About North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Use this website for informational purposes only.
The correctional system in North Dakota is a network of facilities that serve to contain, supervise, and rehabilitate individuals convicted of crimes. The system falls under the jurisdiction of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR). The DOCR is responsible for managing the state's prisons, probation and parole system, and juvenile services. In addition to state-operated facilities, the correctional system includes local facilities operated by individual counties and cities.
The primary aim of North Dakota's correctional system is to protect the public by incarcerating individuals who have been convicted of crimes and to rehabilitate these individuals in order to reduce the risk of future criminal behavior.
More about the correctional system can be found on the North Dakota DOCR website.
Types of Correctional Institutions in North Dakota
In North Dakota, correctional facilities range from state prisons, which house individuals convicted of felonies, to county jails and city jails, which primarily hold individuals awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences for misdemeanors. Here is a breakdown of these facilities:
State Prisons:
North Dakota has several state prisons, including:
- North Dakota State Penitentiary: This is the oldest and largest prison in the state, housing male inmates of various custody levels.
- James River Correctional Center: This facility houses medium-custody male inmates.
- Missouri River Correctional Center: This is a minimum-custody facility for male inmates.
Information on these prisons can be found on the DOCR's adult corrections page.
County Jails:
Each of North Dakota's 53 counties operates a jail. These facilities primarily hold pretrial detainees and individuals serving short sentences. Each county jail operates under the jurisdiction of the local Sheriff's Office.
City Jails:
Several cities in North Dakota operate local jails. These facilities typically hold individuals who have been arrested for city ordinance violations or minor crimes. City jails are usually managed by the local Police Department.
Federal Prisons:
There are no federal prisons in North Dakota as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. However, federal inmates from North Dakota can be held in federal prisons in other states.
Inmate Search Options in North Dakota
If you're seeking to connect with someone in a North Dakota correctional facility, various online and offline options are available.
State Prisons:
The North Dakota DOCR offers an online offender locator that provides information about individuals currently held in state prisons. This database does not include individuals on probation or parole.
For offline inquiries, you may contact the DOCR directly by phone or mail.
County Jails:
For county jail inmates, your best option is usually to contact the Sheriff's Office in the appropriate county. Some counties, like Cass County, offer an online inmate roster. For others, you may need to contact the office directly.
City Jails:
City jail inmate information is typically managed by the local police department. Some cities may offer online information or phone lines for inmate queries, while for others, you might need to physically visit the police station.
For all facilities, remember to follow their specific communication protocols when attempting to contact an inmate.
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