Benson County Jail Inmate Lookup

The Benson County Jail, located in Minnewaukan, North Dakota, is a medium-security detention center responsible for housing inmates arrested within Benson County. The facility ensures the secure containment of inmates, facilitating their participation in court processes, and providing humane care. It operates under the Benson County Sheriff's Office, adhering to its established policies and procedures.

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Inmate Search and Prison Roster

Steps for Searching an Inmate

Visit the Inmate Locator Page: The Benson County Sheriff's Office provides an online Inmate Locator service that allows you to search for inmates incarcerated in the Benson County Jail.
Enter the Required Details: To locate an inmate, you will need to enter at least one of the following pieces of information: Booking Number, Last Name, or First Name.
Click 'Search': Once you've filled in the necessary information, click on the 'Search' button to initiate the search process.
Review Search Results: The system will return a list of inmates that match the information you entered. Review the search results and click on the inmate's name to access more detailed information.

Information Available on the Jail Roster

The Benson County Jail roster provides the following information about each inmate:

Booking Number: This is a unique identification number assigned to each inmate at the time of their booking.
Last Name and First Name: The legal surname and first name of the inmate.
Date of Birth: The inmate's birth date, useful for distinguishing between individuals with similar names.
Release Date: If applicable, this is the date when the inmate is expected to be released from custody.
Criminal Charges: This section lists the charges that led to the inmate's incarceration.

Tips for Inmate Search

To effectively search for an inmate in the detention center, keep the following tips in mind:

Use Correct Spelling: Ensure that you spell the inmate's name correctly. Even a minor spelling error can prevent the system from returning accurate results.
Try Variations: If you are having trouble finding an inmate, try using variations of their name. Some individuals may be booked under a nickname or an alias.
Use Partial Information: If you don't know the inmate's complete name or booking number, you can enter partial information. The system will return all inmates whose information matches what you entered.
Check Regularly: If you cannot locate an inmate, they might not have been processed into the system yet. It is recommended to check the system regularly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Contact the Jail Directly: If you're unable to locate an inmate online, you can call the Benson County Jail at (701) 473-5357. Be prepared to provide the inmate's full name and date of birth.

Visitation Guidelines and Hours

Procedure for Arranging a Visit

Eligibility Verification: Ensure you are on the inmate's approved visitor list. An inmate typically sets up this list of visitors after being processed into the facility. If you're not sure, the inmate or jail staff can provide this information.
Schedule a Visit: After confirming your eligibility, you can arrange a visit. The Benson County Jail requires all visits to be scheduled in advance. You can do this by calling the jail directly at (701) 473-5357.
Arrival: Arrive at the jail at least 15 minutes before your scheduled visit. Late arrivals may result in the cancellation of the visit.

Rules and Regulations for Visits

All visitors must provide a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport).
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Visitors are subject to a search before entering the visitation area.
No cell phones, cameras, or electronic devices are allowed in the visitation area.
Inappropriate behavior, including loud talking, profanity, or any type of disruptive behavior, will not be tolerated.
Dress appropriately. Clothing promoting gang affiliation, drug use, or any form of derogatory or explicit content is not allowed.

Visitation Hours

Visitation hours vary and may be subject to change. It's recommended to call the jail directly or visit their website for the most accurate and up-to-date visitation schedule.

Inmate Communications

Inmate Call System and Associated Regulations

Inmates at the Benson County Jail have access to telephones and can make outgoing calls. Incoming calls to inmates are not allowed. The regulations for inmate calls are as follows:

Calls are typically limited to 15 minutes.
All calls are subject to monitoring and recording.
Inmates are not allowed to make calls during lockdown periods or at night.
Harassing or threatening calls are prohibited.
Inmates must pay for their calls. They can do this using their commissary accounts, or the person receiving the call can set up a prepaid account with the jail's phone service provider.

Jail Phone Number and Guidelines for Use

The phone number for the Benson County Jail is (701) 473-5357. This number can be used to schedule visits, ask about inmate information, or to set up a prepaid phone account. It's important to note that calling this number will not allow you to directly speak with an inmate. Inmate phone calls must be initiated by the inmate and cannot be incoming.

Inmate Mail

Process of Sending Mail to an Inmate

Address the Envelope: Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the envelope, followed by the jail's mailing address. The address for the Benson County Jail is:

Benson County Jail 311 B Avenue South Minnewaukan, ND 58351
Content: Write your letter. Remember that all mail is opened and inspected for contraband and inappropriate content.
Postage: Ensure you include the correct postage on the envelope.
Send: Mail the letter through the U.S. Postal Service.

Guidelines for Sending Mail to Inmates

All mail must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. Courier services like FedEx and UPS are not accepted.
Do not send packages, as they will not be accepted.
Do not include any contraband items. This includes but is not limited to weapons, drugs, and explicit content.
Do not send money or personal checks through mail. The jail provides other methods for depositing money into an inmate's account.
Remember that all mail, except legal mail, is opened and inspected before being delivered to the inmate.

Sending Money to Inmates

Approved Methods for Sending Money

Money Order: Money orders can be mailed directly to the jail with the inmate's name and booking number. The address for sending money orders is the same as the mail address.
Online Deposit: Funds can be deposited into an inmate's account online through the jail's authorized service provider. To do this, visit the provider's website, follow the prompts, and make sure to have the inmate's booking number handy.
Phone Deposit: Deposits can also be made by phone. Call the service provider's toll-free number, usually available on the jail's website, and follow the instructions.

Regulations and Limitations for Sending Money

There is a limit on the amount of money an inmate can receive. Any funds sent beyond this limit will be returned.
Online and phone deposits are usually subject to a service fee.
Benson County Jail is not responsible for money orders lost in the mail.
Money sent to an inmate's account will not be returned, even if the inmate is transferred or released.
Inmates are not allowed to transfer funds between accounts.
Money order must be made payable to "Benson County Jail" with the inmate's full name and booking number in the memo field.

Please visit the Benson County Jail's official website for the most current information on sending money to inmates.

Inmate Commissary

The commissary is a store within the jail that allows inmates to purchase products such as snacks, stationery, hygiene items, and more. The purpose of the commissary is to provide inmates with access to items that are not issued by the jail but are permitted within the facility.

How Inmates Can Use the Commissary

Inmates can use funds from their jail account to purchase items from the commissary. Family members and friends can deposit money into an inmate's account, which the inmate can then use to make purchases. Typically, the jail has a specific day each week when inmates are allowed to place commissary orders.

Restrictions on the Commissary Use

There are limits on the total amount that an inmate can spend at the commissary each week.
Certain items in the commissary may have quantity restrictions.
Inmates who are on disciplinary status may not be allowed to make commissary purchases.
Not all items are available to all inmates. The availability of certain items can depend on factors such as the inmate's security level and housing assignment.

Incarceration Records and Mugshots

Process of Obtaining Incarceration Records

Incarceration records for Benson County Jail can usually be obtained through a public records request. This process can often be initiated online or by contacting the records department of the Sheriff's Office. Typically, you will need to provide the inmate's name and other identifying information. Please note that there may be a fee to obtain these records, and the process may take several days or weeks.

Explanation of Mugshots and Their Availability

Mugshots are photographs taken by law enforcement at the time of an arrest. They typically include a front-view and a side-view of the arrested individual. The availability of mugshots depends on the policies of the individual law enforcement agency. Some jurisdictions may make mugshots available as part of the public record, while others may restrict their availability due to privacy concerns. To inquire about the availability of a mugshot, you can contact the Benson County Sheriff's Office directly.

Security Level

The Benson County Jail implements a robust security system to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. These measures include constant video surveillance, regular inmate counts and searches, controlled movement of inmates, and strict protocols for visitation and inmate communications. The facility is designed with multiple secure areas, including cells, day rooms, recreation areas, and visitation rooms.

Categories of Offenders Housed

The jail houses offenders of various categories, ranging from those awaiting trial for minor offenses to inmates serving sentences for more serious crimes. The detention facility also holds inmates who are awaiting transfer to state or federal prison.

Role of Correctional Officers

Correctional officers at Benson County Jail play a vital role in maintaining safety and order within the facility. Their duties include supervising inmates, preventing disturbances, conducting searches for contraband, enforcing discipline, and responding to emergencies. They also facilitate various inmate services such as meals, visitation, medical care, and commissary purchases. They work around the clock, ensuring the jail's secure operation 24/7.

Location and Contact Details

Official Mailing Address:

Benson County Jail 311 B Avenue South Minnewaukan, ND 58351
Official Phone Number: (701) 473-5357
Official Website: Benson County Jail Website
Official Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Inmate Search and Arrest Lookup

1. How can I find information about a specific inmate?

You can use a variety of online resources to find information about a specific inmate. These resources are typically maintained by state and county departments of corrections. To use these databases, you typically need the inmate's full name and their date of birth or inmate ID number. Here are a few examples:

Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
State-specific Department of Corrections websites

2. How frequently is the inmate database updated?

This can vary depending on the specific database, but typically inmate databases are updated daily.

3. Are inmate records from all states available?

In most cases, inmate records from all states are available online. However, the extent of the information available may vary from state to state due to different privacy laws and regulations.

4. What if the inmate I'm searching for is not listed?

If the inmate you're searching for is not listed, it could be because they were recently incarcerated and the database has not been updated yet, or they have been released. Alternatively, they might be in a facility that does not make inmate information available online.

5. Can I look up arrest records as well?

Yes, you can often look up arrest records as well. This can usually be done through the same or similar resources used to look up inmate information.

Jail Bookings

6. How do I find out about recent jail bookings?

Recent jail bookings can often be found through the website of the county jail or sheriff's department in the county where the person was arrested.

7. What details can I obtain about a specific jail booking?

The details available can vary, but usually include the inmate's name, booking number, the charges they were arrested for, the date and time of the booking, and the bond amount, if applicable.

8. How soon after an arrest will a booking appear in the system?

The time frame can vary, but bookings usually appear in the system within a few hours of the arrest.

Inmate Calls and Mail

9. How can I set up a phone account to receive calls from an inmate?

To receive calls from an inmate, you usually need to set up an account with a third-party phone service that contracts with the correctional facility. The exact process may vary, but typically involves creating an account online, adding funds to the account, and then listing the phone numbers that the inmate can call.

10. What are the policies on sending and receiving mail from inmates?

Policies on sending and receiving mail from inmates vary by facility. However, common rules include that all mail must be non-contraband and may be subject to search. Some facilities also have restrictions on the types of items that can be included in the mail, such as photographs or drawings.

11. Are there any restrictions on what can be included in mail to inmates?

Yes, restrictions typically include things like weapons, drugs, and other contraband. Some facilities also have restrictions on things like the number and size of photos, whether you can send hardcover books, etc.

Visitation

12. How do I schedule a visit with an inmate?

To schedule a visit with an inmate, you typically need to contact the correctional facility directly. The exact process can vary, but usually involves submitting a visitor application, waiting for approval, and then scheduling the visit.

13. What are the visiting hours and rules for specific facilities?

Visiting hours and rules vary by facility. This information is usually available on the facility's website or can be obtained by contacting the facility directly.

14. Can children visit inmates?

Policies vary by facility, but in many cases, children are allowed to visit inmates as long as they are accompanied by an adult. However, there may be additional paperwork required for children to visit.

Sending Money and Posting Bond

15. How can I send money to an inmate?

There are typically several ways to send money to an inmate, including through the mail, through a third-party service, or in person at the facility. The specific options available depend on the policies of the facility.

16. What are the fees associated with sending money?

Fees can vary depending on the method used to send money. Sending money through the mail usually only requires the cost of postage, while using a third-party service may involve a service fee.

17. How do I post bond for an inmate?

To post bond for an inmate, you typically need to pay the full bond amount or a percentage of it to the court or a bail bondsman. This process can usually be done in person at the jail or courthouse, or online in some cases.

Legal Assistance for Inmates

18. How can I provide legal assistance to an inmate?

There are several ways to provide legal assistance to an inmate. You could hire a lawyer on their behalf, help them find a public defender, or provide them with resources to represent themselves.

19. What are the rights of inmates concerning legal representation?

Inmates have the right to legal representation. If they cannot afford a lawyer, they are entitled to a public defender. They also have the right to represent themselves, although this is usually not recommended due to the complexity of the legal system.

20. How can an inmate access legal resources while incarcerated?

Inmates typically have access to a law library while incarcerated. They can also receive legal materials through the mail, although there may be restrictions on the amount of material they can have at one time.

Release

21. How do I find out when an inmate is due to be released?

You can typically find out when an inmate is due to be released by contacting the correctional facility or checking the facility's online database.

22. What is the process for an inmate's release?

The release process can vary, but generally, the inmate will be processed out of the facility, retrieve their personal belongings, and then be released to the public. If they were sentenced to parole or probation, they will need to meet with their parole or probation officer shortly after release.

23. Are there services available to assist inmates post-release?

Yes, there are often services available to assist inmates post-release. These can include things like transitional housing, job placement services, substance abuse treatment, and counseling.

Criminal Records Lookup and Background Check

24. How do I conduct a criminal records lookup?

You can conduct a criminal records lookup through a variety of online resources. These can include state and county court websites, state department of corrections websites, and third-party background check services.

25. What information is included in a criminal record?

A criminal record typically includes information about any arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences a person has received. It may also include information about any parole or probation the person has been sentenced to.

26. How do I conduct a background check?

To conduct a background check, you can use a third-party background check service. These services usually require you to provide the person's full name and date of birth. In some cases, you may also need the person's consent.

27. What information is included in a background check?

A background check can include a variety of information, such as criminal records, credit history, employment history, education history, driving records, and more. The specific information included depends on the type of background check conducted.

28. Can I request a background check on someone without their permission?

In most cases, you cannot conduct a comprehensive background check on someone without their consent due to privacy laws. However, certain types of public records, such as court records and some types of criminal records, can often be accessed without the person's consent.

29. Are there restrictions or privacy laws that limit access to certain information?

Yes, there are a variety of laws that protect people's privacy and limit access to certain types of information. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates the use and collection of credit information. Additionally, some states have laws that restrict access to certain types of criminal records.

30. How can one correct or dispute information found in a criminal record or background check?

If you find incorrect information in your criminal record or background check, you should contact the agency that reported the information. This could be a state or local court, a law enforcement agency, or a credit bureau, depending on the type of information. You'll typically need to provide documentation that proves the information is incorrect, and the agency will then update their records.

North Dakota Inmate Search