Polk County MO Jail

Polk County MO Jail basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 417-777-9020

This facility is for adult inmates.

The Polk County MO Jail is a medium-security detention center located at 113 East Jefferson Bolivar, MO which is operated locally by the Polk County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Polk County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, municipalities, the US Marshal's Service and the Bolivar Police Department who do not have their own long-term lock-up.

The Polk County Jail has seen immense growth since the late 1800's. The current Jail, built in 1978, could house 16 prisoners and is the fourth Jail in the history of Polk County Sheriff's Office. In 1996 the Jail was expanded, more than doubling its capacity to hold prisoners (38) and implementing newer security technology. Over the years with the growth of Polk County the Jail continues to face inmate housing issues and overcrowding. The Polk County Jails daily average inmate population has fluctuated over the years reaching as high as 38+ inmates housed per day. On numerous occasions it has been necessary to house inmates in other county jails. During 2009 the daily average inmate population was 28.1.

The Polk County Jail staff operates under the supervision of Jail Administrator Michael Johnson. Corrections Officers are responsible for the care, custody and control of all individuals arrested in Polk County. The Polk County Jail is a full service facility providing nutritious meals prepared onsite by inmates who have been given trustee status. Trustees also perform many daily tasks under the supervision of Corrections Officers to include; laundry, cleaning, and minor routine upkeep of the jail facility.

The Polk County Jail contracts with a medical firm specializing in correctional facility medical care. Inmates are seen by a physician who approves all treatment and medications to inmates. Inmates may see a physician at his/her request, and cost, at the physicians next scheduled visit. All inmates are provided with an inmate handbook which is a guide of the rules while housed in the Polk County Jail.

Inmates with money in their account may purchase a variety of items (soda, candy, toiletries etc.) from commissary. There are limits on what may be purchased by the inmate.

Phones are available during non-lockdown hours to the inmates in "day-rooms". All calls are to be collect or pre approved account; calls are limited to 15 minutes; ALL calls are recorded and subject to monitoring.

Weather permitting inmates are taken outside to the exercise yard for exercise and fresh air; the frequency and duration will be at the sole discretion of Corrections Personnel.

Once per week inmates are offered non-denominational Bible study. Inmates may also participate in "Life after Meth"; a support group comprised of ex-addicted volunteers. Both programs are offered at the inmate’s discretion.

visitation Info

Polk County MO Jail – Visitation

Visitation of inmates is scheduled on Sundays only. NO property or money will be received for inmates during visitation. 

Visitation hours are; 11:00AM-6:00PM.

Inmates are responsible for notifying their guests of their approved visitation time.

Visitors to the Polk County Jail are subject to searches and are limited as to what they may bring into the jail. Visitors must provide a valid identification. Persons under 16 years of age MUST be accompanied by an adult guardian or parent. NO exceptions!  Emergency visits may only be authorized by the Sheriff or Jail Administrator. NO exceptions!