Find Buchanan County Police Records
Buchanan County police records are public documents held by the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office and the St. Joseph Police Department. These records include arrest logs, incident reports, booking data, accident reports, and warrant information. Missouri's Sunshine Law provides public access to these files once an investigation is no longer active. This page explains how to request records from Buchanan County law enforcement, what fees apply, and where to look online for related criminal history information.
Buchanan County Police Records Quick Facts
Buchanan County Police Records
The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. Sheriff William Puett leads the department at 501 Faraon Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The fax number is (816) 271-5555. The Buchanan County Sheriff website provides department information, contacts, and resources. Records maintained by the office include incident reports, arrest records, booking logs, civil process records, warrants, and inmate rosters.
Sheriff Bill Puett serves as President of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association, which means the Buchanan County office plays a visible role in shaping law enforcement policy statewide. The St. Joseph Police Department also maintains its own records for incidents within city limits, separate from the sheriff's office. For city police records from St. Joseph, contact the St. Joseph Police Department directly. For incidents in unincorporated areas of the county, the sheriff's office is the right place to request records.
Under RSMo Chapter 610, all arrest and incident reports become public records once an investigation becomes inactive. Section 610.100 RSMo is the specific statute that applies to law enforcement records. While a case is active, records may be withheld to protect victims, witnesses, or the integrity of the investigation. Once closed, the public has a right to access those files. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles criminal cases in Buchanan and Andrew counties, and records for those cases are available through Missouri Case.net.
How to Request Buchanan County Police Records
Records requests for the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office should be submitted in writing. You can go in person to 501 Faraon Street in St. Joseph during business hours, mail your request to the same address, or contact the department by fax at (816) 271-5555. For specific records inquiries, you can also call (816) 236-8812 before submitting a formal written request. The Records Division handles incoming requests and ensures responses go out within the required deadlines.
Your written request should be specific. Include the names of people involved, the date and location of the incident, the type of report, and any identifiers like a report number, booking number, or case number you already have. For accident reports, include the date and approximate location on the road. For arrest records, the date of arrest and the name of the person arrested is usually sufficient. For multiple records, list each one separately so staff can track which items have been fulfilled.
Fees are governed by Section 610.026 RSMo. Paper copies cost no more than $0.10 per page. Research fees are based on the hourly rate of the lowest-paid capable staff member. The three-business-day response deadline under Section 610.023 applies from the day after the request is received. For large or complex requests, the agency may extend the deadline but must explain why in writing. You can request a cost estimate before authorizing the agency to proceed with any work that will generate fees.
Note: St. Joseph Police Department records are separate from the county sheriff's records. Contact the St. Joseph Police Department at 816-232-7300 for incidents within city limits.
Missouri Sunshine Law in Buchanan County
All public agencies in Buchanan County, including the sheriff's office and local police departments, operate under Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo). The law establishes a default of openness. Every government record is presumed public unless a specific exemption applies. The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, as a public body, must designate a Custodian of Records who handles incoming requests and ensures the office meets its legal obligations.
Section 610.023 sets the three-business-day response window. Section 610.026 caps copy fees. If an agency denies a request, it must cite the specific statute that allows the denial. Blanket denials without a legal basis are not valid under Missouri law. Partial disclosures are common for records that contain both public and protected information. The non-exempt portions must be released even if other parts are redacted.
The Missouri Attorney General's Office enforces the Sunshine Law and accepts complaints from residents who believe an agency has not followed the rules. The AG's website has a FAQ, sample request language, and a complaint form. If the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office or any other county agency violates the law, you can report it to the AG without needing a lawyer. The AG's office may investigate and pursue enforcement action if warranted.
Online Resources for Buchanan County Records
Missouri Case.net covers Buchanan County through the 5th Judicial Circuit. You can search criminal and civil case records by name or case number at no cost. The system shows charges, docket entries, court dates, and outcomes. Case.net is updated regularly and is the most reliable free tool for checking whether an arrest in Buchanan County led to charges or a conviction.
The Missouri Sex Offender Registry includes offenders registered in Buchanan County. The registry is managed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol CJIS Division and is searchable by name or by proximity to an address. For questions, the toll-free line is 1-888-SOR-MSHP (767-6747). You can also sign up for email alerts when offenders register near a specific area.
Statewide criminal history checks are available through MACHS. Name-based searches cost $15 and return open records. Fingerprint searches cost $20 plus vendor fees and return complete records including expunged files. The MSHP CJIS Division manages MACHS and maintains Missouri's central criminal history repository. The Missouri Department of Corrections also has a free offender search for anyone in or recently released from state custody.
Nearby Counties
Buchanan County is in northwest Missouri along the Missouri River. Adjacent counties are listed below.