What to Do in a Family Emergency & Special Visits (Ministers, Funerals) at Montgomery County Jail

For a family emergency, you'll need to contact a division commander - either the Jail Commander or Assistant Commander. They decide whether your situation qualifies as an emergency. If it does, they'll speak directly with the inmate. This is the only channel for emergency messages, so don't waste time trying to pass word through other staff.

Funeral transport rules are strict. An inmate can only attend a funeral if a judge issues a transport order. No exceptions.

To start the process, the inmate must write to the judge presiding over their case and request a transport order. That written request is what kicks things off.

Religious visits are allowed, but ministers can't always just show up. If a minister or spiritual counselor hasn't visited the jail before, they'll likely need to complete an application and get approval from the Jail Commander or Assistant first. Plan for this extra step.

1. Plan the visit ahead of time - Minister and spiritual counselor visits must be scheduled as an appointment prior to the intended date.
2. Ask about any required approval - If the minister or counselor is considered “specific” by the jail, they may need to submit an application and get approval from the Jail Commander or Assistant before visiting.
3. Confirm the appointment details before the day of the visit - Once it’s scheduled, double-check the time and any instructions so the visit doesn’t get delayed.

Practical Steps Contact Info

• ✓ Call and ask to speak with a division commander (Jail Commander or Assistant Commander) for a family emergency.
• ✓ Be ready to explain the emergency clearly so the commander can determine legitimacy and speak directly to the inmate.
• ✓ Don’t rely on deputies to pass along information; messages are not delivered that way.
• ✓ For a minister or spiritual counselor visit, ask whether an application/approval is required for that specific visitor.
• ✓ Schedule the minister/counselor visit as an appointment before the intended visit date.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Jail: 600 Memorial Drive, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Main phone: (765) 362-3740. Non-emergency line: (765) 362-0885.