our full page guide

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Buffalo County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-685-4433 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Buffalo County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Buffalo 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 Buffalo County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 608-685-4433 for further assistance.

Learn even more ⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Are there photos of the Buffalo County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Buffalo County

What are the other City and County Jails in Buffalo County?

Buffalo County County Jails
Buffalo County Juvenile Facilities
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Buffalo County?

Buffalo Wabasha Winona Pepin Trempealeau Eau Claire
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less

Search for an Inmate in Buffalo County

This facility, known as "Buffalo County Jail" is also known as Buffalo County Jail , Buffalo County Jail , Wisconsin, Buffalo.