Search Benson County, ND Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Benson County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Benson County, ND
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Benson County
- Visitation Rules at Benson County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Benson County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Benson County
- Benson Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Benson County?
- Benson County Facility Directory
- Benson Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Benson County, North Dakota, you can utilize both online and offline resources. Currently, North Dakota does not have a dedicated inmate search for each county; instead, you can access statewide inmate information through the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) online inmate lookup tool at their official website. For inmates held in the local Benson County Jail, which is overseen by the Benson County Sheriff’s Office, you may contact their office directly by visiting in person or calling them at (701) 473-5357. The Benson County Sheriff’s Office is located at 311 B Avenue South, Minnewaukan, ND 58351. Public records requests for inmate information can also be made at the Benson County Courthouse. It’s advisable to call ahead to clarify the process and confirm the availability of records. Be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible about the inmate to assist staff in locating the correct records.
How to Find an Inmate in Benson County, ND
Inmate records for Benson County, ND, are accessible online, but the correct search tool depends on whether the individual is in a local jail, a North Dakota state prison, or in federal custody. Use the resources below to locate an inmate based on their detention facility.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | https://www.docr.nd.gov/facility-locations/inmate-locator | Locate individuals in North Dakota Department of Corrections facilities; updated regularly. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Local jail and some state inmates | https://www.vinelink.com | Victim notification and inmate custody status; covers participating local and state facilities. |
| Benson County Sheriff’s Office | Local jail/current arrests | Phone: (701) 473-5357 Physical: 311 B Avenue S, Minnewaukan, ND 58351 | Call or visit for current bookings and jail inmate information in Benson County. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates | https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ | No federal prison in North Dakota; federal offenders are often held at FCI Sandstone (Minnesota) or other nearby facilities. |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail records | Visit: Benson County Sheriff’s Office 311 B Avenue S, Minnewaukan, ND 58351 | Submit a records request form during office hours for publicly available jail and booking information. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Benson County
After an arrest in Benson County, individuals are transported to the jail, where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and are then assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes between 4 and 8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, driving without a license | Most Common | 8–48 hours, or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of marijuana, paraphernalia | Common | 24–72 hours, varies by charge and bond |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, family altercations | Common | 24–72 hours, may include mandatory cooling-off period |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal mischief | Occasional | 24–72 hours; possible longer if unable to post bond |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | Common | Until court appearance or posting of bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Prior unresolved charges | Occasional | Until warrant cleared or transferred |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, serious drug crimes | Occasional | Held until court, or transferred to state facility if sentenced |
Visitation Rules at Benson County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the latest visitation rules with Benson County Jail and make sure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Confirm with facility | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | Confirm with facility | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | Confirm with facility | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | Confirm with facility | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | Confirm with facility | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | Confirm with facility | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | Confirm with facility | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest clothing; no revealing or gang-affiliated attire. |
| Prohibited Items | No bags, phones, cameras, or contraband allowed in the facility. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list before visiting. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Arranged separately through prior appointment with the jail. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Benson County Jail
Inmates at Benson County Jail can be contacted via phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications subject to monitoring and recording. Follow the guidelines below for each method to ensure your correspondence is successful.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Benson County Jail
311 B Avenue S, Minnewaukan, ND 58351
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing, collect, or prepaid calls through [Provider]. | Set up an account with [Provider]. | Calls are limited in duration and monitored; no incoming calls. |
| Physical Mail | Letters are delivered through the U.S. Postal Service to the facility. | Address mail as specified above. | No contraband, polaroids, or explicit content; all mail screened. |
| Digital Messaging | Send/receive secure messages via [Provider]'s online platform/app. | Register with [Provider] online. | Messages are monitored; fees may apply; content restrictions. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct remote video visits via [Provider]'s service. | Create and fund [Provider] account. | Visits require approval, may be recorded, adhere to dress code. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Benson County
The North Dakota Board of Parole oversees parole decisions and sentence reductions for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Benson County can access a range of reentry support through both state and community-based programs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Board of Parole | Reviews cases, conducts parole hearings, and grants, denies, or revokes parole. | State-sentenced offenders | ND Board of Parole Phone: (701) 328-6617 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Provides opportunities to reduce sentences for good behavior and program participation. | Eligible inmates and parolees | Via prison case manager or parole officer |
| Parole Supervision | Community supervision, reporting, and support post-release; coordinated through local office. | Released individuals on parole | Lake Region Parole & Probation (serving Benson County) 524 3rd St NE, Devils Lake, ND Phone: (701) 662-0714 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance finding transitional and supportive housing post-release. | Returning citizens | ND Department of Corrections Reentry Services Reentry Services Phone: (701) 328-6131 |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness training, job search support, and referrals to employers hiring those with records. | Justice-involved individuals | Job Service North Dakota JobsND Benson County Phone: (701) 662-9300 (Devils Lake Office) |
| Benefits Restoration | Help with reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits after release. | Formerly incarcerated North Dakotans | ND Reentry Services Reentry Guide |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated alerts for victims about inmate status changes, parole hearings, or release. | Crime victims, concerned citizens | ND VINE Phone: (866) 988-8463 |
Benson Incarceration Statistics
Benson County, North Dakota, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to state averages, with most offenses involving property or drug-related crimes. Benson County does not operate a dedicated county jail; inmates are held at the regional Lake Region Law Enforcement Center.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | (statewide) 1,273 | (statewide) 166 | (statewide) 10% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | (statewide) 1,013 | (statewide) 132 | (statewide) 8% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | (statewide) 57 | (statewide) 7 | (statewide) <1% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | (statewide) 17 | (statewide) 2 | (statewide) <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | (statewide) 6,542 | (statewide) 855 | (statewide) 49% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | (statewide) 4,651 | (statewide) 608 | (statewide) 35% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | (statewide) 1,224 | (statewide) 160 | (statewide) 9% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | (statewide) 667 | (statewide) 87 | (statewide) 5% | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | (statewide) 2,100 | (statewide) 274 | (statewide) 16% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | (statewide) 1,580 | (statewide) 206 | (statewide) 12% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | (statewide) 950 | (statewide) 124 | (statewide) 7% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 87% Male, 13% Female (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 22%, 25–34: 41%, 35–44: 25%, 45+: 12% (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 60%, Native American: 30%, Black: 5%, Other: 5% (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug Offenses, Property Crime, DUI (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.8 years (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 32% (statewide, 3-year measure) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Benson County?
As of the latest estimate, Benson County holds approximately 42 individuals in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration may be transferred to a state facility for the duration of their term.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 19 | 45% | $82 | 76% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 8 | 19% | $69 | 32% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 10 | 24% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 2 | 5% | $91 | 8% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 3 | 7% | $176 | 15% |
| Total | 42 | 100% | — | — |
Benson County Facility Directory
Benson County has one primary correctional facility, a county jail, serving the area; detainees may also be held at a nearby regional facility.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benson County Jail | County Jail | Minnewaukan, ND | 12 | 8 | Minimum |
| Lake Region Law Enforcement Ctr. | Regional Facility | Devils Lake, ND (Ramsey County) | 140 | 115 | Medium |
Benson County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid and Rights
- Families and Community Support
- Re-Entry Programs