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Ward County Public Records /Ward County Inmate Search

Ward County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Ward County?

Inmate records in Ward County are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and the Ward County Sheriff's Office to document individuals who are or have been held in custody within the county's detention system. These records are distinct from court records: while the North Dakota District Court maintains case files related to criminal proceedings, charges, and judicial decisions, the jail and sheriff's office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention status, booking details, and incarceration history.

The record creation process begins at the moment of booking or intake, when a detained individual is formally processed into the facility. Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and medical notes. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to applicable public records laws. Under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, government entities are required to maintain and make available records that document the exercise of official functions, which includes the custody and management of detained individuals.

Ward County Sheriff's Office 315 3rd St SE, Minot, ND 58701 (701) 857-6500 Ward County Sheriff's Office

Are Inmate Records Public In Ward County?

Inmate records in Ward County are generally accessible to the public under North Dakota's open records framework. The North Dakota Open Records Law, N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, establishes a presumption of openness for government records, meaning that records maintained by public agencies — including sheriff's offices and county jails — are available for public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Corrections-specific provisions further govern what information may be disclosed regarding individuals in custody.

Members of the public may currently access the following categories of inmate information:

  • Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the Ward County Jail
  • Booking and arrest records — date, time, and circumstances of intake
  • Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the detention
  • Mugshots — booking photographs, subject to applicable exemptions
  • Bond and bail amounts — financial conditions of release set by the court
  • Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information
  • Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held

Certain categories of information, such as medical records, juvenile records, and information that could compromise an ongoing investigation, are exempt from public disclosure under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.7.

What's Included in Inmate Records in Ward County

Inmate records maintained by the Ward County correctional system contain a comprehensive set of data fields that document every stage of an individual's custody. The following breakdown reflects the standard categories of information included in these records:

Basic Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Gender, race, and physical description
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • State identification number and FBI number (if applicable)

Custody Information:

  • Date and time of booking
  • Arresting agency
  • Current custody status (in custody, released, transferred)
  • Housing unit and cell assignment
  • Classification level

Charge Information:

  • Specific criminal charges (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
  • Statute violated
  • Offense date and jurisdiction

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
  • Bond amount set by the court
  • Bond status (posted, pending, forfeited)

Court Information:

  • Case number and assigned judge
  • Next scheduled court date
  • Court of jurisdiction (e.g., Ward County District Court)

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

  • Length of sentence imposed
  • Sentence start date
  • Good-time credits or earned release credits
  • Program participation

Release Information:

  • Actual or projected release date
  • Release type (completed sentence, bond posted, transferred, dismissed)
  • Conditions of release or supervision requirements

Ward County Prison System

Ward County operates a local detention system designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The county jail serves as the primary facility for pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings, as well as individuals serving sentences of typically one year or less for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions. This structure is distinct from the North Dakota state prison system, which is administered by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) and houses individuals convicted of more serious offenses serving longer sentences.

The Ward County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the administration and operation of the county jail, including inmate intake, housing, programming, and release. The Sheriff's Office also coordinates with state and federal agencies for transfers when individuals are sentenced to facilities outside the county system.

Ward County Sheriff's Office 315 3rd St SE, Minot, ND 58701 (701) 857-6500 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Ward County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Ward County

Ward County's correctional infrastructure currently consists of the following facility:

Ward County Jail The Ward County Jail is the primary detention facility serving the county. It houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state or federal facilities. The jail is operated under the authority of the Ward County Sheriff's Office and is subject to state standards established by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Ward County Jail 315 3rd St SE, Minot, ND 58701 (701) 857-6500 Ward County Sheriff's Office

Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year, or those convicted of certain felony offenses, are typically transferred to a North Dakota state correctional facility operated by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, located at:

North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation 3100 Railroad Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 328-6390 North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Who's in Prison In Ward County

The Ward County Jail houses several distinct populations of individuals at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest group — these are individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted of an offense, and who are held because they are unable to post bail or have been denied release by the court. Individuals serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor convictions are also housed at the county jail. Additionally, the facility may hold individuals who have violated the terms of probation or parole, those awaiting transfer to state or federal custody, and individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions through intergovernmental agreements.

Under N.D.C.C. § 12-44.1, county jails in North Dakota are authorized to detain individuals charged with or convicted of criminal offenses, and the county sheriff bears responsibility for the care and custody of all persons committed to the jail.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Ward County in 2026

Members of the public may search for inmate records in Ward County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:

Online Search:

In-Person Request:

  • Members of the public may visit the Ward County Sheriff's Office at 315 3rd St SE, Minot, ND 58701, during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) to request inmate records in person.
  • Requestors should provide the full legal name of the individual and, if known, the date of birth or booking number to facilitate the search.

Written or Phone Request:

  • Written requests may be submitted to the Ward County Sheriff's Office by mail or in person.
  • Telephone inquiries may be directed to (701) 857-6500 during business hours.
  • Fees for copies of records, if applicable, are governed by the fee schedule established under North Dakota open records law.

How To Find an Inmate in Ward County for Free?

Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an inmate held within Ward County or the broader North Dakota correctional system.

  • Ward County Sheriff's Office Online Roster: Members of the public may check the Ward County Sheriff's Office website for a current list of individuals held at the county jail at no charge.
  • North Dakota DOCR Resident Lookup: The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation resident lookup provides free online access to information about individuals currently incarcerated in a North Dakota state correctional facility. Users may search by name to retrieve basic custody information.
  • North Dakota Court Records Search: The ND Court Records inquiry system allows members of the public to search North Dakota District Court and some municipal court case records at no cost, providing information on charges, case status, and scheduled hearings.
  • In-Person Inquiry: Members of the public may visit the Ward County Sheriff's Office in person during business hours to request inmate status information verbally, which is typically provided at no charge for basic inquiries.

How To Visit an Inmate In Ward County

Visitation at the Ward County Jail is subject to rules and procedures established by the Ward County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable requirements.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

  • All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list prior to the visit.
  • Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit.
  • Visits may be subject to scheduling based on facility capacity and inmate housing classification.

Visit Schedule:

  • Visitation schedules are set by the Ward County Sheriff's Office and may vary by housing unit or inmate classification. Members of the public should contact the facility directly at (701) 857-6500 to confirm current visitation hours.

What to Bring:

  • Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

What NOT to Bring:

  • Contraband of any kind, including controlled substances, weapons, or unauthorized items
  • Cell phones or electronic recording devices into the secure visitation area
  • Food, beverages, or packages not authorized through official channels

Dress Code:

  • Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry.

Visit Types:

  • The Ward County Jail may offer in-person contact visits, non-contact visits through a partition, or video visitation, depending on the inmate's classification and facility resources.

Visit Restrictions:

  • Individuals with active warrants, those on probation or parole (unless approved by their supervising officer), and individuals with prior criminal convictions may be subject to additional screening or denial of visitation privileges.
  • Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must also appear on the approved visitor list.

How To Send Money to a Ward County Inmate

Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Ward County Jail through methods authorized by the facility. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, make phone calls, and cover other permitted expenses.

Methods for Sending Money:

  • Online deposits: The Ward County Jail may utilize a third-party service provider for online deposits. Members of the public should verify the current approved platform by contacting the facility at (701) 857-6500 or visiting wardcountysheriff.com.
  • In-person deposits: Funds may be deposited in person at the facility using cash or money order, subject to facility procedures.
  • Money order by mail: Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be mailed to the Ward County Jail at 315 3rd St SE, Minot, ND 58701.

Amount Limits:

  • Deposit limits, if any, are established by the Ward County Sheriff's Office and may vary. Members of the public should confirm current limits directly with the facility.

Fees:

  • Third-party deposit services may charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not typically charge a fee for receiving funds, but service provider fees apply when using electronic platforms.

What You Cannot Send:

  • Cash sent through the mail is not accepted.
  • Personal checks are generally not accepted.
  • Funds from unverified or anonymous sources may be rejected.

What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:

  • Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved services.
  • Trust account funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly through the jail account unless specifically authorized by court order.

How To Send Jail Mail In Ward County

Mail sent to inmates at the Ward County Jail is subject to inspection and must comply with facility rules established by the Ward County Sheriff's Office. All incoming mail is reviewed for contraband and compliance with applicable regulations.

Methods for Sending Mail:

  • Standard U.S. Postal Service mail is the accepted method for sending correspondence to inmates at the Ward County Jail.
  • All mail should be addressed with the inmate's full legal name, booking number (if known), and the facility address: Ward County Jail, 315 3rd St SE, Minot, ND 58701.

Rules for Sending Mail:

  • All letters must be written on plain white paper. Colored paper, glitter, stickers, or other embellishments are typically prohibited.
  • Envelopes must be standard white envelopes with no padding, lining, or decorative elements.
  • Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; Polaroid or instant-print photographs are generally not accepted due to the materials used in their production.
  • Books and publications, if permitted, must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer and must be new, not used.
  • Mail containing threatening language, coded messages, or content that poses a security risk will be rejected and may be reported to law enforcement.
  • Return address information must be included on all outgoing mail; anonymous mail is not accepted.
  • Inmates may send outgoing mail using postage purchased through their trust account via the commissary.

Lookup Inmate Records in Ward County