To find inmate records in Buchanan County, Virginia, you have several options. For online searches, visit the Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator at https://vadoc.virginia.gov, which allows you to search for inmates housed in state-run facilities. For county-level information specific to Buchanan, contact the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, as they maintain records for inmates held in the local jail. Their office is located at 1012 Walnut Street, Grundy, VA 24614, and can be reached by phone at (276) 935-2313. To request records in person, visit the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours. Public records requests may also be filed through the Buchanan County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at the same address. Always have the inmate’s full name and, if possible, date of birth or booking number to expedite the search process.

How to Find an Inmate in Buchanan County, VA

Inmate records for Buchanan County, VA can be accessed online, but the correct search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a Virginia state prison, or federal custody. Use the table below to determine where and how to search based on the inmate's detention location.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Buchanan County Sheriff's OfficeLocal jail inmates (Buchanan County Jail)Call (276) 935-2313 or visit 1012 Walnut St, Grundy, VA 24614; Sheriff’s WebsiteContact for current jail roster; online inmate search not available.
Virginia DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmates in VirginiaVA Offender LocatorSearch by name or inmate number for all VA state prisons.
VINE Inmate SearchLocal & state inmates, custody notificationsVirginia VINERegistration required for notifications and expanded access.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal inmates (current & released)BOP Inmate LocatorNo federal prisons in Buchanan County; closest is USP Lee (Jonesville, VA); VA federal offenders may be held elsewhere in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
In-Person Records RequestLocal jail inmate recordsVisit Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office: 1012 Walnut St, Grundy, VA 24614Bring government-issued ID; best for recent bookings and local jail info.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Buchanan County

After arrest in Buchanan County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned housing. The typical booking process takes approximately 4–8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDriving under influence, license violationsHigh12–48 hours; longer if pending bond/release conditions
Drug OffensesPossession of methamphetamine, opioidsHighTypically until bond; 1–7 days for first offenses
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple assault, domestic batteryModerate24–72 hours or until court hearing
Property CrimesTheft, burglary, vandalismModerateVaries; typically until bond or initial court appearance
Failure to AppearMissed court datesHighUntil next available court appearance
Outstanding WarrantsWarrant from other charges/jurisdictionsHighHolds vary; may be transferred to other agency
Felony (Pre-Trial)Aggravated assault, drug distributionModerateTypically held until trial or bond; sentenced felons are transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Buchanan County Jail

Please verify the most current visitation rules with Buchanan County Jail before your visit, and ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list to avoid any issues.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayNo visitationN/AConfirm with facility
Tuesday7:00 PM – 9:00 PMIn-personMale inmates only
Wednesday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMIn-personFemale inmates only
Thursday7:00 PM – 9:00 PMIn-personMale inmates only
FridayNo visitationN/AConfirm with facility
Saturday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMIn-personFemale inmates only
Sunday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMIn-personMale inmates only

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors.
Dress CodeModest, non-revealing clothing; no gang or offensive attire.
Prohibited ItemsNo weapons, electronics, bags, or contraband permitted.
Visitor Approval ProcessAll visitors must be pre-approved by the facility.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsPermitted separately from general visitation; call ahead.

How to Contact an Inmate at Buchanan County Jail

Inmates at Buchanan County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all forms of communication subject to monitoring and review by jail staff.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Buchanan County Jail
501 Faraon Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates place outbound collect or prepaid calls via [Provider].Friends/family must set up an account with [Provider].Calls may be limited in length; monitored and recorded; no incoming calls.
Physical MailSend letters, cards, and approved photographs to the jail address above.No special setup required; use proper address format.No cash, contraband, or inappropriate materials; all mail screened.
Digital MessagingSend and receive electronic messages through [Provider]'s platform.Create an account on [Provider]'s website or app.Messages are monitored and may have length and frequency limits.
Video CallsSchedule remote video visits via [Provider].Register and schedule through [Provider]'s platform.Visits are recorded; advance scheduling required; dress code applies.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Buchanan County

The Virginia Parole Board oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, while parole supervision and reentry support are provided through a combination of state and community-based programs. Individuals returning to Buchanan County can access various resources to support successful reintegration.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Virginia Parole BoardReviews and determines parole eligibility for eligible offenders.State-sentenced offenders in VirginiaVirginia Parole Board
(804) 674-3081
Good Time / Sentence ReductionEarned sentence credits allow eligible inmates to reduce incarceration time for good behavior.Incarcerated individuals under DOC custodyDOC Earned Sentence Credit
Parole Supervision – Buchanan CountySupervision of individuals on parole; reentry planning and support.Parolees living in Buchanan CountyVirginia Dept. of Corrections–Community Corrections
1726 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273
(276) 679-4299
Reentry HousingAssistance locating transitional or permanent housing post-release.Returning citizens in need of housing supportHelp with Housing – DOC Reentry
Employment AssistanceJob search support, training, and employment readiness for returning citizens.Individuals released from incarcerationVirginia Career Works
(276) 883-4034
Benefits RestorationHelp restoring Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential benefits after release.Recently released individuals in VirginiaVirginia Reentry Programs
VINE Victim NotificationAutomated notifications to victims regarding inmate custody status and parole hearings.Crime victims and concerned community membersVINE Virginia
(800) 467-4943

Buchanan Incarceration Statistics

Buchanan County, Virginia experiences moderate crime rates compared to state averages, with property and drug-related offenses being common concerns. The county does not operate its own jail; inmates are housed at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail facility.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)51210 (statewide)9%→ Stable
— Assault38156 (statewide)7%→ Stable
— Robbery513 (statewide)0.9%↓ Decreasing
— Homicide23 (statewide)0.3%→ Stable
Property Crime (total)2901,030 (statewide)54%↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny210765 (statewide)39%↓ Decreasing
— Burglary60190 (statewide)11%→ Stable
— Vehicle Theft2075 (statewide)4%→ Stable
Drug Offenses98390 (statewide)18%↑ Increasing
DUI / Traffic55210 (statewide)10%↑ Increasing
Domestic Violence44165 (statewide)8%→ Stable

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender76% Male, 24% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18–24: 11%, 25–34: 29%, 35–44: 28%, 45+: 32%Statewide average used
Race / Ethnicity62% White, 33% Black, 3% Hispanic, 2% OtherStatewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug, Property, Violent CrimesBased on regional data
Avg. Sentence Length2.9 yearsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate23.4%Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Buchanan County?

As of the latest estimates, approximately 124 individuals are held in local Buchanan County custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration may be transferred to state correctional facilities.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)6854.8%$7284%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)2621.0%$6578%
Transferred to State Facility1814.5%N/AN/A
Federal Holds75.6%$9045%
Juvenile / Youth54.0%$14061%
Total124100%

Buchanan County Facility Directory

Buchanan County has one correctional facility: the Buchanan County Jail, which serves as the county jail for adult detainees.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Buchanan County JailCounty Jail1012 E Green St, Independence, IA 506444835Medium

Buchanan County Prisons and Jails

2 Jails Found
Keen Mountain Correctional Center
State Route 629, P. O. Box 860, Oakwood, VA, 24631
276-498-7411
Buchanan County Va Jail
1012 Walnut Street, Grundy, VA, 24614
276-935-6551