Buena Vista Minimum Center

The Colorado Department of Corrections maintains a searchable public database of all of the inmates they have in custody.

The prison that an inmate is assigned to depends on factors such as security classification, remaining time of their sentence, gang affiliation, and location of their residence.

The Colorado State Prison System began in 1868, when the Territorial Legislature first authorized the state to lock up prison convicts.

Today the state of Colorado Prison System maintains 21 prisons, two of which are privately run. With a staff of 6,000 correctional workers, as of the end of 2023 they oversee approximately 20,000 inmates, with another 10,000 on parole, supervised release or absconded.

The following will explain the instructions, tricks and hacks you can use to find any inmate in custody with the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Colorado Department of Corrections Inmate Search Instructions

The Colorado Department of Corrections provides a limited amount of information you may want to know about any inmate in their system, however they do list every inmate.

To look up an inmate, you don't even need to know the spelling of their name.

• You can list all inmates whose last name begin with any letter by entering that letter in the last name field.
• You can also list all inmates whose first name begin with any letter by entering that letter in the last name field.
• You can also filter the results by an gender.

The first set of results provides you with the basic information needed to zero in on your inamte, especially if you you are presented with a large list because all you did was search using a single letter; in this case we used the letter 'A' in the field for last name.

The inmate who you chose will next be presented... Their name, DOC Number, Mugshot, physical characteristics, next parole hearing, and their estimated discharge date.

How to Deposit Money in a Buena Vista Minimum Center Inmate's Account

There are three ways to deposit money in an inmate's account in the Colorado Department of Corrections:

• Jpay Online Deposits
• Western Union Online Deposits
• GTL Viapath

In order to do any of these you need to know the exact name the inmate is incarcerated under, and their Inmate ID#.

If you can't find the inmate and booking number online, call the Inmate Bank at 719-269-4271.

1.  Buena Vista Minimum Center and JPAY.

• First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
• You can send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
• There are two ways to send money to an inmate/offender in {Buena Vista Minimum Center using Jpay.

1. Online payments
2. Over the phone by calling 800-574-5729

2.  Buena Vista Minimum Center and Western Union.

First, you need to know the exact spelling of the inmate's name and inmates ID #
You also need to know these codes. 

Codes:
Pay to: Colorado Dept. Corrections
Code City: CODOC
State: CO
Senders Account #: Inmate DOC# and Last Name, no spaces (example: DOC# 123456 for John Smith would be 123456Smith)
Attention: Leave this blank

• Select COLORADO DOC, then follow Western Union's instructions.
• For questions, concerns or to add funds via Western Union over the phone, call 800-325-6000.

Western Union Facilities -
Deposit funds in-person at Western Union. 

Codes:Pay to: Colorado Dept. Corrections
Code City: CODOC
State: CO
Senders Account #: Inmate DOC# and Last Name, no spaces (example: DOC# 123456 for John Smith would be 123456Smith)
Attention: Leave this blank

3.

Buena Vista Minimum Center uses GTL Connect Network, also known as Viapath Technologies, to facilitate family members and friends to make deposits directly into their Trust Fund Commissary Account that can be used for communication services.

The inmate can then use the money to purchase products from commissary or services such as secure messages and phone calls.
Deposits can be made 24/7 online or by telephone by calling 888-988-4768, or by using the Buena Vista Minimum Center kiosk.

In order to visit any inmate in the Colorado DOC, you must first apply.

How to apply for ongoing visitation and video visiting:

Complete a Visitor Application and submit per the instructions specific to the facility you are applying to visit.  

VISITING APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED PER THE FACILITY-SPECIFIC VISITING INSTRUCTIONS as listed under the "Where/how to submit visiting applications" section on the page for the facility you are applying to visit.

Facility-specific pages may be found under the "Facilities" menu which may be found at https://cdoc.colorado.gov/facilities.

**A copy of a valid, unexpired government issued photo ID needs to be submitted with the visiting application; the address on the photo ID must match the address on the visiting application or your application may be denied.**

**PLEASE NOTE: All visitors are responsible for knowing and abiding by all visiting rules and policies as outlined in Administrative Regulation 300-01 Offender Visiting Program. Comply, or risk losing visitation.

Minor Children (any child under 18) visiting application:

Minors must be listed on the application of the legal guardian or immediate family member that will accompany the minor on the visit.

Minor children must be named on the Visitor Application, but will not be counted toward the twelve (12) approved visitors.

If someone other than the parent/legal guardian is bringing the minor, the parent needs to complete a Form 300-01G Authorization for Minor Child Visitation and submit it per the facility-specific visiting instructions. Otherwise, the parent/guardian just needs to list the minor on their visiting application and submit a copy of a birth certificate or adoption/guardianship order.

One-time or infrequent visitors (i.e., one to two times per year):

Please complete a Special Visitation Application and mail to the specific location you are visiting specified under the Facility's page.

**A completed visiting application is required for video visitation**

Buena Vista Minimum Center offers Video Visitation for Inmates using the Services of GTL, aka ViaPath Techologies

In order to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL you need to first register with GTL.

Next Steps:

• Register yourself and all visitors.
• Select Buena Vista Minimum Center
• Select your inmate.
• Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required. 

All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-208-7349 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or 
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday

Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $4.00 for a 10 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.

Other Important Details
•             All visits must be scheduled in advance.
•             Please check in 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
•             All visitors who will appear on the video visit must be approved visitors on the inmate's visiting list and visitors must be approved by facility to schedule visits.
•             Email address to register and schedule visits.
•             Valid Photo ID for registration and at check-in.

**A completed visiting application is required for video visitation**

Buena Vista Minimum Center offers Video Visitation for Inmates using the Services of GTL, aka ViaPath Techologies

In order to schedule and then visit an inmate using GTL you need to first register with GTL.

Next Steps:

• Register yourself and all visitors.
• Select Buena Vista Minimum Center
• Select your inmate.
• Schedule your preferred time for the visit.

For at-home video visits: Sign in to the visitation scheduling site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit. Test your connection, and follow the steps to start your visit.
For on-site video visits: Arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes prior to check-in. A valid photo ID is required. 

All your questions can be answered after you register, at the Frequently Asked Questions page, or call 855-208-7349 during the following hours:
6AM – 4PM MST Monday – Friday, or 
7AM – 4PM MST Saturday – Sunday

Costs for Visits are subject to change but generally run less than $4.00 for a 10 minute visit.
Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard debit, credit or gift cards.

Other Important Details
•             All visits must be scheduled in advance.
•             Please check in 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
•             All visitors who will appear on the video visit must be approved visitors on the inmate's visiting list and visitors must be approved by facility to schedule visits.
•             Email address to register and schedule visits.
•             Valid Photo ID for registration and at check-in.

The Buena Vista Minimum Center Inmate Phone System is Securus. 

Sign up with Securus by clicking the banner below.

1.  AdvanceConnect – Good Option - You control all phone numbers your inmate can call.

This type of account offers you the following benefits:
•    You are able to receive inmate calls as long as funds are available in your account.
•    You can add multiple phone numbers to your account so your inmate can reach your home phone, work phone, cell phone, other relatives, neighbors, friends, etc.
•    Calls WILL connect to cell phones.

2.  Inmate Debit – Inmate can call anyone they choose (subject to jail's approval)

This type of account offers you the following benefits:
•    You can fund an Inmate Debit account without having your own calling account.
•    Inmates can call anyone on their approved calling list without requiring friends and family to create separate prepaid accounts.
•    Calls WILL connect to cell phones.
•    Funds placed in the Inmate Debit account will become the property of the inmate and friends & family members will not be able to receive refunds on this account. 

3. Direct Bill - You receive calls from your inmate, and the charges are billed to you monthly.

• Requires a credit check. 
• Costs more.
• Good for lawyers, bail bonds, long-term inmates, etc.

Resources
Contact Securus by Phone:  972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591
Contact Securus Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit a Question for Securus Online
Online Rate Quote

Buena Vista Minimum Center Inmate & Family Voicemail

Securus Outbound Voicemail provides your inmate an opportunity to leave a message for their family and friends when a call to their mobile goes unanswered. Once the inmate leaves a voicemail, a text message containing a link will be sent to the dialed number. The recipient of the inmate's voicemail is then sent to a web form to pay and listen to the message. The voicemail will be available for up to 30 days after it is sent, and then another 30 days after it is paid for.

Securus Phone System Cost & Fees - *Subject to Change

ADVANCE CONNECT Phone Calls 
$0.21 per minute

INMATE DEBIT Phone Calls
$0.21 per minute

DIRECT BILL Phone Calls
$0.25 per minute

TRADITIONAL COLLECT Phone Calls
$0.25 per minute

VOICEMAIL Message
One minute - $0.75 per minute

For current online rate quote, go here.

Buena Vista Minimum Center Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Buena Vista Minimum Center 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 Buena Vista Minimum Center also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Envelopes must be white, be less than 9" x 12", commercially produced, made of tearable paper only, must not have stickers or labels or drawings on them. No glitter, paper clips or staples.

The paper must be white copy paper or white lined paper only.

In an effort to reduce the introduction of contraband into CDC facilities, inmates will only receive two sheets of 8½ x 11 inches of copy paper, which will include a copy of the envelope and three pieces of the correspondence on the four-sides of the two sheets of copy paper.

Only black and white copies will be made, and no cards, larger size paper, or anything else will be manipulated to fit on the copy paper.

Additionally, any general correspondence that exceeds these limits will be treated as contraband. The inmate will have thirty (30) days to pay for return postage or it will be destroyed.

Please write all letters in dark ink only (black or blue ink).

Do not use pencils or yellow markers because it will reduce image quality. Note the examples below that illustrate copy quality when using ink versus pencil.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be addressed as follows:

Mail to:
Inmate’s Name and DOC Number
Name of Prison
P.O. Box Number or Street Address
City, State and Zip Code

Legal Mail

All Legal Mail must be addressed as follows:

Mail to:
Inmate’s Name and DOC Number
Name of Prison
P.O. Box Number or Street Address
City, State and Zip Code

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 Buena Vista Minimum Center allows only NEW books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source 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 Buena Vista Minimum Center 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 must be addressed as follows:

Mail to:
Inmate’s Name and DOC Number
Name of Prison
P.O. Box Number or Street Address
City, State and Zip Code

Email an Inmate

Buena Vista Minimum Center uses the services of JPAY for you to send money to an inmate's trust fund / commissary account, and to send email. 



You can email or send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
There are several ways to send money to an inmate/offender.

1. Online payments
2. Over the phone by calling 800-574-5729
3. MoneyGram
4. If you wish to send cash you can use MoneyGram. MoneyGram has many convenient locations nationwide.
   The following establishments will always have MoneyGram services:
   Walmart
   7-11
   CVS Pharmacy

You will need:
Inmate's Correctional ID number and last name
The facility name or receive code.
You can visit the MoneyGram website to find locations near you.

        5. Money Order - Inmate's Name must be on the Money Order

        6. Lobby Kiosk
            You can use a debit or credit card in the lobby kiosk to send funds to an inmate/offender.

Buena Vista Minimum Center either allows, or may soon be allowing inmates access to tablets to use for the services provided by GTL (aka Viapath Technologies)

Follow the instructions below to get a tablet for your inmate at Buena Vista Minimum Center

The devices are similar to common handheld tablets, but are made exclusively by GTL and Viapath.
Tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their stay at Buena Vista Minimum Center, such as:

• Music
• Books
• Games
• Education
• News
• Radio
• Television
• Read mail and messages
• Video visits

Free services are already available for use on the device at Buena Vista Minimum Center.
Subscription services are funded separately by family and friends with deposits made into an inmate’s Debit Link account.
Buena Vista Minimum Center Inmates will then be able to purchase subscription services and premium content to enjoy.

What It Costs
Tablet devices include some services and the content is free.
The subscription services require additional funding.
There may be multiple options such as 7-day or 30-day subscriptions.
Costs are dependent upon the available services and what the Buena Vista Minimum Center charges.

To estimate costs for tablets and other services such as phone calls, sign in to your account and click “Rate & Fees Calculator” in the footer (bottom of the page).

Once an inmate is convicted and sentenced for a violation of that state’s felony laws (and their sentence is more than one year in length), they are moved from the City or County Jail and sent to a State Prison in Colorado. If the violation they are convicted of is a federal crime, they will be sent to a Federal Prison, but will not necessarily be doing their time in Colorado.

Colorado State Prisons are operated and maintained by the state government and are used to confine and rehabilitate criminals. State prisons are funded by state tax money. The fund is used to provide food and clothes to inmates and to hire employees to keep the prison running. Inmates in state prison enjoy certain privileges such as TV use and recreation, both indoor and outdoor. The number of privileges allowed depends on the security level of the prison, the inmate and the overall needs of the prison on a specific day.

Colorado has minimum, medium and maximum security prisons. The Corrections Department in Colorado also maintains low (or no) security residential settings and camps where inmates assist in state property maintenance and duties such as fighting fires. Almost all prisons provide ‘jobs’ where an inmate can earn a small hourly wage and even learn a trade. Some prisons even contract with call centers and handle phone calls on issues related to their state government. Criminals who have committed a violent crime or killed someone are likely housed in a maximum security prison. If the inmate in these prisons behave, they are also eligible to recreate and/or work as well.

In Colorado Prisons rehabilitation is the stated goal but the reality is that they exist to punish inmates for their crimes and keep them from hurting or harming innocent people on the outside who follow the laws and live and act responsibly. The fact is that most prison systems are underfunded, overcrowded and are not able to spend time and money rehabilitating offenders. This is not the fault of the people hired to work in prisons, they are just victims of the lack of resources due to budgeting constraints.

State Inmate

Most states have Department of Corrections websites that allow you to type in a felon's first and last name and pull up inmates in that state.

If you need to find a sentenced inmate serving time in a state other than Colorado, go here. To find an inmate in Colorado, just scroll to the top of the page and click on the Inmate Search button.

Once you locate them click next to the inmate's name or on the link provided and it will show you which prison the inmate is housed in. If the inmate is no longer incarcerated, but is on parole/probation or discharged, it will tell you that as well. In addition, many state prison inmate pages show recent mug shots.

Federal Inmate

The federal prison system has its own inmate locator called the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.

Type in the inmate's name and it will tell you where he or she is incarcerated and their projected release date. It also lists released federal prison inmates and the date they were released.

Federal inmates who are moved from one prison to another will show as "No longer in federal custody" on the system until they reach their next federal prison destination. This movement can take a few days to several months to complete, so keep checking back to find out where the inmate was taken.

ICE Inmates

The ICE Detainee Lookup allows friends, family members and interested parties to locate illegal and/or undocumented immigrants that are in the United States without permission.

Has the Inmate been recently arrested?... Try a County Jail

In many cases, the person you are looking for has either not been convicted or sentenced or has been sentenced and is awaiting transport to a State or Federal Prison and is still incarcerated in a City or County Jail.

To locate that person, go here to first find the State, and then the County where they were originally arrested or have been transported to. From there you can begin your search in our databases that contain the names and information of millions of inmates.

Jailexchange.com has all information on every jail and prison in the United States.