Texas County Jail Houston MO is a medium-security detention center located at 519 North Grand Avenue in Houston, Missouri 65483. The facility sits on a 4-acre site and houses up to 72 inmates at any given time. It serves the entire Texas County population of approximately 4,000 residents. Staff includes correctional officers, administrators, kitchen personnel, and a jail administrator. The main phone line, 417-967-4165, connects callers to intake, visitation coordination, and financial services. Mail processing occurs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a secure drop-box available for outgoing letters. Visitation takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., limited to two adult visitors per session.
How to Locate an Inmate in Texas County Jail Houston MO
Families and legal representatives can find current inmates using the official online locator tool. Each detainee receives a unique booking number upon arrival. This number, along with the inmate’s full name and date of birth, allows instant access to custody status. The database updates daily at 2 a.m. Central Time, ensuring accuracy. Users can search by name, booking ID, or arrest date. Results show charge details, bond options, court dates, and housing unit assignments. Active warrants from the Missouri State Highway Patrol are clearly flagged with direct links to warrant records. For phone inquiries, call 417-967-4165 during business hours and provide the inmate’s full legal name and date of birth.
Visitation Rules and Scheduling at Texas County Jail Houston MO
All visitors must schedule appointments online before arriving. Walk-ins are not permitted. The visitation window is strictly Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each inmate may receive up to two adult visitors per session. Children under 12 may accompany a parent without counting toward the limit. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Contact and non-contact visits are available based on the inmate’s classification level. Visitation rooms are located on the second floor of the facility. Late arrivals will not be admitted, and all visits are monitored for security purposes. Failure to follow rules may result in suspension of visiting privileges.
Sending Mail to Inmates at Texas County Jail Houston MO
All incoming mail is scanned by jail staff for contraband, prohibited images, or coded language. Letters must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the complete jail address: Inmate Name – Booking Number, Texas County Jail, 519 North Grand Avenue, Houston, MO 65483. Packages, magazines, and newspapers are not accepted. Only standard letter-sized envelopes with handwritten or typed content are allowed. Stamps, stickers, and glitter are prohibited. Outgoing mail is collected daily and placed in a secure drop-box. Processing takes one to two business days. Inmates cannot receive cash through the mail. All correspondence becomes property of the jail and may be read by staff.
Commissary Accounts and Financial Services
Inmates at Texas County Jail Houston MO maintain individual commissary accounts for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone time. Funds can be added in three ways: online via the jail’s secure portal, by phone using a credit or debit card, or in person at the lobby kiosk during business hours. The kiosk accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. Deposits made online or by phone are typically available within one hour. In-person deposits are processed immediately. Account balances are displayed on the inmate’s daily statement. Refunds are issued upon release in the form of a check mailed to the inmate’s last known address. All transactions are recorded and subject to audit.
Bond Payment Options and Release Procedures
Bonds at Texas County Jail Houston MO can be paid in cash, through a surety agent, or via property bond. Cash bonds must be paid in full at the jail lobby during business hours. Surety bonds require a licensed bail bondsman and typically cost 10% of the total bond amount. Property bonds involve using real estate as collateral and require court approval. Once a bond is posted, release processing begins immediately. Inmates are typically released within one to two hours after payment confirmation. Release times may vary during weekends or holidays. Families should call 417-967-4165 to confirm bond eligibility and payment methods before arriving.
Medical Care and Health Services
All inmates receive basic medical screening upon intake. Emergency medical care is coordinated through local hospitals. Routine health requests are submitted through the jail administrator. Prescription medications are administered under supervision. Inmates with chronic conditions are evaluated by a contracted medical provider. Mental health services are available through referrals. All medical records are confidential and maintained separately from criminal files. Families concerned about an inmate’s health should contact the intake desk at 417-967-4165. Medical appointments outside the facility require court approval and transportation by sheriff deputies.
Staffing and Security Operations
The Texas County Jail Houston MO is staffed by 15 full-time correctional officers, three part-time officers, one jail administrator, one assistant administrator, and two full-time kitchen staff. All emergency calls go through the Texas County 911 dispatch center, which routes them to the appropriate agency. The facility operates under Missouri state jail standards. Security includes surveillance cameras, controlled access points, and regular cell inspections. Staff undergo annual training in de-escalation, first aid, and inmate rights. The reserve deputy also serves as a school resource officer for the Plato School District, supporting community safety programs.
Court Hearings and Legal Proceedings
All court hearings for inmates are held at the Houston County Courthouse, located three blocks east of the jail. The facility is part of a single judicial district, meaning no transfers are needed for appearances. Attorneys can schedule private meetings with clients during designated hours. Legal mail is exempt from routine scanning but must be clearly marked. Inmates have access to a law library with basic legal resources. Court dates are posted on the inmate roster and updated daily. Failure to appear may result in additional charges. Families can verify upcoming court dates by calling the jail or checking the online locator.
Mugshot and Public Records Access
Mugshots of inmates are published on the official county website 48 hours after booking. Requests for additional records must be submitted in writing to the sheriff’s office. The jail complies with Missouri’s Sunshine Law for public records. Some information, such as medical or mental health records, is protected by privacy laws. Media inquiries should be directed to the sheriff’s public information officer. Unauthorized photography or recording inside the facility is prohibited. All public data is verified against state databases to ensure accuracy.
Facility History and Capacity
Texas County Jail Houston MO was established in 1845 and remains the only detention facility in the county. The current building houses 72 permanent beds, each tracked digitally by the clerk’s office. The medium-security design includes individual cells, common areas, and administrative offices. Renovations in 2010 upgraded plumbing, electrical systems, and surveillance technology. The jail operates at near-full capacity most months due to limited alternatives. Overcrowding protocols include temporary housing agreements with neighboring counties. The facility meets all state-mandated safety and sanitation standards.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Texas County Jail Houston MO is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on state holidays. The main phone number is 417-967-4165. Fax number 417-967-4166 is used for legal documents and medical records. The physical address is 519 North Grand Avenue, Houston, MO 65483. Inquiries about inmate status, visitation, or commissary should be directed to the intake desk during business hours. After-hours emergencies should call 911. All non-emergency calls are logged and responded to within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas County Jail Houston MO
Many people have questions about how the jail operates, what rights inmates have, and how families can stay connected. Below are answers to the most common concerns based on official policies and state regulations.
Can I visit an inmate without a scheduled appointment?
No. All visits must be scheduled in advance through the online portal. Walk-in visits are not allowed under any circumstances. This rule helps manage staffing, maintain security, and ensure fairness for all inmates. Appointments open weekly and fill quickly, so families should book as soon as possible. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. Failure to show up without notice may result in temporary suspension of visiting privileges.
How do I find out if someone is in jail?
Use the official inmate locator on the Texas County website or call 417-967-4165. You’ll need the person’s full legal name and date of birth. If you know the booking number, that speeds up the search. The database updates every night at 2 a.m. Central Time. Results include current charges, bond amount, court date, and housing location. Information is free and available to anyone.
Can I send money to an inmate?
Yes. Money can be sent online, by phone, or in person at the lobby kiosk. Online deposits use a secure portal linked to the jail’s system. Phone payments accept major credit and debit cards. In-person deposits accept cash, credit, and debit. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within one hour for online and phone, or immediately for in-person. There is a small service fee for electronic transactions.
Are mugshots public record?
Yes. Mugshots are published 48 hours after booking and remain online until release. They appear on the county’s official inmate roster. Requests for removal must go through the sheriff’s office and are rarely granted. Mugshots are considered public information under Missouri law. However, they do not imply guilt—only that someone was booked into jail.
What happens if an inmate gets sick?
All inmates receive a medical screening upon arrival. Serious conditions are treated at local hospitals. Minor issues are handled on-site by trained staff. Inmates can request medical care at any time. Prescription drugs are given under supervision. Mental health support is available through referrals. Families worried about health should contact the intake desk. Medical privacy laws protect sensitive details, but general status can be shared with authorized contacts.
Can I bring clothes or personal items to an inmate?
No. Inmates are provided with jail-issued clothing and basic toiletries. Outside clothing, shoes, or personal items are not allowed due to security risks. Exceptions are made for religious items with prior approval. All incoming items are inspected and may be rejected. Inmates may purchase approved items from commissary using their account funds.
How long does it take to get released after posting bond?
Most inmates are released within one to two hours after bond is confirmed. Processing includes final paperwork, property return, and medical clearance. Delays can occur during weekends, holidays, or if additional charges are pending. Families should call ahead to verify release timing. Once released, inmates receive a copy of their discharge papers and any remaining commissary balance by mail.
Official Website: https://www.texascountymissouri.gov/government/elected-officials/sheriff/
Phone: 417-967-4165
Visiting Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Address: 519 North Grand Avenue, Houston, MO 65483