North Dakota Inmate Search

The North Dakota Inmate Search is an online database maintained by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (NDDOCR). This database allows members of the public to look up information on individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities.

It serves an essential function by promoting transparency and informing people about the status of incarcerated persons. With this search tool, members of the public can access the inmate's complete name, date of birth, gender, ethnicity, and physical description.

Furthermore, it details the charges for which the individual was convicted, the court responsible for the conviction, and the sentence length. This information empowers the public to make informed decisions and better understand the state's criminal justice system.

Despite its many advantages, the inmate search tool has limitations that individuals should consider.

In North Dakota, this database only includes information about individuals currently incarcerated within the NDDOCR's correctional facilities. It does not encompass individuals detained in other correctional facilities, such as county jails and out-of-state facilities.

Additionally, it does not provide complete criminal histories, arrest logs, or parole details. Certain sensitive information, such as the inmate's address or contact details, is also withheld to protect privacy and maintain security within the correctional system.

Moreover, technical issues may occasionally arise while using this inmate search in North Dakota, leading to inaccuracies or outdated information. Therefore, individuals should verify any critical information they find through additional channels.

What Are North Dakota Inmate Records?

Inmate Records in North Dakota are legal documents containing personal, legal, and incarceration information about individuals currently or who have been in the state's correctional facilities. These documents are invaluable for various purposes, including background checks, judicial processes, and historical research.

Unlike the North Dakota Inmate Search tool, which provides primary data like an inmate's location and release date, these records offer more in-depth accounts of an individual's complete incarceration history.

It includes information on criminal convictions, arrest and warrant records, sentencing details, court proceedings, program participation, and pertinent medical information about incarceration.

In North Dakota, the North Dakota Open Records Act is a law that enables public access to certain government records, including inmate records, to ensure transparency and accountability.

However, specific sensitive information is exempt from disclosure under section 12-47-36 of the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC). This sensitive information includes inmates' treatment and psychological and medical records.

Obtaining inmate records in North Dakota is a relatively straightforward process. To access these records, interested parties can submit requests directly to the agency responsible for maintaining the documents, such as the NDDOCR.

The specific procedures for making the request may vary, including in-person, mail, or online submission. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals seeking these records to contact the relevant agency directly to familiarize themselves with the specific procedures.

What Are North Dakota Prison and Jail Records?

North Dakota Prison and Jail Records are crucial documents that provide essential information about the state's correctional system. These records offer valuable insights into incarcerated individuals, their sentences, and the statistical data of correctional facilities.

Within North Dakota, these records hold immense significance for the general public. The accessibility of these documents empowers individuals, enhances public safety, and contributes to ongoing improvements in the state's criminal justice system by offering insights into the correctional system.

According to recent records, around 4,500 individuals are imprisoned in North Dakota. Among them, 88% are male, and 12% are female, providing an overview of gender distribution in correctional facilities.

Moreover, the data reveals that the primary reasons leading to imprisonment in North Dakota include alcohol and drug convictions. Additionally, public order offenses and property damage offenses account for a significant portion of the incarcerated population in the state.

What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in North Dakota?

To effectively conduct a North Dakota Inmate Search, individuals must familiarize themselves with the state's various correctional facilities.

The criminal justice system in North Dakota encompasses four main types of facilities: state prisons, county jails, juvenile detention centers, and transitional facilities. These facilities strive to assist the state in getting the best results for reintegration and modifications, and each one has a unique focus and group of people it serves.

Note that North Dakota has no federal prisons within its borders. Therefore, it is impossible to search for federal inmates within the state.

North Dakota State Prisons

The North Dakota state prisons are secure correctional facilities managed by NDDOCR. Their primary objective is to ensure public safety by incarcerating individuals found guilty of crimes within the state. These correctional facilities house individuals convicted of various offenses, including non-violent and severe felonies.

Furthermore, the state prisons in North Dakota focus on punishment while emphasizing rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of offenders into society upon their release. It provides inmates with the necessary resources and support to address the underlying factors contributing to their criminal behavior and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

As of 2023, the NDDOCR operates five state prisons, which are the following:

Among these facilities, three exclusively house male inmates, while two cater explicitly to female inmates.

North Dakota County Jails

County jails in North Dakota are locally-operated short-term correctional facilities that hold individuals awaiting trial or sentencing. Unlike state prisons, these facilities are administered by local sheriff's departments and house inmates from that specific county.

In North Dakota, county jails detain a diverse range of individuals. The inmates may include individuals charged with offenses such as theft, drug possession, driving under the influence (DUI), property crimes, and non-violent offenses.

Alongside their primary function of housing inmates, North Dakota county jails provide essential services to meet inmates' fundamental needs and rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism.

The number of county jails in North Dakota fluctuates based on each county's incarceration needs and budgets. With 53 counties statewide, it is reasonable to expect at least one jail per county. However, the specific number and locations of facilities can vary over time.

Factors like budget constraints or population changes may alter the county jail landscape across North Dakota. Individuals can contact the Sheriff's Office for each county using the online directory provided by the North Dakota Association of Counties to get accurate, current details on county jails.

One can also contact the North Dakota Sheriffs' and Deputies Association to get updated details of county jails in each Sheriff's Office.

Furthermore, some Sheriff's Offices maintain websites that provide information on their jail, such as location, contacts, visitation, and inmate lookup services.

North Dakota Juvenile Detention Centers

North Dakota has established juvenile detention centers specifically designed to provide secure confinement for individuals under 18 who are either accused of committing a delinquent act or have been adjudicated as offenders.

These centers differ from adult correctional facilities as their primary objective is not punishment but rather the rehabilitation and reintegration of young individuals into society.

In North Dakota, juvenile detention centers operate under the watchful supervision of the Division of Juvenile Services (DJS), a division operating within the purview of NDDOCR.

Their primary purpose is to create a safe and structured environment where young offenders can receive the necessary guidance, education, and counseling to address their delinquent behavior's underlying causes.

As of 2023, the DJS oversees the operation of one juvenile detention center in the state, the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center (NDYCC). Additionally, this division manages eight Youth Community Services, extending support to youth offenders before and after their confinement, with outreach programs catering throughout the state.

North Dakota Transitional Facilities

In addition to state prisons and juvenile detention centers, NDDOCR manages and operates transitional facilities across the state. These facilities are critical in helping inmates successfully reintegrate into society after incarceration.

The main goal of transitional facilities is to provide a structured and supportive environment for inmates nearing the end of their sentences. At these facilities, inmates can access programs and resources to develop life skills, find jobs, and prepare for release.

Additionally, transitional facilities in North Dakota support individuals recovering from substance abuse or mental health challenges. By providing a stable and supervised setting, they assist individuals in their journey toward recovery.

As of 2023, the NDDOCR oversees the operation of two transitional facilities: Centre Inc. and Bismarck Transition Center (BTC). These facilities exemplify North Dakota's commitment to promoting successful reentry and rehabilitation within its correctional system.

How To Perform Inmate Search in North Dakota

Conducting an inmate search in North Dakota is essential for obtaining information about incarcerated individuals. Whether it's for personal reasons, legal matters, or research, knowing how to conduct an inmate search is crucial.

In North Dakota, specific procedures exist for conducting an effective search in state prisons, county jails, juvenile detention facilities, and transitional facilities.

To start an inmate search in NDDOCR facilities, individuals should use the North Dakota Inmate Search tool, also known as the Resident Lookup.

To use this search tool, interested individuals must provide the last name or the first letters of the person they want to find. While the database accepts partial information, the NDDOCR recommends including the inmate's full name for better search results.

After submitting the search, a list of results will appear at the bottom of the page. This list includes the offender's name, date of birth, and ID. One must click on the inmate's name to access additional information, such as the estimated release date and location.

The procedure varies slightly for those seeking information regarding inmates confined in county jails in North Dakota. Inquiries about an inmate can be made by contacting the relevant jail administrator or the Sheriff's Office during office hours.

Alternatively, most counties in North Dakota, like Ward County, Cass County, and Burleigh County, offer a public inmate search feature or inmate roster on the website of the local law enforcement agency.

Regarding juvenile detention centers in North Dakota, searching for incarcerated youths involves different methods. Generally, conducting an online search for North Dakota juvenile detention center inmates is impossible due to the confidentiality of juvenile records until the inmate reaches adulthood.

However, friends, family members, and other authorized individuals can contact the DJS directly to inquire about a juvenile detention center inmate.

How To Contact an Inmate in North Dakota

Contacting inmates is vital for their emotional well-being, successful rehabilitation, relationship preservation, and legal support. It helps individuals on the inside maintain a sense of connection, hope, and purpose while also offering support and encouragement for their eventual reintegration into society.

In North Dakota, individuals have several options to communicate with inmates, including the following methods:

Traditional Mail

Traditional mail remains a popular means of connecting with inmates in North Dakota. It offers a tangible and personal touch, allowing individuals to send letters, cards, or photographs.

To utilize this method, one must adhere to specific guidelines. All correspondence must be sent through the Securus Digital Mail Center and include the inmate's full name, identification number, address of the inmate's correctional facility, and a return name and address.

It is crucial to double-check this information, as any errors may result in the mail being returned or undelivered. Furthermore, it is critical to avoid including too many photographs and pages in the mail to prevent rejection.

Email

In addition to traditional mail, email has emerged as a convenient and efficient method of communication for contacting inmates in North Dakota. With the advent of technology, correctional facilities have embraced secure email services, enabling electronic correspondence between inmates and their loved ones.

To initiate communication through email, individuals must register and create an account with Securus Technologies, the prison's approved email provider. The process typically involves providing personal information, including identification and contact details. Once registered, users can compose and send messages electronically.

However, all email communication is subject to monitoring and screening by prison authorities, ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and recipients. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the prison's guidelines regarding content and avoid including any prohibited materials or engaging in inappropriate discussions.

Telephone Calls

In North Dakota, telephone calls offer more immediate communication, allowing individuals to connect with inmates in real-time. To make phone calls to North Dakota inmates, one must complete and send in a Telephone Application to be added to a resident's calling list.

Once added to the list, one can set up a prepaid calling account through Securus Technologies to receive calls from an inmate. To create an account, individuals can create and fund their prepaid account online or call 1-800-844-6591.

Note that these communication methods are only available to offenders in NDDOCR facilities. Individuals seeking to contact a county jail inmate in North Dakota must first enquire with the appropriate Sheriff's Office about their means of communication and regulations.

How To Visit an Inmate in North Dakota

Before visiting an inmate in North Dakota, one must perform a North Dakota Inmate Search to find the location of the inmate they want to see. After locating the inmate, they should also know the rules and regulations set by correctional facilities.

In North Dakota, the NDDOCR establishes rules that interested parties must know before visiting their facilities. However, each facility may also have unique regulations. Thus, interested individuals may find it helpful to see the "Family and Friends'' page on the NDDOCR website to acquaint themselves with the rules and regulations applicable to each facility.

Apart from knowing the rules and regulations of each facility, individuals must complete and sign a visitation application to be on the inmate's approved visitor list. They can send this application by fax or mail or submit it in person during office hours to the inmate's facility.

Once approved, individuals must show a valid ID during visits. They must also behave appropriately and follow the facility's rules.

North Dakota offers a video visitation option through Securus Technologies for those unable to visit in person. This service enables individuals to communicate with inmates remotely via video calls.

One must create an account on the Securus Technologies website or mobile application to utilize this service. Upon registration, individuals can schedule video visits following the guidelines and availability provided by the facility.

Following the same rules as in-person visits when using video is essential. Appropriate attire and respectful behavior remain mandatory during these virtual encounters. Furthermore, to safeguard the privacy of all parties involved, using any unauthorized devices, including recording equipment, is strictly prohibited during video visits.

Individuals who want to visit a county jail inmate in North Dakota must contact the facility or agency directly for visitation guidelines and appointments.

How To Send Money to an Inmate in North Dakota

Like any other state, North Dakota recognizes the importance of sending money to incarcerated loved ones as a meaningful way to demonstrate ongoing support. As a result, the state has implemented a secure and reliable method to facilitate this process.

JPay is the primary avenue in North Dakota for sending money to inmates. It offers swift and convenient transfers, making it the preferred choice for numerous individuals.

This service provider presents multiple transfer options, including the JPay Mobile App and its website, jpay.com. Interested parties can effortlessly deposit money into an inmate's trust account through these platforms.

The typical procedure involves setting up an account, providing the necessary inmate information, and completing the transaction using a debit or credit card.

JPay also extends a customer service line at 800-574-5729 for those desiring direct assistance and guidance. This avenue allows individuals to seek support for money transfers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.

An alternative method for sending money via JPay entails utilizing MoneyGram, which permits individuals to send cash at various locations. To avail of this option, interested parties must provide the receiving code 1304 to guarantee that the funds reach the intended recipient.

Alongside digital platforms and money transfer services, money orders continue to represent a traditional yet effective means of sending money to inmates in North Dakota.

To employ this method, individuals must complete the money order deposit form, send it, and make the payment to JPay. Make sure to complete the document thoroughly to prevent the money order from being returned to the inmate without proper reimbursement.

Note that the above methods exclusively work for inmates detained in NDDOCR facilities. To send money to a county jail inmate, interested parties must contact the facility directly to get accurate information on their process and methods.

Counties in North Dakota

List of Content

What Are North Dakota Inmate Records?
What Are North Dakota Prison and Jail Records?
1. What Are the Types of Prisons and Jails in North Dakota?
How To Perform Inmate Search in North Dakota
How To Contact an Inmate in North Dakota
How To Visit an Inmate in North Dakota
How To Send Money to an Inmate in North Dakota