Crime Statistics
Crime statistics in Missouri are provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) on the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Statistical Analysis Website. This government body is in charge of gathering information from law enforcement reports and publishing that data for public consumption. In 2018, Buchanan County reported 152 rapes, 69 robberies, 323 aggravated assaults, 8 murders, 775 burglaries, 2649 larcenies, 613 motor vehicle thefts, and 16 arsons.
Compared to crime reports in 2014, these numbers reflect a reduction in 5 out of 8 major crimes and an increase in the rest. Rapes, burglaries, and motor vehicle theft rose by 171%, 1.57%, and 75.14% respectively. Whereas murders, robberies, aggravated assaults, larcenies, and arson dropped by -75%, -22.47%, -30.03%, -24.05%, and -5.88% respectively.
What Are Buchanan Criminal Records?
Buchanan county criminal records are official documents containing information regarding the criminal activity of county residents. These records feature information regarding the criminal offenses of the subject as well as their conviction history, sentences and paroles (if applicable).
These records are generated and held at both county and state levels by law enforcement agencies.
How Do I Get Buchanan Criminal Records?
Residents of Buchanan County may obtain named-based or fingerprint-based criminal history records from the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the MSHP. This can be done by requesting online, using the mail service, or walk-in service.
The CJIS maintains a criminal history search website called the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). Interested parties may search open records through the MACHS Name Search Portal or the MACHS Fingerprint Search Portal. Searches on the former require the applicant to have an individual’s name, date of birth, or social security number. It costs $14 plus a convenience fee. Searches on the latter require the individual’s fingerprint. Applicants may also use this site to search for fingerprint locations in the county. Anyone can make either search as the records on both portals are considered open records.
To request a name-based record or personal identifier check by mail, send a completed Request for Criminal Record Check to the CJIS. It costs $14 payable by check or money order to the ‘State of Missouri, Criminal Record System Fund’. It takes 4 to 6 weeks to process a request.
Applicants requesting fingerprint-based checks are required to attach a fingerprint card with their application. The fee is $20 ($14 for foster care and CCW endorsements). Find the mailing address below:
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Post Office Box 9500
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Applicants with valid identification may use the walk-in service at the CJIS. It takes 30 minutes to process a personal identifier check order. To request a fingerprint-based check, submit a fingerprint card at the MSHP’s public window. Fees and acceptable forms of payment are the same as when requesting by mail. The CJIS charges $2 to notarize results. Find the address below:
Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Public Access Window
Annex Building
1510 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Obtain arrest records and police reports online at the Public Records Center through the Custodian of Records. Alternatively, use the Public Request Form format to send a written request by fax, (573) 526-7168, in-person, or mail to the following address:
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Attn: Custodian of Records
Post Office Box 1408 (1510 East Elm Street)
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Processing times are 20 to 30 business days. If the Custodian of Records assesses a fee to the request, applicants may pay by personal check, cashiers check, business check, or money order. Call (573) 526-6167 to schedule an appointment to view a record before purchase.
The Custodian of Records does not process requests for accident reports, reconstructions, and accident-related photographs. Make those requests at the Patrol Records Division.
Residents of Buchanan County may also obtain reports from the Sheriff's Office. Individuals may request a police report online with a form by inputting details about the incident. These may include the case number, type of report, name of the person and the officer involved, and date of the incident. Fees are ascribed at the office’s discretion.
Where Can I Find Buchanan County Sex Offender Information?
Buchanan county residents may search for registered sex offenders on the Offender Search Tool of the state Sex Offender Online Registry. The Missouri State Highway Patrol provides this website so that residents of Buchanan County can search offenders living in their neighborhoods. Searches can be conducted by the name, date of birth, level, and location of the offender. There is also an option to download the entire registry.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Buchanan County Jail?
Buchanan County has one jail. It is run by the Corrections Division of the Sheriff’s office. It is located at 501 Faraon St, St Joseph, MO 64501. Its contact number is (816) 236-8800. Interested parties may search the Inmate Locator for individuals incarcerated in the facility.
Visit the Division’s Inmate Commissary and Phone Money page for information on funding an inmate’s account.
What are Buchanan County Court Records?
Buchanan county court records are the court’s official accounts of criminal and civil court case proceedings. The Buchanan County Circuit Clerk’s office maintains court records in the county. These records are available to the public unless sealed by court order. To access Buchanan county court records interested persons may query the office of the Circuit Court Clerk in person or via mail.
Location of all The Courthouses in Buchanan County
Buchanan County has one Circuit Court which handles civil and criminal cases, probate, marriage dissolution petitions, traffic cases, and small claims, amongst others. The Courthouse is located at the addresses below:
Buchanan County Courthouse
5th Judicial Circuit Court
411 Jules Street
Saint Joseph, MO 64501
Phone: (816) 271-1462
Fax: (816) 271-1538
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Interested persons may also obtain Buchanan County property records from the Recorder of Deeds office at 411 Jules Room 103, Saint Joseph, MO 64501. The office is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (816) 271-1437 for inquiries. It costs $1 per page, $1 for certification (charged per document), and $5 per plat page
What are Buchanan County Vital Records?
Buchanan county vital records are official documents containing information regarding vital events that occurred within county limits. These records include marriage, divorce, birth, and death records. Unlike most public records, these records may be restricted from public access, but accessible to selected persons. However, eligible persons may request these records from either state or county-operated repositories.
Where and How to Get Buchanan County Divorce Records
If a divorce is granted in Buchanan County, individuals may request divorce records from the County Circuit Clerk’s office. For information regarding the process, requestors are advised to contact court staff at (816) 271-1462. Typically, requestors are required to provide information regarding the parties involved as well as the place and the date of the divorce.
Where and How to Get Buchanan County Divorce Records
Applicants may request certified copies of marriage licenses from the Recorder of Deeds office by mail, phone, or in person. For mail requests, include the spouses’ name, date of marriage, and time of marriage. It costs $2 for copies of marriage licenses and $10 for certified copies payable by money order. Send the mail to the address below:
Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds
411 Jules Street
Room 103
St Joseph, MO. 64501
To order by phone, call (816) 271-1437 with the request. Use a credit card to make the payment, a service fee is attached. Make in-person requests at the Recorder’s office.
Residents of Buchanan County may also order marriage and divorce records statements from July 1, 1948, to date through the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records. Submit an Application for a Vital Record in-person to the Vital Records office in Jefferson City or send a mail the address below:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
This request can also be submitted by email. The office charges $15 per record and $15 for additional copies. However, note that the Bureau does not issue certified copies of marriage licenses. The marriage statement issued only contains the names of spouses, date of marriage, and county of marriage.
Where and How to Get Buchanan County Birth and Death Records
The Buchanan County Circuit Court Clerk issues birth records from 1883 to 1893. To make an order, contact the Clerk’s office on (816) 271-1462. Birth records on and between 1891 to 1909 may be found at St. Joseph Public Library. Call (816) 232-8151 to order. To obtain birth records after 1910, visit the St. Joseph Health Department or request by mail with a completed Application for a Vital Record. It costs $15 per record and $15 for additional copies.
Interested parties may order death records from 1883 to 1893 from the Circuit Clerk’s office by calling the office’s number. Records after 1909 can be found at St. Joseph Health Department. It costs $13 per record and $10 for additional copies.
For any vital records request, applicants are required to have or send in a valid photo ID at the time of their request. All fees for requests made to the Bureau of Vital Records or its local health departments are payable only by check or money order to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
