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Search Montana Inmate Records Online

Are Montana Inmate Records Open to the Public?

Yes, Montana inmate records are accessible to the public under the State Public Records Act. This allows individuals to obtain certified copies of inmate records from the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC). These records include detailed information about inmates, such as their physical characteristics, legal history, and current custody status.

Montana Inmate Search

Montana inmate records encompass various details about incarcerated individuals within state correctional facilities. These records typically include:

  • Mugshots, DOC ID, full name, custody status, and probation details
  • Physical attributes like hair and eye color, height, weight, race, and skin tone
  • Identifying marks such as scars, tattoos, and other physical conditions
  • Legal information, including docket number, offense, sentence date, and judge's name

The Montana Department of Corrections provides these records. To access them, individuals can use the Montana inmate lookup tool or contact the DOC directly. Essential details required for a search include the inmate's name or DOC ID number.

How to Conduct a Montana Jail Inmate Search

To search for inmates in Montana jails, individuals can use the inmate locators available on law enforcement agency websites or visit the offices in person. The search process typically involves entering the inmate's name, sex, custody date, holding agency, arrest date, and release date. The search results will provide information about the offender, including mugshots, full name, sex, holding agency, charges, and arrest and release dates.

Differences Between Montana State Prisons and County Jails

Montana's correctional system includes both state prisons and county jails. State prisons, managed by the Montana Department of Corrections, house individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to more than one year. These facilities include the Montana State Prison and Montana Women's Prison, among others.

County jails, operated by local sheriff's departments, detain individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. Examples include the Yellowstone County Jail and the Missoula County Jail. The primary difference lies in the length and severity of sentences served by the inmates.

Sending Money to an Inmate in Montana Prisons or Jails

Immediate family members, lawyers, and approved non-family members can send money to inmates in Montana prisons. The Inmate Trust Account Deposits service allows for electronic transfers via US Postal Money Orders or Cashier's Checks. The online service requires account creation and can send up to $250.

For county jails, the process varies. For instance, the Missoula County Detention Facility allows deposits via kiosk, with no fees for using cash, money orders, or cashier's checks. Senders must provide the inmate's full name, DOC number, sender's name, and address.

How to Contact Inmates in Montana Prisons and Jails

To contact inmates, individuals can send letters, make phone calls, or schedule video visitations. Letters should include the inmate's full name and DOC number and be sent to the facility's mailing address. Phone calls are typically facilitated through third-party services, and the inmate must have funds in their phone account.

Video visitations require prior approval and can be scheduled through services like ICSolutions. Each facility has specific guidelines, so it is essential to check with the relevant institution for detailed procedures.

Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in Montana Prisons and Jails

To visit an inmate in Montana prisons, visitors must first obtain approval from the facility. This involves completing an application form and undergoing a criminal background check. Visitors under 18 years old need approval from the facility administrator or must be accompanied by an approved adult.

Once approved, visits are subject to the facility's policies and restrictions, including metal detector sweeps and possible body searches. Video visitations are also available, requiring approval and scheduling through services like ICSolutions.

How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in Montana

To locate an inmate in Montana, individuals can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the Montana Department of Corrections. This tool allows searches by name or DOC ID number. Alternatively, one can contact the prison administrator by phone or email for assistance.

For federal inmates, the Federal Bureau of Prisons offers an inmate locator tool. This tool provides information on inmates housed in federal facilities, including those from Montana.

Finding a County Inmate Roster in Montana

County inmate rosters are available on the official websites of local sheriff's offices. These rosters provide information about inmates, including mugshots, full names, ages, charges, bond amounts, and booking dates. For example, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office provides an online jail roster accessible to the public.

To find an inmate roster, visit the relevant county sheriff's website and look for the roster link, usually located in the sidebar or footer. This information helps residents stay informed about local public safety.

How to Conduct a Montana Prison Inmate Search

To perform a Montana prison inmate search, individuals can use the online inmate lookup tool. This tool requires the inmate's name or DOC ID number to retrieve information about the inmate's custody status, facility of incarceration, and release date.

Alternatively, contact the prison administrator by phone or email for assistance. The Federal Bureau of Prisons also offers a search tool for federal inmates, which can be used to locate individuals housed in federal facilities.

How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in Montana

Montana inmate searches typically reveal the inmate's release date. However, this information may be restricted if it poses a risk to the inmate. In such cases, only eligible individuals like immediate family members, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized law enforcement officials can access the release date.

To obtain this information, contact the prison administrator or use the inmate lookup tool, providing necessary details like the inmate's name or DOC ID number.

Facilities Managed by the Montana Department of Corrections

The Montana Department of Corrections oversees 21 state-owned and contracted prisons. These facilities include the Montana State Prison, Montana Women's Prison, Great Falls Youth Transition Center, and several others. Each facility houses inmates based on their security level, gender, and specific needs, providing various programs and services to support rehabilitation and reintegration.

Search Inmate Records in Montana