North Dakota inmate search tools help families, legal professionals, and community members quickly find accurate information about people held in county jails or state correctional facilities. Whether you’re looking for booking details, charges, release dates, or visitation rules, North Dakota offers public access to inmate data through official online systems and jail websites. This page explains how to use every available method to locate someone in custody, understand their status, and stay connected during their time in the system.
How to Search for an Inmate in North Dakota
Searching for someone in North Dakota jails or prisons starts with knowing where they might be held. Most people arrested in the state are first taken to a county jail. If they receive a longer sentence, they may be transferred to a state prison run by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (ND DOCR). You can search both systems using free online tools or by calling the facility directly.
Use the Official North Dakota Department of Corrections Inmate Lookup
The ND DOCR provides a free, searchable database for inmates in state custody. This includes people serving sentences of one year or more in state prisons. You can search by name, DOC number, or date of birth. The system shows current location, housing unit, projected release date, and offense information. The database updates daily and reflects real-time transfers between facilities.
Check County Jail Rosters for Recent Arrests
Most arrests in North Dakota happen at the county level. People awaiting trial or serving short sentences stay in local jails. Each county maintains its own inmate roster online. These lists include names, booking dates, charges, bail amounts, and mugshots. Rosters are updated within hours of booking. You can search by full name or scroll through recent bookings.
Call the Jail or Prison Directly
If online tools don’t show results, call the facility where the person might be held. Jail staff can confirm if someone is in custody and provide basic information. Have the person’s full name, date of birth, and last known address ready. Some jails limit what they share over the phone for privacy and security reasons.
North Dakota County Jails and Their Inmate Search Tools
North Dakota has 53 counties, each operating its own jail or sharing space with nearby counties. Below are the largest jails with public inmate search systems.
| County | Jail Name | City | Inmate Search Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cass | Cass County Jail | Fargo | Online roster with photos and charges |
| Burleigh | Burleigh County Detention Center | Bismarck | Search by name or booking number |
| Ward | Ward County Jail | Minot | Daily updated inmate list |
| Grand Forks | Grand Forks County Correctional Center | Grand Forks | Online search with mugshots |
| Williams | Williams County Jail | Williston | Public roster with charge details |
Smaller counties like Divide or Slope may not have online systems. In those cases, call the sheriff’s office for inmate information. Most jails respond to phone requests within one business day.
What Information Is Available in North Dakota Inmate Records?
Public inmate records in North Dakota include key details about a person’s custody status. These records help families plan visits, send mail, or prepare for court. The level of detail depends on whether the person is in a county jail or state prison.
Basic Inmate Details
Most records show the inmate’s full name, date of birth, gender, and race. They also list the booking date, arresting agency, and current location. This helps confirm identity and track movement between facilities.
Charges and Case Information
Inmate records include the charges filed, such as DUI, theft, or assault. Some systems show court dates, bond amounts, and whether the case is pending or sentenced. This helps families understand the legal process and next steps.
Housing and Facility Location
Records show which jail or prison holds the inmate and their housing unit. This is critical for sending mail, scheduling visits, or making phone calls. Transfers happen often, so check the system daily for updates.
Release Dates and Parole Eligibility
State prison records include projected release dates and parole eligibility. County jails may show expected release if the person posts bail or completes a short sentence. These dates can change based on behavior or court decisions.
How to Contact an Inmate in North Dakota
Staying in touch with someone in custody reduces stress for both the inmate and their loved ones. North Dakota allows mail, phone calls, and visits, but each facility has specific rules.
Sending Mail to an Inmate
All jails and prisons accept letters. Use the inmate’s full name, DOC number (if known), and the facility’s mailing address. Do not send cash, photos, or contraband. Letters are opened and inspected for security. Some facilities allow email through approved services like JPay or Access Corrections.
Inmate Phone Calls
Inmates can make outgoing calls using collect calls or prepaid accounts. Families can set up accounts online to receive calls. Incoming calls are not allowed. Call rates vary by facility. Some jails offer video calling for visits when in-person meetings aren’t possible.
Inmate Commissary Accounts
Inmates can buy food, hygiene items, and stationery from the commissary. Families can add money to an inmate’s account online or by phone. Funds are available within 24 hours. Each facility sets spending limits per week.
North Dakota Inmate Visitation Rules and Schedules
Visitation helps maintain family bonds and supports rehabilitation. Each jail sets its own visiting hours, rules, and approval process. Always check the specific facility’s website before visiting.
How to Schedule a Visit
Most jails require visitors to be on an approved list. Submit a request form with your name, relationship, and ID. Background checks may take 3–5 days. Once approved, schedule visits online or by phone. Walk-ins are rarely allowed.
Visiting Hours by Facility
Visiting hours vary widely. Cass County Jail offers weekend visits from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Burleigh County allows weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. State prisons have stricter schedules, often one day per week. Check the official website for current times.
What to Bring and What’s Not Allowed
Bring a valid photo ID. Do not bring phones, bags, weapons, or food. Some jails allow small clear water bottles. Dress modestly—no tank tops, shorts, or revealing clothing. Children must be supervised at all times.
North Dakota Inmate Programs and Services
North Dakota focuses on rehabilitation through education, counseling, and job training. These programs help inmates prepare for life after release and reduce repeat offenses.
Education and Vocational Training
State prisons offer GED classes, adult basic education, and vocational courses in welding, carpentry, and culinary arts. County jails may provide literacy programs or life skills workshops. Participation depends on behavior and sentence length.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Support
Many inmates struggle with addiction or mental health issues. North Dakota offers counseling, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous meet weekly in most facilities. Referrals come from staff or self-request.
Religious and Spiritual Services
Inmates can attend religious services, meet with chaplains, and request spiritual materials. Services include Christian, Muslim, Native American, and other faiths. Volunteers from local churches often lead programs.
How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date or Parole Status
Knowing when someone might be released helps families prepare for reentry. Release dates depend on sentencing, behavior, and parole decisions.
Check the ND DOCR Offender Search
The state’s online tool shows projected release dates for sentenced inmates. It also lists parole eligibility dates and hearing outcomes. Dates can change due to good behavior credits or disciplinary actions.
Contact the Parole Board
The North Dakota Parole Board reviews cases every six months. You can request information about a specific inmate’s hearing schedule or decision. The board considers behavior, program participation, and victim input.
Bail and Pretrial Release
People in county jails may be released on bail before trial. Bail amounts are set at arraignment. Families can pay through a bondsman or cash deposit. If bail is posted, release usually happens within hours.
North Dakota Inmate Mugshots and Public Records
Mugshots are part of the public record in North Dakota. They appear on jail websites after booking. Some counties remove photos after release, while others keep them online indefinitely.
How to View or Remove a Mugshot
Search the county jail’s website to view mugshots. If the photo remains online after release, contact the sheriff’s office to request removal. Some counties charge a fee for this service. Private websites that republish mugshots may require separate removal requests.
Legal Rights Regarding Mugshots
Inmates have limited control over mugshot publication. Once released, they can ask for removal from government sites. However, media outlets and third-party sites may still display the image. North Dakota does not have a statewide mugshot expungement law.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Inmate Search
People often have questions about how to find, contact, or support someone in North Dakota custody. Below are the most common inquiries with clear, actionable answers.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in North Dakota right now?
Start by checking the online roster of the county where the person was arrested. Use the inmate’s full name or date of birth. If not found, search the ND DOCR database for state prisoners. You can also call the local sheriff’s office or jail directly. Have the person’s name and last known address ready. Most jails confirm custody status over the phone within minutes.
Can I visit an inmate in a North Dakota county jail?
Yes, but you must be on the approved visitor list. Submit a request form with your name, ID, and relationship to the inmate. The jail runs a background check, which takes a few days. Once approved, schedule visits online. Each jail has different hours—some allow weekend visits, others only weekdays. Bring a photo ID and follow dress code rules. Children must be supervised.
How do I send money to an inmate in North Dakota?
You can add funds to an inmate’s commissary account online through services like JPay or Access Corrections. You’ll need the inmate’s name and DOC number. Payments post within 24 hours. Some jails also accept money orders by mail. Do not send cash. Each facility sets weekly spending limits, usually between $50 and $100.
What happens if an inmate is transferred to another facility?
Inmates may be moved between county jails or sent to state prison after sentencing. The ND DOCR database updates within 24 hours of transfer. Check the system daily for location changes. Mail sent to the old address may be forwarded, but it’s best to confirm the new location first. Phone numbers and visitation rules may also change.
Can I get a copy of an inmate’s court records in North Dakota?
Yes. Court records are public and available through the North Dakota Supreme Court’s online portal. Search by name or case number. You’ll find charges, court dates, sentencing, and appeal status. Some records are free; others require a small fee. For sealed or juvenile cases, access may be restricted.
How do I report abuse or mistreatment of an inmate in North Dakota?
Contact the facility’s internal affairs office or the ND DOCR Office of Professional Standards. You can file a complaint online or by phone. Include details like dates, names, and what happened. All reports are investigated. You can also contact the North Dakota Human Rights Commission or a legal aid organization for help.
What programs help inmates reintegrate into society after release?
North Dakota offers reentry programs through the DOCR and community partners. These include job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. The Transition Assistance Program helps inmates plan for life after prison. Local nonprofits provide mentorship and support. Families can contact the case manager at the facility for referrals.
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Physical Address: 4201 Normandy Street, Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 328-2200
Visiting Hours: Vary by facility—check individual prison websites
Official Website: https://www.nd.gov/docr/