Search Wells County, ND Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Wells County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Wells County, ND
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Wells County
- Visitation Rules at Wells County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Wells County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Wells County
- Wells Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Wells County?
- Wells County Facility Directory
- Wells Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Wells County, North Dakota, you can use both online and offline resources. Online, start by visiting the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s official inmate lookup tool, which provides searchable information statewide, including Wells County. You can also check the Wells County Sheriff’s Office website or their social media pages for recent arrest and inmate information, as smaller counties sometimes post updates there. For offline methods, contact the Wells County Sheriff’s Office directly by visiting their office at 700 Railway Street N, Fessenden, ND, or by calling (701) 547-3211 to inquire about inmate records, visitation, and related procedures. Additionally, public records can be accessed at the Wells County Courthouse if you need court or jail documentation. Always have relevant personal details (like the inmate’s full name or date of birth) ready to streamline your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Wells County, ND
Inmate records for Wells County, North Dakota, are accessible online or through local agencies, depending on whether the individual is held in a local jail, state prison, or federal facility. Use the appropriate search tool or contact method below based on the inmate’s custody status.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | Online search | Covers inmates in ND Department of Corrections facilities |
| VINE Inmate Search | Jail & prison inmates | Online search | Provides custody status and notifications for inmates statewide |
| Wells County Sheriff/Detention Center | Local jail inmates | Call (701) 547-3211 or visit 700 Railway St N, Fessenden, ND 58438 | Local jail; call for inmate information; online roster may not be available |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal inmates | Online search | No federal prison in ND; federal offenders from ND are usually held at USP Hazelton, WV, or other regional federal prisons |
| In-Person Records Request | County jail records | Visit Wells County Sheriff's Office: 700 Railway St N, Fessenden, ND 58438 | Photo ID required; hours may vary—call ahead at (701) 547-3211 |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Wells County
After arrest in Wells County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, provided a medical screening, and assigned housing. The booking process typically takes between 4 to 8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving under influence, license violations | Common | 12–48 hours or until bail is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of meth, marijuana, paraphernalia | Occasional | 24–72 hours or until bail is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, domestic disputes | Occasional | 24–72 hours or per court and no-contact order |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal mischief | Occasional | 24–72 hours or until bail is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court date | Common | Until court appearance or posting bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench, probation violation warrants | Common | Until warrant cleared or transferred to issuing agency |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, felony theft | Occasional | Until court resolution; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Wells County Jail
Before planning your visit to Wells County Jail, always verify the latest visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | No visitation | – | |
| Wednesday | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | No visitation | – | |
| Friday | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | No revealing or inappropriate attire; follow facility guidelines. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, food, drinks, or weapons allowed in the visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be pre-approved; submit application if required and await confirmation. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and supervised at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Arranged separately through the facility; not subject to regular visitation hours. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Wells County Jail
Inmates at Wells County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all forms of communication monitored by facility staff. Below are the approved contact methods and important information you need to know.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Wells County Jail
1615 W Western Ave., Bluffton, IN 46714
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outbound calls through [Provider] phone services. | Create an account with [Provider], add funds. | Calls are monitored, limited in duration, and may be restricted at times. |
| Physical Mail | Receive letters mailed to the facility using the proper address. | No setup needed, proper addressing required. | No contraband; no cash or packages; photos and content reviewed/limited. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive secure messages via [Provider] system. | Register at [Provider] website/app, purchase credits. | Messages are screened; offensive/inappropriate content prohibited. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and join video visits using [Provider] video service. | Account setup and scheduling via [Provider]. | All video visits are monitored and recorded; dress and conduct rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Wells County
The North Dakota Board of Parole oversees parole decision-making for state-sentenced offenders, while various state and community-based programs provide reentry support to individuals returning to Wells County. Below are key resources to assist with release, supervision, and successful reintegration.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Board of Parole | Reviews cases and determines parole eligibility and conditions for state inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | https://www.docr.nd.gov/divisions/parole-and-probation · (701) 328-6600 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows inmates to earn time off their sentence for good behavior and program participation. | Incarcerated individuals | Contact facility case manager or ND Department of Corrections: (701) 328-6390 |
| Parole Supervision | Monitors and supports parolees’ compliance with release conditions through local officers. | Individuals released on parole | Devils Lake Parole & Probation Office (serves Wells County): (701) 665-2211 · 524 4th Ave NE #1, Devils Lake, ND 58301 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists with locating transitional or supportive housing post-release. | Returning citizens with housing needs | ND Reentry Program: https://www.docr.nd.gov/reentry-services · (701) 328-6138 |
| Employment Assistance | Provides job search, resume building, and employment referrals for released individuals. | Returning citizens | Job Service North Dakota: https://www.jobsnd.com/ · Harvey Office: (701) 324-4552 |
| Benefits Restoration | Helps restore access to Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits upon release. | Individuals reentering the community | ND Department of Human Services: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/ · Harvey Office: (701) 324-4636 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated system to notify victims about offender custody status changes. | Victims and concerned citizens | https://www.vinelink.com/ · ND VINE Hotline: (866) 511-8463 |
Wells Incarceration Statistics
Wells County experiences relatively low crime rates compared to larger urban areas, with most reported offenses being property or alcohol-related. The county does not have a dedicated jail; inmates from Wells County are typically housed at the Heart of America Correctional & Treatment Center, a regional facility.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 4 (statewide) | 283 (statewide) | 9% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 3 (statewide) | 215 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 0 (statewide) | 7 (statewide) | <1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 0 (statewide) | 1.5 (statewide) | <1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 20 (statewide) | 1,580 (statewide) | 45% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 12 (statewide) | 1,050 (statewide) | 26% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 6 (statewide) | 410 (statewide) | 14% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 2 (statewide) | 120 (statewide) | 5% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 8 (statewide) | 410 (statewide) | 16% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 6 (statewide) | 470 (statewide) | 18% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 3 (statewide) | 135 (statewide) | 8% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 85% male, 15% female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 18%, 25-34: 36%, 35-44: 26%, 45+: 20% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 79%, Native American: 15%, Other: 6% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, DUI, Property, Violent | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.4 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 32% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Wells County?
As of the latest estimate, Wells County is holding approximately 54 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration terms may be transferred to a state facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 28 | 52% | $65 | 78% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 16 | 30% | $65 | 44% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 6 | 11% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 2 | 4% | $72 | 6% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 0 | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 54 | 100% | — | — |
Wells County Facility Directory
Wells County has one primary correctional facility—a county jail—serving local detainees, with juveniles or overflow generally housed in neighboring regional facilities.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells County Jail | County Jail | 1615 W Western Ave, Bluffton, IN | 56 | 45 | Medium |
| Allen County Juvenile Center | Regional Facility | 2929 N Wells St, Fort Wayne, IN | 146 | 90 | Medium/High |
Wells County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid
- Community Support
- Re-Entry Programs
- Legal Rights