About Montana Department of Corrections
Use this website for informational purposes only.
The correctional system in Montana is overseen by the Montana Department of Corrections (MDOC). The mission of the MDOC is to promote public safety, support the victims of crime, and provide opportunities for positive change. This includes managing adult and juvenile offenders through incarceration, parole, and probation programs.
The MDOC operates several types of correctional institutions, from state prisons to pre-release centers. In addition, counties in Montana run county jails and there are also city jails in larger municipalities.
Types of Correctional Institutions in Montana
In the state of Montana, there are several types of correctional institutions:
- State Prisons: These are operated by the MDOC. There are several state prisons in Montana including the Montana State Prison, which is the largest correctional facility in the state, and the Montana Women's Prison.
- Pre-Release Centers: These are also overseen by the MDOC. They are designed to prepare inmates for their return to the community by providing them with opportunities to develop and enhance essential skills. Examples include the Great Falls Pre-Release Center and the Billings Pre-Release Center.
- Private Prisons: The Crossroads Correctional Center is the only privately operated prison in Montana. It's managed by the Corrections Corporation of America.
- County Jails: Each county in Montana operates a county jail, where individuals are held after arrest or for serving short-term sentences. For instance, the Yellowstone County Detention Facility and the Missoula County Detention Facility are among the county jails in Montana.
- City Jails: Larger cities, such as Billings or Missoula, may operate their own city jails for short-term incarcerations.
Inmate Search Options in Montana
Those seeking to connect with someone in a correctional facility in Montana can use online and offline methods.
- Montana Department of Corrections Offender Search: The MDOC maintains an online offender search tool that provides information on individuals currently incarcerated in state prisons and pre-release centers. You can search using the offender’s DOC ID or name.
- VINELink: VINELink is an online portal used nationwide that provides information about inmate custody status. It can be used to track the status of an inmate in Montana.
- County Jails Inmate Search: Many counties provide online databases to search for inmates in their county jails. For example, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online inmate roster. For counties without online databases, you can usually get inmate information by contacting the county sheriff's office directly.
- City Jails Inmate Search: For city jails, it's best to contact the city police department. For example, the Billings Police Department can provide information about individuals held in the Billings City Jail.
For federal inmates, the Bureau of Prisons maintains a Nationwide Inmate Locator.
Please note that while some facilities may offer different methods for reaching out to inmates, it's always important to verify the current rules and regulations of each facility. In addition, all of the information shared by these resources should be used responsibly and respectfully.
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