Search Buffalo County, WI Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Buffalo County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Buffalo County, WI
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Buffalo County
- Visitation Rules at Buffalo County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Buffalo County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Buffalo County
- Buffalo Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Buffalo County?
- Buffalo County Facility Directory
- Buffalo Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, you have several options. Online, you can start by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator (https://appsdoc.wi.gov/lop), where you can search for individuals incarcerated in state correctional facilities; for those specifically in the Buffalo County Jail, check the county’s official website or contact the Sheriff’s Office—some counties post current inmate rosters online. Offline, you can directly visit or contact the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, located at 407 S. 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610; their phone number is (608) 685-4433. The Sheriff’s Office maintains all local jail records and can provide information or guidance on records requests. Additionally, you may be able to submit a public records request in person or by mail to the Sheriff’s Office for more detailed or historical inmate information. For court records related to inmates, the Buffalo County Clerk of Courts, found at the Buffalo County Courthouse at the same Alma address, is another valuable resource.
How to Find an Inmate in Buffalo County, WI
Inmate records for Buffalo County, WI, are accessible online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the person is housed in a local jail, a state correctional facility, or is in federal custody. Use the resources below to locate individuals based on their type of detention:
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo County Jail / Sheriff’s Dept. | Current local jail inmates | Call (608) 685-4433 or visit in person: 407 S. 2nd St., Alma, WI 54610 | Limited online info; direct contact provides up-to-date booking status and visit guidelines. |
| Wisconsin DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | https://appsdoc.wi.gov/lop/ | Search by name, DOB, or DOC number for statewide prisoners. Buffalo County jail inmates not included. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Jail & DOC inmate custody status | https://www.vinelink.com/ | Offers custody status and notifications for Buffalo County and across Wisconsin. Free registration required for notifications. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates | https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ | Wisconsin has no federal prison; federal offenders typically held in facilities in neighboring states (e.g., Oxford, WI; Rochester, MN). |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail roster & older records | Buffalo County Sheriff: 407 S. 2nd St., Alma, WI 54610 | Request booking logs, jail rosters, or archival info at the records window during business hours. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Buffalo County
After an arrest in Buffalo County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, undergo a medical screening, and are assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OWI, driving without a license | Most Common | 12–48 hours or until bail is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, marijuana | Common | 24–72 hours or until bail is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic disputes | Common | 24–72 hours; may require court appearance before release |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, vandalism | Occasional | 24–72 hours or until bail is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Common | Until court appearance or bail is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench warrants, unpaid fines | Common | Until warrant cleared or transfer to another jurisdiction |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, burglary | Occasional | Until bond is posted or transfer to a state facility if sentenced |
Visitation Rules at Buffalo County Jail
Before visiting Buffalo County Jail, please verify the most current visitation rules directly with the facility, as policies can change. Also, ensure you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list prior to your arrival.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No Visitation | — | No visitation permitted |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo identification required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No weapons, electronics, bags, or outside food/drinks allowed in visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be pre-approved and listed on the inmate’s authorized visitor list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and supervised at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | May be scheduled outside normal hours; contact jail in advance for arrangements. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Buffalo County Jail
Inmates at Buffalo County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging services; all communications are monitored for safety and security. Use the correct mailing address format to ensure your mail is delivered to the intended inmate.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Buffalo County Jail
1417 1st Ave, Kearney, NE 68847
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing collect or prepaid calls via [Provider]. | Set up an account with [Provider]. | No incoming calls; calls are monitored and may be recorded. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters using the address format above. | No account needed. | No contraband; no cash or checks; mail is opened and inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send secure electronic messages via [Provider]'s platform. | Register online with [Provider]. | Messages are screened; inappropriate content is prohibited. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct video visits through [Provider]. | Create an account and schedule visit with [Provider]. | Visits are monitored; dress code and behavior rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Buffalo County
The Wisconsin Parole Commission oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders in Buffalo County, facilitating supervised release and sentence reductions. Local reentry support is provided through both state-run and community-based programs to assist with housing, employment, and reintegration.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Parole Commission | Reviews and determines eligibility for parole release for qualified offenders. | State-sentenced inmates eligible for parole | (608) 240-7280 or Wisconsin DOC Parole |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Earned release programs allowing qualifying inmates to reduce sentence length via good behavior or program completion. | DOC offenders meeting program or conduct criteria | Wisconsin Earned Release Programs |
| Parole Supervision (Probation & Parole - Alma Office) | Ongoing supervision and community corrections for released parolees. | Released parolees in Buffalo County | Wisconsin DOC DCC Alma Office, 404 South 2nd St, Alma, WI 54610 Phone: (608) 685-4530 |
| Reentry Housing | Support finding transitional or supportive housing post-release. | Returning citizens, especially homeless | Wisconsin DOC Reentry; local housing providers (contact Alma DCC) |
| Employment Assistance | Job training, placement, and resume help for people with criminal records. | Formerly incarcerated persons | Workforce Resource, Inc. (Buffalo County) Phone: (855) 792-5439 |
| Benefits Restoration | Help reinstating public benefits like Medicaid, FoodShare, and BadgerCare post-release. | Recently released individuals | WI Department of Health Services; (608) 266-1865 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated service notifying victims of inmate status changes and release. | Crime victims and concerned citizens | VINELink Wisconsin or (888) 944-8463 |
Buffalo Incarceration Statistics
Buffalo County is a largely rural county in western Wisconsin with lower overall crime and incarceration rates compared to state averages. Buffalo County does not operate its own dedicated jail—local inmates are typically held at the Pepin County Jail or other regional facilities.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 10 (statewide) | 175 (statewide) | 7% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 7 (statewide) | 122 (statewide) | 5% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 2 (statewide) | 36 (statewide) | 1% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 1 (statewide) | 2 (statewide) | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 80 (statewide) | 1,312 (statewide) | 56% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 60 (statewide) | 985 (statewide) | 42% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 15 (statewide) | 254 (statewide) | 11% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 5 (statewide) | 73 (statewide) | 3% | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 30 (statewide) | 492 (statewide) | 21% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 15 (statewide) | 245 (statewide) | 11% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 8 (statewide) | 131 (statewide) | 6% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 84% Male, 16% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 18%, 25-34: 29%, 35-44: 25%, 45+: 28% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 60%, Black: 28%, Hispanic: 8%, Other: 4% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug offenses, Property crimes, DUI | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 18 months | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 32% (3-year) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Buffalo County?
As of the latest estimate, Buffalo County holds approximately 82 individuals in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer terms may be transferred to a state facility outside the county.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 56 | 68% | $95 | 78% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 14 | 17% | $95 | 75% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 7 | 9% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 3 | 4% | $105 | 65% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 2 | 2% | $190 | 40% |
| Total | 82 | 100% | — | — |
Buffalo County Facility Directory
Buffalo County operates one correctional facility, a county jail, serving adult detainees, and utilizes regional facilities when necessary.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo County Jail | County Jail | 407 S. 2nd St, Alma, NE | 12 | 6 | Medium |
| Buffalo County Juvenile Center | Youth Facility | 2025 Ave A, Kearney, NE | 10 | 4 | Medium |
| Buffalo/Hall Regional Facility | Regional Facility | 110 Public Safety Dr, Grand Island, NE | 300 | 250 | Mixed |
Buffalo County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Legal Aid
- Family & Community Support