Question 1

Can I leave money or packages with staff at a North Dakota prison or jail?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the facility, but ND DOCR states that money is not accepted in person or in the mail at NDSP, MRCC, JRCC, or HRCC, so you must use the approved methods listed by DOCR. Some county facilities do accept cash deposits through a lobby kiosk, and one county detention center states cash may be brought in 24 hours a day and deposited in the lobby kiosk. Always follow the specific facility’s deposit or vendor instructions before you go.

Question 2

How do I add phone time or messages for an inmate in Burleigh County?

Accepted Answer

Burleigh County’s detention center states that only phone time purchased through Reliance can be used. The facility lists options to buy Reliance phone time by calling Reliance, using Reliance’s website, or depositing cash into an inmate account so the inmate can purchase phone time. The same facility also lists an inmate message line for leaving a message.

Question 3

Are video visits free or is there a fee?

Accepted Answer

Some onsite video visits are free, while remote (offsite) video visits can cost money. ND DOCR states onsite video visits are free of charge and remote visits are subject to a fee noted when scheduling, and one county facility similarly states onsite visitation is provided at no cost while offsite visitation carries a cost to the visitor.

Question 4

What ID do I need for an in-person visit?

Accepted Answer

Bring photo identification. One North Dakota detention center states that all visitors must have photo identification, and you can call the facility to confirm what types of photo ID they accept.

Question 5

Can I mail books, and are there restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but restrictions are common. One North Dakota detention center states books must be soft cover and limited to self-help, educational, or religious material, and another county correctional center allows books (no hard cover) if sent from the publisher and approved by administration. Mail is inspected, so follow the facility’s rules closely.

Question 6

How do I report sexual abuse or file a PREA complaint for a facility in North Dakota?

Accepted Answer

Look for the facility’s PREA page or policy, which often lists a PREA Coordinator or administrator contact and may accept third-party reports. One county facility instructs third parties to write, call, or email the administrator or PREA Coordinator, and it also lists the county sheriff as a reporting contact. Another county detention center’s policy also states it accepts third-party reports.

Question 7

If an inmate was booked with cash, what happens to that money?

Accepted Answer

Some facilities deposit paper cash into the person’s account system during intake. One North Dakota inmate handbook example explains that paper money (bills only) found at booking was deposited into the TurnKey system for commissary use, and the inmate is issued an account number and PIN. That same handbook also explains that a facility’s indigent policy can be separate from court indigence determinations.

Question 8

How long do visitation sessions last and when do they start?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the facility, but one county correctional center states sessions are limited to 20 minutes and start on the hour, at 20 minutes past, and at 40 minutes past. The same facility also states no visitation will begin before 8:00 a.m. or be allowed after 10:00 p.m., and it publishes specific onsite visiting time blocks.

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Facilities in North Dakota

Burleigh County Detention Center

North Dakota State Penitentiary

Rolette County Jail, ND

Ward County Jail, ND