Search North Dakota Inmate Records
North Dakota does not operate a unified correctional system, meaning prisons and jails are managed separately. North Dakota has five state prisons under the jurisdiction of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and 23 local jails serving the 53 counties in the state and under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement authorities.
As of 2022, over 3,000 persons are incarcerated within the North Dakota correctional system. This includes the population of female and juvenile offenders in the North Dakota Women's Correctional Rehab Center and the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center. North Dakota has an incarceration rate of 230 per 100,000 people, making it one of the jurisdictions with the highest incarceration rate in the state.
Note that North Dakota does not have a federal prison. Federal prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing are held in state facilities under the supervision of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation ensures that state prisons are built, maintained, and operated in a manner consistent with the State's Correctional Facility Standards. Each state prison is managed by a warden who reports to the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
In contrast, local jails are built, maintained, and operated in a manner consistent with the local statutes. These facilities are also managed by local enforcement authorities such as a sheriff, a police chief, or a county or city administrator.
According to the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the state's correctional system includes 5 state prisons and 23 local jails serving 53 counties. The system houses approximately 3,000 inmates, with an incarceration rate of 230 per 100,000 residents. The state operates 1 women's facility (Women's Correctional Rehab Center) and 1 youth facility (Youth Correctional Center). North Dakota does not have any federal prisons.
North Dakota Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation oversees all state-level prisons in North Dakota. The Department, through the office of the Director, ensures that all state prisons comply with the State's Correctional Facility Standards.
The Department notifies each correctional facility administrator of the approved grade classification, inmate classification, and the total number of people who may be confined in the correctional facility.
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains records of all incarcerated persons in the state's prisons. Interested persons can look for incarcerated inmates in any North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facility using the inmate lookup tool. Requesters can find an inmate by entering the inmate's last name or starting letters of the name. Accurate entry will allow requesters to view inmate records such as the inmate's full name, date of birth, possible release date, and the correctional facility where they are being held.
Note that individuals incarcerated in a North Dakota correctional facility but sentenced out of state will not appear in this lookup tool.
Find Inmate by Name
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate lookup tool allows users to conduct inmate searches by providing the inmate's last name. Requesters unsure of an inmate's last name may enter the starting letter of the individual's last name. Last name searches generally return all matches whose last name matches the letters the requester typed.
How Many Inmates Are Currently Incarcerated in North Dakota?
North Dakota has an estimated ~3,250 people incarcerated or detained across state prisons, county jails, federal facilities, private prisons, juvenile facilities, and other detention categories. Totals vary by reporting date because jail and pre-trial populations change frequently.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Prisons | ~1,850 | 56.9% | ~$125 | ~93% |
| County Jails | ~950 | 29.2% | ~$110 | ~72% |
| Federal Facilities | ~160 | 4.9% | ~$130 | N/A |
| Private Prisons | ~0 | 0.0% | N/A | N/A |
| Juvenile Facilities | ~80 | 2.5% | ~$300 | ~55% |
| Other / Pre-Trial | ~210 | 6.5% | ~$95 | Varies |
| Total | ~3,250 | 100% | ~$124 blended | ~84% |
State Correctional Facilities in North Dakota
North Dakota operates or contracts with an estimated 7–8 major adult correctional and community custody facilities. The system includes prisons, specialty units, women’s institutions, medical or behavioral-health housing, and work-release or transition centers.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State Penitentiary | State Prison | Bismarck | ~850 | ~790 | Maximum / Medium |
| James River Correctional Center | State Prison | Jamestown | ~550 | ~520 | Medium |
| Missouri River Correctional Center | State Prison | Bismarck | ~150 | ~140 | Minimum |
| Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center | Women’s Facility | New England | ~130 | ~115 | Minimum / Medium |
| Heart River Correctional Center | Women’s Facility | Mandan | ~90 | ~80 | Minimum / Reentry |
| James River Special Assistance Unit | Medical / Aged Facility | Jamestown | ~120 | ~105 | Secure Medical / Special Needs |
| Bismarck Transition Center | Work Release Center | Bismarck | ~160 | ~145 | Community Custody |
| Fargo Residential Reentry / Community Corrections Beds | Community Corrections Facility | Fargo | ~90 | ~75 | Community Custody |
Inmate Demographics & Population Trends in North Dakota
North Dakota’s incarcerated population is majority male, with a large share of adults in the 25–44 age range and a comparatively high representation of American Indian and Alaska Native residents. Drug, violent, and property offenses remain major admission categories, while sentence lengths and recidivism patterns are broadly consistent with smaller-state correctional systems.
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male ~87%; Female ~13% | Men make up the large majority of the prison population, while the women’s population is smaller but requires dedicated custody and reentry services. |
| Age Groups | 18–24: ~13%; 25–34: ~36%; 35–44: ~29%; 45–54: ~14%; 55+: ~8% | Most incarcerated adults are between 25 and 44, reflecting national patterns in prison admissions and sentence service. |
| Race / Ethnicity | White ~58%; American Indian / Alaska Native ~30%; Black ~6%; Hispanic / Latino ~4%; Other / Unknown ~2% | American Indian and Alaska Native residents are represented at a higher rate than their share of the state population. |
| Top Offense Types | Violent ~34%; Drug ~27%; Property ~18%; Public order / DUI ~13%; Other ~8% | Drug and violent offenses account for a substantial share of admissions and longer-term custody placements. |
| Avg. Sentence Length | Estimated ~3.5–4.5 years overall | Violent offenses generally carry longer sentences, while many drug and property cases have shorter custody terms or supervision components. |
| Recidivism Rate | Estimated ~35%–40% within 3 years | Returns are often linked to supervision violations, substance use, housing instability, and employment barriers. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in North Dakota
North Dakota release options include parole review, earned sentence reductions, supervised release, work release, and community-based reentry support. Services generally focus on housing, employment, behavioral health treatment, benefits access, and victim notification.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Parole Board | Reviews eligible cases for parole release and sets release conditions. | Eligible people incarcerated in North Dakota adult correctional facilities. | North Dakota Parole Board through the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Earned time or sentence-credit policies may reduce time served for eligible conduct, programming, or compliance. | Incarcerated people who meet statutory and facility requirements. | Facility case manager or ND DOCR records staff. |
| Parole Supervision | Community supervision with reporting, treatment, employment, and compliance requirements. | People released to parole or supervised community status. | ND DOCR Field Services / parole and probation offices. |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional housing, community custody beds, and referrals for stable housing after release. | People nearing release, parolees, and individuals on community supervision. | Facility reentry staff, Bismarck Transition Center, contracted community providers, and local housing agencies. |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, workforce referrals, resume help, and employer connections. | Individuals preparing for release or living under community supervision. | Job Service North Dakota, ND DOCR reentry staff, and local workforce centers. |
| Benefits Restoration | Assistance with identification, Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, veterans benefits, and other public benefits. | People leaving custody who need health coverage, food support, or documentation. | ND Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, veterans service offices, and facility reentry coordinators. |
| Victim Notification Program | Provides custody status and release notifications for registered victims and the public. | Victims, survivors, family members, and interested community members. | North Dakota VINE / VINELink online or by phone registration. |
What Information is Contained in a North Dakota Inmate Record?
North Dakota inmate records are written or electronic records about an individual incarcerated in any correctional facility in the state. These records typically include the inmate's full name, date of birth, gender, and information about the facility where they are being held, including its address and contact information.
North Dakota inmate records also include each incarcerated person's release date where necessary. This is the date the inmate's sentence will be completed. Inmates with a pretrial status and individuals who have not yet been sentenced do not have a release date on the inmate lookup tool.
Interested persons may contact the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for more information about such inmates.
It's important to note that the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation grants parole to incarcerated persons based on eligibility and applicable statutes. A parole is the early release of a prisoner before the expiration of a term. This is subject to conditions imposed by the Department.
North Dakota Inmate Records by Counties
North Dakota has 23 local jails serving the 53 counties in the state and under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement authorities such as a sheriff, a police chief, or a county or city administrator. Each jail maintains records of incarcerated persons in its facility. The public can access inmate records at the county level by visiting the county website or contacting the Sheriff's Office or Police Department that operates the jail.
- Adams County
- Barnes County
- Benson County
- Billings County
- Bottineau County
- Bowman County
- Burke County
- Burleigh County
- Cass County
- Cavalier County
- Dickey County
- Divide County
- Dunn County
- Eddy County
- Emmons County
- Foster County
- Golden Valley County
- Grand Forks County
- Grant County
- Griggs County
- Hettinger County
- Kidder County
- Lamoure County
- Logan County
- Mchenry County
- Mcintosh County
- Mckenzie County
- Mclean County
- Mercer County
- Morton County
- Mountrail County
- Nelson County
- Oliver County
- Pembina County
- Pierce County
- Ramsey County
- Ransom County
- Renville County
- Richland County
- Rolette County
- Sargent County
- Sheridan County
- Sioux County
- Slope County
- Stark County
- Steele County
- Stutsman County
- Towner County
- Traill County
- Walsh County
- Ward County
- Wells County
- Williams County
Are Incarceration Records Public Information in North Dakota?
Yes, incarceration records are generally considered public in North Dakota. The public can request inmate records without providing a reason for the request. The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides access to these records.
However, some inmate records may be exempt from public view for privacy and security reasons. It's important to note that confidential information, such as medical records, is exempt from inmate records. Open inmate records typically include the inmate's personal information, release date, and custody details.
North Dakota Department of Corrections General Information
The North Dakota Department of Corrections regularly updates information on its website and inmate search portal. This is done to ensure that the information on these platforms is accurate.
Citizens of North Dakota are advised to always confirm the current location, status, release date, or any other information regarding an inmate since their last search, as the information may have been updated.
US Prison and Jail System
The United States federal prison system provides custody for inmates convicted of federal crimes. The United States federal prison system comprises United States Penitentiaries, Federal Correctional Institutions, Private Correctional Institutions, Federal Correctional Complexes, Administrative Facilities, Federal Prison Camps, and Former Federal Facilities. The United States Federal Bureau of Prisons controls and maintains these correctional facilities.
Note that North Dakota does not have a federal prison. However, federal prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing are held in state facilities under the supervision of the North Dakota Department of Corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inmate Records
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation offers citizens different records request options based on the type of request being made. For instance, all records requests concerning the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation policy can be sent via email or by calling (701) 328-6650.
Requests for records of an incarcerated person can be sent via email or by calling (701) 328-6362. The request must include relevant information about the record to facilitate a timely response. Requesters will be contacted if their request incurs charges before it is processed.
You can look up inmates in North Dakota using the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate lookup tool. This portal allows users to search for an inmate by providing the inmate's last name or starting letters of the last name. Accurate entry will enable requesters to view inmate records such as the inmate's full name, date of birth, possible release date, and the correctional facility where they are being held.
Additionally, you can locate inmates in local jails using specific inmate search tools provided by the jail administrator.
You may request old inmate records from the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via email or by calling (701) 328-6362. However, some of these records may be hard to obtain because they are not recent. As such, you may be required to visit the Department in person to access these records.
You can obtain inmate death records in North Dakota by submitting a records request with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It's important to note that some aspects of inmate death records, especially medical records, are exempt from public disclosure.
These records are only issued to individuals who obtain a District Court order in the state. Death records may also be available through county offices for inmates who passed away while in county jails.
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation updates inmate records, adult community supervision, and correctional facilities daily. Once inmate records are updated, relevant changes will appear on the inmate lookup tool.
However, it may take some time for new information, such as transfer or release, to appear in the system.
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation allows citizens to send money to inmates using Jpay. There are several options for sending money to a resident through Jpay. You can download the Jpay app, visit the Jpay website, or speak with a live agent at (800) 574-5729.