Can the Jail Pass a Message to My Loved One? Emergency Communication Rules at Yellowstone County

Staff at Yellowstone County Detention Center won't relay messages to inmates unless it's a verifiable emergency. Think death in the family or emergency surgery. If your situation doesn't rise to that level, you'll need to use regular communication options instead.

Examples Verification

• ✓ Death in the family (the jail treats this as an example of a verifiable emergency)
• ✓ Emergency surgery (also listed as an example of a verifiable emergency)
• ✓ “Verifiable” means staff have to be able to confirm the emergency before they will pass a message, so be prepared to give details that match the situation (for example, information tied to the death or the surgery).

If you have a verifiable emergency and need the facility to consider passing along a message, contact the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office Civil Division. They handle inmate service requests. Reach them at 406-256-2959 or email SOCivil@yellowstonecountymt.gov. For emergencies related to release, bond, or timing, you can also call Facility Booking at 406-256-6881 to ask about bond options.

1. Fund their communications account - Yellowstone County uses NCIC for inmate communications accounts. You can add funds through NCIC or by calling 1-800-943-2189.
2. Use remote visits when you need real-time contact - Inmates have access to a tablet or kiosk for remote visits, and each inmate gets two free visits per week.