Search Buffalo County, SD Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Buffalo County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Buffalo County, SD
- 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, South Dakota, you can begin by visiting the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, which is responsible for maintaining inmate and jail records locally; their office is located in Gann Valley, the county seat. For online research, South Dakota's Department of Corrections offers an offender locator tool at their website (doc.sd.gov), which allows you to search for inmates held in state facilities, though it may not include all jail or county detention information. If the records aren’t available online, you can contact the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office directly by phone or in person to request inmate information. Additionally, you may visit the county courthouse for public access to arrest and incarceration records. Remember to have basic details such as the inmate's name and date of birth to facilitate your search, and be aware that privacy laws may limit access to certain details.
How to Find an Inmate in Buffalo County, SD
Inmate records for Buffalo County, SD, are accessible online or in person, with the appropriate search tool depending on whether the individual is held in the local jail, a South Dakota state prison, or federal custody. The following table outlines available resources and methods for conducting inmate searches based on location.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | Online search | Search for inmates in any South Dakota state correctional facility. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Jail and some state custody records | Online search | Register for custody status updates; covers local and state facilities. |
| Buffalo County Jail / Sheriff’s Office | Local jail inmates | Call (605) 893-4381 or visit: 407 2nd Ave, PO Box 188, Gann Valley, SD 57341 | Contact directly for current local inmate roster; no comprehensive online search available. |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal prison inmates | Online search | No federal prison in SD; most federal offenders from SD serve time in facilities in neighboring states (e.g., MN, IA, ND). |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail, arrest, and recent booking info | Visit Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office | Request records in person at 407 2nd Ave, Gann Valley, SD 57341; bring ID and call ahead for availability. |
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 | DUI, Driving Under Suspension | Common | 1–3 days or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of Methamphetamine | Occasional | 1–7 days or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, Domestic Assault | Common | 1–7 days or until court appearance |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary | Occasional | Up to 7 days or until bond is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Common | 1–3 days or until next court date |
| Outstanding Warrants | Arrest Warrants | Common | 1–5 days or until cleared or bonded |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Serious Drug or Violent Crimes | Occasional | Until trial or transfer to state facility if sentenced |
Visitation Rules at Buffalo County Jail
Before visiting, please verify the current visitation rules with Buffalo County Jail and ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list, as policies may change without notice.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Confirm with facility | In-person/video | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | Confirm with facility | In-person/video | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | Confirm with facility | In-person/video | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | Confirm with facility | In-person/video | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | Confirm with facility | In-person/video | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | Confirm with facility | In-person/video | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | Confirm with facility | In-person/video | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or provocative clothing. |
| Prohibited Items | No phones, bags, weapons, or contraband allowed inside visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Only individuals on the approved visitor list may visit; approval must be arranged prior. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult; supervision required at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside normal visiting hours with prior arrangement; valid credentials needed. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Buffalo County Jail
Inmates at Buffalo County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging. Please note that all communications are subject to monitoring for safety and security purposes.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Buffalo County Jail
407 S 2nd Ave, Kearney, NE 68847
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using phones in their housing units through [Provider]. | Set up a prepaid or collect account with [Provider]. | Calls are monitored and limited in duration; no incoming calls allowed. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters and cards via USPS using the address format above. | No setup required. | No contraband, cash, or inappropriate content; all mail inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send electronic messages through [Provider]'s online platform or mobile app. | Register and fund an account with [Provider]. | Messages are screened for security; fees may apply. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct remote video visits through [Provider]'s system. | Create an account and schedule via [Provider]'s portal. | Visits are monitored, must be scheduled, and may have time limits. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Buffalo County
The South Dakota Board of Parole oversees parole decisions and release planning for state-sentenced offenders, while state agencies and community-based programs offer reentry support throughout Buffalo County. Below are key programs and resources for parole, release, and reentry:
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Board of Parole | Makes parole and release decisions for eligible inmates in South Dakota. | State-sentenced offenders | https://boardsandcommissions.sd.gov/board.aspx?BoardID=43 Phone: (605) 367-5040 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows inmates to earn sentence reductions for good behavior under SDCL 24-15A. | Eligible state inmates | Department of Corrections: https://doc.sd.gov/adult/ |
| Parole Supervision (Buffalo County Office) | Supervises parolees to promote compliance and reintegration; local parole agent support. | Individuals released on parole in Buffalo County | Parole Agent: SD DOC Community Supervision Phone: (605) 773-3478 (ask for Buffalo assignment) |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional and supportive housing referrals for returning citizens. | Recently released individuals in Buffalo County | SD DOC Reentry Services: https://doc.sd.gov/adult/reentry/ |
| Employment Assistance | Job search, skills training, and placement through DLR offices and local partners. | Formerly incarcerated persons | SD Department of Labor: https://dlr.sd.gov/job_seekers.aspx Wagner Job Service: (605) 384-4377 |
| Benefits Restoration | Assistance with reinstating Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), and other benefits. | Individuals reentering the community | SD Department of Social Services: https://dss.sd.gov/ Phone: (605) 773-4678 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated service to notify victims of inmate release or status changes. | Crime victims, family members | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/43000 Phone: (866) 277-7477 |
Buffalo Incarceration Statistics
Buffalo County, South Dakota, consistently reports some of the lowest crime rates in the state and does not operate a dedicated county jail; individuals arrested in Buffalo County are typically held at the regional Charles Mix County Jail or other contract facilities. Due to the county's small population and low incident numbers, most available data reflects statewide or regional metrics.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 415 (statewide) | 469.0 (statewide) | 13% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 330 (statewide) | 373.0 (statewide) | 10% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 29 (statewide) | 33.0 (statewide) | 1% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 6 (statewide) | 0.7 (statewide) | <1% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 2,805 (statewide) | 3,176.0 (statewide) | 87% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Theft / Larceny | 1,945 (statewide) | 2,202.0 (statewide) | 60% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Burglary | 425 (statewide) | 482.0 (statewide) | 13% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 125 (statewide) | 142.0 (statewide) | 4% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 900 (statewide) | 1,017.0 (statewide) | 28% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 360 (statewide) | 407.0 (statewide) | 11% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 220 (statewide) | 248.0 (statewide) | 7% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male: 85% / Female: 15% | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 18%; 25–34: 35%; 35–44: 27% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 57%; Native American: 35%; Other: 8% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug offenses, Assault, DUI | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 3.2 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 31% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Buffalo County?
As of the latest estimates, Buffalo County holds approximately 110 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer terms may be transferred to a state facility for incarceration.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 55 | 50% | $80 | 92% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 25 | 23% | $75 | 83% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 15 | 14% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 5 | 5% | $90 | 100% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 0 | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 110 | 100% | — | — |
Buffalo County Facility Directory
Buffalo County operates 1 correctional facility: a county jail. Local detainees may also be housed in the primary regional state facility.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo County Jail | County Jail | Kearney, NE | 136 | 100 | Medium |
| Dawson County Correctional Facility | Regional Facility | Lexington, NE | 160 | 120 | Medium |
Buffalo County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
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- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Re-Entry Programs & Community Support
- Family Support