Scott County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Scott County in 2026
ScottMORecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Scott County, Missouri. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, bond details, and facility assignments through this resource. The following record categories are available for search:
- Current inmate rosters
- Booking and arrest records
- Charge and bond information
- Custody and release status
- Court date information
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking inmate information.
Online Search Methods
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Scott County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate roster that members of the public may access to locate individuals currently held at the county jail.
Steps to access the inmate search:
- Navigate to the Scott County Sheriff's Office official website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Roster" section
- Select a search type: by name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the required search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review the list of results returned by the system
- Select an individual record to view detailed information
Information displayed in search results:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing assignment
- Booking date and time
- Expected release date (when available)
The roster is updated on a daily basis. Members of the public are advised that recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system.
Scott County Sheriff's Office
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3525
Scott County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals who have been convicted and transferred to a Missouri state correctional facility, the Missouri Department of Corrections maintains a statewide offender search database. This resource is distinct from the county jail roster and covers individuals serving sentences in state prison facilities.
How to search:
- Access the MODOC Offender Search portal
- Enter the offender's first name, last name, or offender ID number
- Review results for custody status, facility location, and sentence information
Information available through the state DOC search:
- Current facility assignment
- Offense and conviction information
- Projected release date
- Supervision status (parole or probation)
Individuals are transferred from county jail to state custody after sentencing, a process that at present takes place within several weeks of a final court disposition. During the transfer period, the individual may not appear in the state DOC database and should be searched through the county jail roster.
Missouri Department of Corrections
2729 Plaza Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 751-2389
Missouri Department of Corrections
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
For individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free public search tool. This resource is applicable when an individual has been arrested by a federal agency or charged under federal law.
Information available:
- Register number and age
- Race and sex
- Release date (projected or actual)
- Location of federal facility
Phone Search
Members of the public may contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office directly at (573) 545-3525 to request inmate information by phone. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In-Person Inquiry
Members of the public may visit the Scott County Sheriff's Office in person to request inmate information. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, booking information, and scheduled court dates.
Scott County Sheriff's Office / County Jail
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3525
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
By Mail
Written requests for inmate records may be submitted by mail to the Scott County Sheriff's Office at 131 S. New Madrid Street, Benton, MO 63736. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, approximate booking date if known, and the requestor's return mailing address. Processing time varies and is subject to staff availability.
Search Tips
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when multiple individuals share a name
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate
If an individual does not appear in the county jail roster, the following explanations may apply:
- The individual may have been transferred to a Missouri state prison (search the MODOC Offender Search)
- The individual may be in federal custody (search the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator)
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in an adjacent jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (573) 545-3525 for assistance
Are Inmate Records Public in Scott County?
Inmate records in Scott County are subject to public disclosure under Missouri's Sunshine Law, codified at § 610.010 et seq. of the Missouri Revised Statutes. This statute establishes that records of public governmental bodies are presumed open to the public unless a specific exemption applies.
As stated by the Missouri Attorney General's Office, "The Sunshine Law reflects the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public."
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed against the individual
- Bond type and bond amount
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date (when available)
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell assignments for security purposes
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests:
- Promotes government transparency and accountability
- Supports public safety by informing the community
- Enables family members to locate detained individuals
- Facilitates legal proceedings and attorney representation
- Supports the bail bond industry's operational requirements
Privacy Considerations:
Missouri law recognizes a balance between public transparency and individual privacy. Certain categories of sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, are protected from disclosure under § 610.021 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which enumerates specific exemptions to the general rule of openness. The impact of public inmate records on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged, and the law limits disclosure to information that serves a legitimate public interest.
What Is Inmate Records in Scott County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals detained in a correctional facility. These records are generated at the point of booking and updated throughout an individual's period of custody.
The Scott County Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of county jail inmate records. The Missouri Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
Distinctions between record types:
- Booking records document the initial intake process, including personal identification information, charges, and bond information
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during detention, including housing assignments and transfers
- Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior and current periods of custody
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody
Distinctions between facility types:
- County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial or serving short sentences, at present administered by the Scott County Sheriff's Office
- State prison records pertain to individuals convicted of felonies and serving longer sentences in Missouri Department of Corrections facilities
- Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses and held in Bureau of Prisons facilities
What's Included in Inmate Records in Scott County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security limitations)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following release)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (when applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (when applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings in Scott County
- Previous charges
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments (in some cases)
- Program participation
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Scott County Prison System
The Scott County jail system is operated by the Scott County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody.
Administration:
Scott County Sheriff's Office
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3525
Scott County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Scott County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and individuals awaiting transfer to Missouri state correctional facilities. The classification system assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on the nature of their charges and behavioral history.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted medical staff
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse program access
- Religious services
- Recreation and library access
Legal Services:
- Law library access for inmates
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs:
- Pre-release planning assistance
- Referrals to community-based substance abuse treatment
- Housing and employment referral services
Oversight and Accountability:
The Scott County Jail is subject to oversight by the Missouri Department of Corrections pursuant to § 221.020 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which establishes standards for county jail operations. Grievance procedures are available to inmates through the facility's administrative process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Scott County
Scott County Jail
Scott County Jail
131 S. New Madrid Street
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3525
Scott County Sheriff's Office
The Scott County Jail is the primary detention facility serving Scott County, Missouri. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody. The jail operates under the administration of the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
Population served:
- Pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings
- Sentenced misdemeanor offenders
- Felony holdovers pending transfer to state prison
- Federal contract inmates (when applicable)
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Scott County may offer home detention or electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and community ties. Members of the public seeking information on this program should contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office at (573) 545-3525.
Work Release
Work release programs allow sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility requirements and program availability are subject to court approval and facility capacity. Contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office for current program availability.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Scott County are transferred to Missouri state correctional facilities operated by the Missouri Department of Corrections. These facilities are distinct from the county jail and are administered at the state level. The Southeast Correctional Center, located in Charleston, Missouri, is among the state facilities that may receive transfers from Scott County.
Southeast Correctional Center
300 E. Pedro Simmons Drive
Charleston, MO 63834
Phone: (573) 683-4114
Missouri Department of Corrections
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held in federal custody under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The nearest federal facilities serving the southeastern Missouri region include facilities in the Eastern District of Missouri. Members of the public may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator to locate federally held individuals.
How To Find an Inmate in Scott County for Free?
Multiple free resources are available to members of the public seeking to locate an inmate in Scott County without incurring any cost.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Scott County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate roster accessible without registration. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bonds, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated on a daily basis.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The MODOC Offender Search is a free public tool for locating individuals in Missouri state prison facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals previously supervised by the Missouri Department of Corrections.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free search for individuals in federal custody. No registration or fee is required.
4. Court Records Search
Court records maintained by the Scott County Circuit Court may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates. The Missouri Case.net system provides free public access to Missouri court case information.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the Scott County Sheriff's Office at (573) 545-3525 at no charge to request basic inmate information. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Scott County Sheriff's Office at 131 S. New Madrid Street, Benton, MO 63736, during regular business hours. Staff assistance is available at the front desk, and no fee is charged for basic inmate information.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:
Always Free:
- Online inmate roster search
- Current custody status inquiry
- Basic inmate information by phone
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office
- State DOC offender search
- Federal BOP inmate locator
Services That Cost Money:
- Sending money to an inmate's account
- Video visitation (fees set by service provider)
- Phone calls placed by inmates
- Commissary orders
- Background checks or certified record copies
- Detailed reports from third-party services
Avoid Paid Services For:
- Basic inmate location (free official sources are available)
- Public court records accessible through Missouri Case.net
- Booking photographs available at no cost on official government websites
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for information available at no cost through official government sources. Official government websites use .gov or .mo.gov domain extensions. Under § 610.026 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, fees for public records are limited to the actual cost of document search, duplication, and transmission. Members of the public should verify they are accessing an official government website before submitting any payment.