Johnson County WY Detention Center
County Jail | Johnson County County — Wyoming | Johnson County Sheriff's Office
Johnson County WY Detention Center is a medium-security facility located in Buffalo, Johnson County County, Wyoming. Operated under the Wyoming Department of Corrections system, this detention center is overseen by Sheriff Steve Kozisek and houses male inmates. The facility serves Johnson County and surrounding areas by providing secure detention for individuals awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving shorter sentences. Located at 639 Fort Street in Buffalo, the center plays a vital role in the local criminal justice system.
Families seeking information about incarcerated individuals can perform a Johnson County WY Detention Center inmate search through the county sheriff's office. Relatives can schedule visits during designated times, send money to Johnson County WY Detention Center for commissary accounts, and search criminal records to verify incarceration status. The Buffalo location provides accessible support for families traveling from throughout Johnson County County and northeastern Wyoming.
What distinguishes the Johnson County WY Detention Center Buffalo WY from other Wyoming facilities is its role as a county-operated detention center serving the rural communities of northeastern Wyoming. Unlike larger state facilities, this Buffalo Wyoming correctional facility maintains a close connection to the local community it serves. The detention center's location on Fort Street places it within Buffalo's historic downtown district, reflecting the facility's long-standing presence in Johnson County. As a medium-security facility under Sheriff Steve Kozisek's supervision, it provides localized detention services that allow families easier access for visits and support compared to facilities located in more distant urban centers like Cheyenne or Casper.
The Johnson County WY Detention Center houses a male inmate population representing the diverse criminal justice needs of Johnson County County. The facility typically holds individuals arrested on charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, including DUI offenses, property crimes, drug-related offenses, and domestic violence cases. As a county detention center, the population consists primarily of pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings, along with sentenced individuals serving county jail terms typically under one year. The medium-security classification allows for housing inmates with various custody levels while maintaining appropriate safety protocols. The facility may also house individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities following sentencing. Johnson County WY Detention Center arrest records reflect the rural character of the region, with offenses often related to local community dynamics and seasonal population fluctuations.
Living conditions at Johnson County WY Detention Center reflect its medium-security classification and county facility operations. Inmates are housed in secure units with cell configurations designed to accommodate the facility's population needs. Housing assignments are determined by factors including custody level, behavior classification, and available space. The facility provides three meals daily prepared according to nutritional standards and dietary requirements. Recreation opportunities include access to outdoor yard time when weather permits, allowing inmates physical activity essential for mental and physical health. Medical care is available through contracted healthcare providers who address routine medical needs, emergency situations, and chronic condition management. Mental health services support inmates experiencing psychological distress or requiring ongoing treatment. The facility maintains a grievance process allowing inmates to formally address concerns about conditions, treatment, or facility operations. Daily routines include scheduled count times, meal distribution, recreation periods, and program participation opportunities. The detention center's operations balance security requirements with humane living standards appropriate for a county-level medium-security facility serving the Buffalo community.
Johnson County WY Detention Center offers programming designed to address the educational, behavioral, and rehabilitative needs of its inmate population. Educational opportunities may include GED preparation for inmates lacking high school diplomas, providing foundational skills for future employment. Substance abuse treatment programs address chemical dependency issues affecting many individuals in the criminal justice system, offering counseling and educational sessions focused on recovery. Faith-based programming connects inmates with spiritual resources and community volunteers who provide religious services and mentorship. Cognitive behavioral interventions help participants recognize thinking patterns contributing to criminal behavior and develop healthier decision-making skills. Re-entry planning services prepare inmates for release by connecting them with community resources, employment assistance, and support networks. Given the facility's county-level operations and medium-security status, program availability may vary based on staffing, funding, and the specific needs of the Johnson County County population. These programs serve the dual purpose of improving individual outcomes and enhancing public safety throughout the Buffalo region.
Work assignments at Johnson County WY Detention Center provide inmates with structured activity while supporting facility operations. Eligible inmates may be assigned to positions in the kitchen, assisting with meal preparation and food service distribution to the inmate population. Laundry duty involves washing and distributing linens, uniforms, and facility textiles. Maintenance crews perform cleaning, minor repairs, and general upkeep of the detention center grounds and buildings. Trustees may assist with grounds keeping, including lawn care and seasonal maintenance tasks. These work assignments are consistent with the facility's medium-security classification, offering appropriate responsibilities while maintaining institutional security. Participation in work programs may earn inmates good-time credits that can reduce sentences for those serving county jail terms, providing incentive for positive behavior and productive engagement.
The Johnson County WY Detention Center has served Buffalo and Johnson County County for decades as the primary local detention facility. While the specific founding date remains part of the county's historical records, the facility at 639 Fort Street has evolved alongside Buffalo's development as the county seat. Johnson County, named after E.P. Johnson, a prominent attorney, has maintained jail facilities since its early territorial days to serve law enforcement needs in this vast, sparsely populated region of northeastern Wyoming. Over the years, the detention center has adapted to changing correctional standards, expanding services and updating security protocols to meet modern requirements. Under the current leadership of Sheriff Steve Kozisek, the facility continues its mission of providing secure detention while serving the specific needs of the Johnson County community. The detention center remains an integral component of the Wyoming Department of Corrections system, fulfilling county-level detention responsibilities in this historic cattle-ranching region.
Families planning to visit inmates at Johnson County WY Detention Center should understand the facility's visitation policies and procedures. Johnson County WY Detention Center visiting hours are established by the sheriff's office and may vary based on operational needs and security considerations. Visitors must present approved government-issued identification such as a driver's license or state ID card. Dress code restrictions prohibit clothing that resembles inmate attire, revealing garments, or items containing offensive language or imagery. The visitor registration process typically requires advance approval, and families should search public records to confirm current housing status before traveling. Entry screening includes security checks to ensure contraband is not introduced. Families should contact Johnson County WY Detention Center directly to confirm current visiting hours, scheduling requirements, and any changes to visitation policies.
To contact an inmate at Johnson County WY Detention Center, families must use the correct Johnson County WY Detention Center mailing address format. All correspondence should be addressed with the inmate's full name, booking or identification number, followed by Johnson County WY Detention Center, 639 Fort Street, Buffalo, WY 82834. Approved vendors must be used when sending books or magazines to ensure compliance with facility regulations. Phone services typically require families to establish prepaid accounts with the detention center's telephone provider. Some facilities offer email or video visitation services, though availability varies by institution. Families can look up arrest records to obtain booking information including inmate identification numbers necessary for proper mail delivery.
Many correctional facilities let families send books and magazines to an inmate — but almost all of them require the items to be brand-new and shipped directly from the retailer. Anything sent secondhand or repackaged at home is usually rejected at the mailroom. Ordering from a retailer that ships direct is the standard way to get reading material in.
- Must ship new, directly from the retailer — you can't forward it yourself.
- Softcover / paperback only at most facilities (hardcovers are commonly banned).
- No used or third-party marketplace sellers — new copies only.
- Limits on quantity per package and how many packages may be pending.
- Address it to the inmate's full committed name and ID number.
- Use the facility's mailroom address, which can differ from the public address.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Johnson County WY Detention Center maintains a Medium security classification with zero reported staff assaults, suggesting a stable and secure environment. As a county facility in Buffalo, it typically maintains controlled access and standard safety protocols for visitors. When planning a visit, bring valid photo identification, dress according to facility guidelines, and contact the detention center ahead of time to confirm current visiting hours and any restrictions.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Buffalo, Wyoming is a small town in Johnson County in the Bighorn Basin region, approximately 80 miles south of Sheridan and 150 miles north of Casper. The detention center is centrally located on Fort Street. The area offers basic highway access via I-90, with limited hotel and restaurant options typical of rural Wyoming communities. Visitors should plan accordingly, as services and lodging are modest but available in downtown Buffalo.