What are Cole County Public Records?
Missouri's Sunshine Law defines Cole County public records as any record, whether written or electronically stored, generated, used, retained, or maintained by a government body in connection to office business. Public records in Cole County may appear in different forms such as books, papers, maps, letters, microfilms, photographs, sound recordings, and more. The law mandates government bodies to provide access to the documents upon request. However, government bodies can also restrict access to certain records as established under the law. Documents that may be exempt include:
- Information about a government body meeting closed to the general public
- Information about ongoing or pending law enforcement case
- Information that may constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy
- Any information covered by state or federal laws
Cole County Crime Statistics
The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is responsible for providing country-wide public access to annual crime statistics. Per the 2019 crimes report, Cole County recorded 34 violent crimes, 381 property crimes, and 0ne arson. The violent crimes include one murder and nonnegligent manslaughter case, one robbery case, and 32 aggravated assault cases. Note, there was no record of a rape case. On the other hand, property crimes consist of 62 burglary cases, 286 larceny-theft cases, and 33 motor vehicle theft cases.
In comparison to the 2018 crimes report, Cole County recorded 55 violent crimes, 268 property crimes, and two arsons. The violent crimes include 55 aggravated assault cases. There was no record of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, and robbery. Meanwhile, property crimes consist of 50 burglary cases, 198 larceny-theft cases, and 20 motor vehicle theft cases.
Are Cole County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. According to Missouri Sunshine Laws, all members of the public can inspect or obtain copies of Cole County criminal records. Interested individuals can contact the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court to submit a record request. The Division serves as the record custodian for all criminal cases filed in the county. Requesters may choose to obtain the records in person or via mail.
Physical Address:
Criminal / Traffic Division
301 E High Street
Room 206
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9150
Fax: (573) 635-5376
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1870
Jefferson City, MO 65101
As an alternative, Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains and provides statewide public access to the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS). The MACHS allows requesters to access criminal history information via fingerprint or name search portal.
How to Obtain Cole County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Requesters can obtain Cole County police reports and arrest records from the Cole County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's office is responsible for all law enforcement reports and records in Cole County. Individuals interested in these documents can obtain in person or by mail:
Physical Address:
Cole County Sheriff's Office
350 E High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9160
Fax: (573) 634-2336
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 426
Jefferson City, MO 65102
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Cole County
The Missouri State Highway Patrol collates and maintains statewide information on sex offenders via the Missouri Sex Offender Registry. Requesters can access sex offender information in Cole County using the Offender search or Interactive Map search. The Offender search enables requesters to access sex offender information using last name, first name, date of birth, tier level, street name, city, county, and zip code. Meanwhile, with the Interactive Map search, interested persons can access Cole County sex offender records by street name, street number, zip code, and distance.
How to Find Cole County Inmate Records
The Missouri Department of Corrections maintains and provides statewide coverage of inmate records through the offender search portal. Individuals interested in Cole County inmate records can use the DOC ID or Offender's first name and last name to access the required information. Note, the information available on the offender search portal is updated regularly. Therefore, requesters must ensure the information gathered from the site are up to date.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Cole County Jail?
Family and friends can visit an inmate in Cole County jail using video visitation. Interested persons who wish to visit the facility must schedule a visit in advance. The Cole County jail allows both remote and onsite video visitation. Note, visitors can contact the Sheriff's Office to use the onsite video visitation at no cost. Meanwhile, remote video visitation may cost a fee. Onsite visitation is only allowed during the following hours:
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Physical Address:
Cole County Sheriff's Office
350 E High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9160
Fax: (573) 634-2336
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 426
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Court Records
The Missouri trial court system comprises of Circuit Courts, Municipal Courts, and Administrative Hearing Commissions. However, there are only two types of courts in Cole County: Circuit Court and Municipal Court. Overall, the Circuit Court can handle all civil and criminal cases within the county. Meanwhile, Municipal Courts oversee limited cases such as violations of municipal ordinances. The following is the location of courts in Cole County:
Circuit Court in Cole County
Cole County Circuit Court
301 East High Street
P.O. Box 1870
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9150
Fax: (573) 635-0796
Municipal Courts in Cole County
Jefferson City Municipal Court
427 Monroe Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-6316
Taos Municipal Division
301 East High Street
P.O. Box 1870
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9150
Fax: (573) 635-0796
Wardsville Municipal Division
301 East High Street
P.O. Box 1870
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9150
Fax: (573) 635-0796
Are Cole County Court Records Public?
Most Cole County court records are public records. In compliance with the Missouri Sunshine Law, members of the public can access these records without restriction. Although, some court records protected by state statute may be restricted. Also, court documents are restricted due to their sensitive information. Such information may include juvenile court records, adoption records, and more. Individuals interested in Cole County court records must contact the Circuit Clerk's office.
How to Obtain Cole County Civil Court Case Records
Individuals interested in Cole County civil court case records can obtain them from the Civil Division of the Cole County Circuit Court. The Civil Division is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of all civil court records that occurred within its jurisdiction. In addition, interested persons must provide a clear description of the document they seek and valid photo identification. Requesters can contact the office location via:
Physical Address:
Civil / Associate Civil Division
301 E High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1870
Jefferson City, MO 65101
How to Obtain Cole County Criminal Court Records
The Criminal Division of the Cole County Circuit Court maintains and issues copies of criminal court records within its jurisdiction. Requesters who intend to inspect or obtain copies of Cole County criminal court records must contact the Clerk's office. Also, requesters must provide relevant information to aid the document search.
Physical Address:
Criminal / Traffic Division
301 E High Street
Room 206
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9150
Fax: (573) 635-5376
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1870
Jefferson City, MO 65101
What are Cole County Vital Records?
Cole County vital records are documents, generated and maintained by government bodies, that provide information about major life. Examples of Cole County vital records include birth records, death records, marriage records, and divorce records. Requesters can contact the government body in charge to inspect or obtain copies of vital records in Cole County. In addition, Individuals interested in these documents must present a detailed description of the record, valid photo identification, and appropriate fees. Some Cole County vital records, however, are not accessible to the general public.
Where and How to Obtain Cole County Divorce Records
Requesters can obtain copies of Cole County divorce records at the Cole County Circuit Clerk's office. The Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of divorce records within the county. Interested persons must provide relevant information such as the names of the parties involved, the date of the event, location, and more. Requesters can access Cole County divorce records in person or by mail.
Physical Address:
Civil / Associate Civil Division
301 E High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9150
Fax: (573) 635-0796
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1870
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Where and How to Get Public Cole County Marriage Records
The Cole County Recorder of Deeds maintains and issues copies of marriage records within the jurisdiction. Individuals interested in Cole County marriage records can obtain them in person, by mail, or online. The Recorder of Deeds provides public access to its online record search database that allows requesters to obtain marriage records from 1821 to date. Requesters who wish to inspect or obtain marriage records in person or by mail must provide a clear description of the document and valid photo identification. Interested persons can address their requests to:
Physical Address:
Cole County Recorder of Deeds
311 E High Street
Room 101 Courthouse Annex
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9115
Fax: (573) 634-4631
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 353
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Where and How to Find Cole County Birth Records
Requesters can find Cole County birth records at the Cole County Health Department. The department is the county repository for all birth records within the jurisdiction from 1920 to date. Nevertheless, birth records in Cole County are confidential records. Therefore, the documents are only accessible by authorized individuals. Such persons may include the registrant, parent, legal guardian, spouse, sibling, children, legal representative, and more. Note, applicants must provide valid photo identification such as a U.S passport, driver's license cards, state ID, U.S military ID, school ID, and more.
In Cole County, birth records cost $15 per copy. Individuals interested in Cole County birth records can obtain them in person or by mail. In addition, requesters must complete and submit a birth records request form. The department mandates requesters to include a stamped self-addressed envelope in their mail requests. Mail requests must be notarized by an acceptable Notary Public. Requesters should send their mail requests to:
Mailing Address:
Cole County Health Department
Vital Records
3400 W Truman Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO 65109
The Cole County Health Department permit requesters to visit the office location during business hours:
Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Physical Address:
3400 W Truman Blvd
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 636-2181
Where and How to Find Cole County Death Records
The Cole County Health Department is responsible for keeping and issuing copies of all deaths within its jurisdiction from 1980 to date. Individuals interested in Cole County death records can inspect or obtain them in person or by mail. Although, only eligible persons can obtain death records from the health department. Under state laws, an authorized applicant includes a parent, sibling, spouse, child, legal representative, or other persons with a legitimate interest. Note, applicants must provide relevant supporting documents to prove their eligibility status. Acceptable forms of identification are a driver's license, state ID, U.S passport, U.S military ID, school ID, and more.
Death records in Cole County cost $14 for the first copy and an additional $11 for each copy of the same document ordered at the same time. Also, requesters must complete and submit a death records request form. Applicants must provide a stamped self-addressed envelope with their mail requests. Note, the department only accepts requests notarized by an acceptable Notary Public. Acceptable means of payment include a check or money order payable to the Cole County Health Department.
Mailing Address:
Cole County Health Department
Vital Records
3400 W Truman Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Interested persons can visit the Cole County Health Department location to obtain or inspect the death records, Requesters can walk in during office hours:
Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Physical Address:
3400 W Truman Blvd
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 636-2181
