We have a plan to end cash bail
BCCBF is a volunteer-run community bail fund supporting our neighbors who have been injured by the criminal legal system in Boone County, Missouri.
Between January and June of 2025, our volunteers:
Spoke with 67 people in the jail, answering questions, sending messages to family/attorneys. Of those, 37 were either outside our criteria or otherwise released.
Bailed out 26 people for $35,800
Six cases are complete, but we have only received about half of the refunds back, still waiting on another $2,000
We have four people under review or approved for bail out waiting on funds.
About us
We believe:
It is wrong to keep people in jail merely because they do not have the resources to post bail. People lose jobs, housing, or even custody of their children – and most importantly, their freedom.
Paying fines and fees out of bail money is necessary to keep people out of jail. Debtor’s prison is a real thing in Boone County.
Our impact
We are a member of the National Bail Fund Network and our own 501.c3. We bailed out 49 people in 2024 and 26 in the first 6 months of 2025.
We can spend $10,000 a month on bail and the system keeps up to 40% of it pay fines and fees.
Communication with people trapped in BCJ
Our phone number is a free call at the jail. Our volunteers help people by sending messages to family/attorneys etc. listening to issues and concerns and providing a sympathetic ear.
Jail Conditions and Deaths
Conditions at the Boone County Jail are difficult and inhumane most of the time. A visit to the nurse costs $45, getting an aspirin costs money, the food the jail serves is limited to sandwiches and oatmeal. Five people have died there in the last several years. We are working with fellow National Bail Fund Network members to investigate and create strategies to address these issues.
Tracking Immigration detainees
As of June 1st, BCJ had 18 immigration detainees being held for ICE investigation. We are tracking this information and looking for ways to address the issue.
How you can help
Volunteer
We work directly with detainees and the systems that surround them. We need people to answer the phones, bail people out of jail, monitor the court system, and advocate for change to our unjust system.
Email comobailfund@gmail.com with the subject line “Volunteer” to get started.
Donate
A revolving bail fund needs cash to operate and every dollar counts. Thank you for your support!
Contact us
To get in touch with BCCBF volunteers, use this form or email comobailfund@gmail.com.
If you need bail assistance, call (573) 723-1682.