Grand Forks County Public Records /Grand Forks County Inmate Search

Grand Forks County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Grand Forks County?

Inmate records in Grand Forks County are official government documents maintained by local correctional facilities and the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office that document individuals who are in custody. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of information pertaining to persons who have been arrested, booked, and detained within the county's correctional system. Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, these records are maintained as part of the state's public records requirements.

Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects. While court records, maintained by the North Dakota Court System, document legal proceedings, charges, and case dispositions, inmate records specifically track an individual's custody status and institutional history. The creation of an inmate record begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into a correctional facility. The record is subsequently updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information. Upon the individual's release, the record is closed but maintained according to the county's record retention schedule.

According to the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, inmate records serve multiple purposes, including:

Documenting the legal basis for an individual's detention
Tracking the location and movement of inmates within the correctional system
Maintaining security and safety within correctional facilities
Facilitating appropriate classification and housing assignments
Ensuring compliance with court orders regarding detention and release

Are Inmate Records Public In Grand Forks County?

Inmate records in Grand Forks County are considered public records under North Dakota law, with certain limitations to protect privacy and security interests. The North Dakota Open Records Law § 44-04-18 establishes that all government records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by law. This statute applies to records maintained by the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities.

The following inmate record information is typically available to the public:

Current inmate roster (listing of individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking and arrest information
Charges filed against the inmate
Mugshot photographs
Bond or bail amounts
Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
Current housing facility

However, certain information within inmate records may be restricted from public disclosure pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 12-47-36, which governs records related to inmates and offenders. Protected information may include:

Medical and mental health records
Disciplinary reports
Information that could compromise facility security
Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information
Victim information
Information related to ongoing investigations

Members of the public seeking access to inmate records in Grand Forks County may obtain this information through the county's online inmate lookup system or by submitting a formal records request to the appropriate agency.

What's Included Inmate Records in Grand Forks County

Inmate records in Grand Forks County contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Booking number and/or inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
Current housing location
Classification level
Scheduled court appearances
Expected release date (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Current charges
Charge severity (misdemeanor, felony)
Charge status (pending, convicted)
Warrant information (if applicable)
Case numbers associated with charges

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, not posted)
Bond conditions (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned to case
Scheduled court dates
Court case numbers

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date (if applicable)
Good time/earned time credits

Release Information:

Scheduled release date
Release type (time served, bond, transfer, etc.)
Post-release supervision requirements (if applicable)

This information is maintained in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1-26, which establishes requirements for inmate record-keeping in local correctional facilities.

Grand Forks County Prison System

The Grand Forks County correctional system operates under the authority of the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and administering the county's detention facilities. The county operates a local jail facility primarily designed for pre-trial detention and for housing individuals serving sentences of up to one year, as prescribed by North Dakota law.

It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system. The Grand Forks County Correctional Center houses individuals who are awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences, or serving short-term felony sentences. In contrast, the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of more serious offenses and serving longer sentences, typically exceeding one year.

The Grand Forks County correctional system operates in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1, which establishes standards for the operation of local correctional facilities throughout the state.

For information regarding the Grand Forks County correctional system, members of the public may contact:

Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office
122 S 5th St #210
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 780-8280
Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Grand Forks County

Grand Forks County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's correctional system:

Grand Forks County Correctional Center
1701 N Washington St
Grand Forks, ND 58203
(701) 780-8110
Grand Forks County Correctional Center

The Grand Forks County Correctional Center serves as the primary detention facility for the county. This medium-security facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and those serving short-term felony sentences. The facility provides various programs including educational services, substance abuse treatment, and work release opportunities for eligible inmates.

Grand Forks County Juvenile Detention Center
124 S 4th St
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 780-8229
Grand Forks County Juvenile Detention Center

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders who are awaiting adjudication or serving sentences for juvenile offenses. The center provides age-appropriate services, including educational programming and counseling, in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 27-20, which governs juvenile justice in the state.

Grand Forks County Work Release Center
1701 N Washington St
Grand Forks, ND 58203
(701) 780-8110
Grand Forks County Work Release Center

This minimum-security facility houses inmates who qualify for work release programs. These individuals are typically serving sentences for non-violent offenses and are permitted to leave the facility during the day to work at approved employment sites, returning to custody during non-working hours.

Each of these facilities operates under the supervision of the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office and in compliance with standards established by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Who's in Prison In Grand Forks County

The Grand Forks County correctional facilities house various categories of individuals who are in custody for different reasons. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are either awaiting trial or have been unable to post bail. Pre-trial detainees make up a significant portion of the county jail population.

Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and sentenced to serve time in the county jail. In North Dakota, misdemeanor sentences typically range from a few days to up to one year of incarceration.

Short-term Felony Offenders: Some individuals convicted of lower-level felony offenses may serve their sentences in the county jail rather than state prison, particularly if the sentence is relatively short (typically less than one year).

Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole may be held in the county jail pending hearings or as a sanction for the violation.

Contract Inmates: The Grand Forks County Correctional Center may house inmates from other jurisdictions, including federal detainees, based on intergovernmental agreements.

Work Release Participants: Eligible inmates who are permitted to work at approved employment sites during the day while remaining in custody during non-working hours.

Weekend Commitments: Some individuals are sentenced to serve their jail time on weekends only, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities during the week.

According to data from the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the demographic composition of the inmate population in Grand Forks County generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with variations based on local factors and law enforcement priorities.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Grand Forks County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Grand Forks County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple systems for public access to inmate data:

Online Inmate Lookup:

Visit the Grand Forks County Corrections inmate roster
The roster is updated regularly and provides information on currently incarcerated individuals
Search by entering the inmate's name or booking number if known
Review the results, which typically include the inmate's name, booking date, charges, and bond information

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Complete a public records request form, available at the front desk
Provide identifying information about the inmate (full name, date of birth if known)
Staff will process the request and provide available public information
Photo identification may be required for certain requests

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to:

Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
122 S 5th St #210
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Include the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
Specify the information being requested
Provide contact information for response
Allow 5-7 business days for processing

Court Records Search: For information related to criminal cases and court proceedings:

Access the North Dakota Courts Public Search
Select "Grand Forks County" from the location dropdown
Enter the individual's name in the search fields
Review case information, which may include charges, hearing dates, and case disposition

For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Resident Lookup provides information on inmates currently incarcerated in state facilities.

How To Find an Inmate in Grand Forks County for Free?

Members of the public may locate inmates in Grand Forks County custody without incurring any fees through several free resources:

Grand Forks County Inmate Roster:

Access the current inmate roster, which is updated daily
The roster lists all individuals currently in custody at Grand Forks County correctional facilities
Information typically includes the inmate's name, booking date, charges, and bond amount
No registration or payment is required to access this information

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Grand Forks County Correctional Center at (701) 780-8110
Provide the full name of the individual you are attempting to locate
Staff can confirm whether an individual is in custody and provide basic information
Call during regular business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) for best results

North Dakota Court System:

Visit the North Dakota Courts Public Search
Select "Grand Forks County" from the jurisdiction options
Enter the individual's name in the search fields
Review case information, which may indicate custody status
This service is provided free of charge by the North Dakota Court System

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
Request information about an individual's custody status at the front desk
Basic information about current inmates is available without submitting a formal records request
No fee is charged for basic custody status inquiries

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains a free online resident lookup system that provides information on all individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities.

How To Visit an Inmate In Grand Forks County

Visitation with inmates at Grand Forks County correctional facilities is subject to specific rules and procedures designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. The following guidelines apply to all visitors:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
Inmates may submit visitor request forms during their first week of incarceration
Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility
Visitation may be denied for security concerns or policy violations

Visit Schedule:

Regular visitation hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
No visitation on Mondays (reserved for administrative processing)
Maximum visit duration: 30 minutes per visit
Inmates are permitted two visits per week
Special holiday schedules are posted at the facility and on the county website

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during the visit (must be declared and approved)
Baby supplies if visiting with an infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, and wipes)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20

Dress Code:

Conservative attire is required
No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, or miniskirts)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No hats or head coverings (except religious head coverings)
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Contact visits: Available for minimum-security inmates who meet behavioral criteria
Non-contact visits: Standard visitation through glass partition with telephone communication
Professional visits: Attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals may visit during expanded hours

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Individuals on probation or parole must obtain written permission from their supervising officer
Persons with pending criminal charges may be restricted from visiting
Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit

These regulations are established pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1-14, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable visitation policies. For the most current visitation information, contact the Grand Forks County Correctional Center directly at (701) 780-8110.

How To Send Money to a Grand Forks County Inmate

Grand Forks County provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses. The following options are currently available:

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay Payment Systems website
Create an account or log in if you already have one
Select "Grand Forks County Correctional Center" from the facility list
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Enter the deposit amount and payment information
A service fee of $2.50 applies to each transaction
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours

Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the lobby kiosk at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit
Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted
A service fee of $2.00 applies to each transaction
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-2 hours

Mail-In Deposits:

Send a money order or cashier's check only (no personal checks)
Make payable to "Grand Forks County Correctional Center"
Include the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
Mail to:

Grand Forks County Correctional Center
Inmate Accounts
1701 N Washington St
Grand Forks, ND 58203
No service fee applies to mail-in deposits
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00

Fees:

Online deposits: $2.50 per transaction
Kiosk deposits: $2.00 per transaction
Mail-in deposits: No fee

What Money Can Be Used For:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Electronic messaging (where available)
Medical co-pays
Haircuts

What Money Cannot Be Used For:

Bail or bond payments
Court fines or fees
Restitution payments
Transfer to other inmates
Outside purchases

All monetary transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1-12.1, which governs inmate accounts in local correctional facilities. For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact the Grand Forks County Correctional Center at (701) 780-8110.

How To Send Jail Mail In Grand Forks County

Correspondence with inmates at Grand Forks County correctional facilities is permitted but subject to specific guidelines to ensure security and safety. The following rules apply to all mail sent to inmates:

Addressing Mail:

All mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
Grand Forks County Correctional Center
1701 N Washington St
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Mail without a return address will not be delivered
Mail from one inmate to another is prohibited unless specifically authorized

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4x6 inches)
Money orders (must be addressed to the inmate and include their ID number)
Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Plastic or metal items of any kind
Stickers, labels, or tape
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented items
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related materials
Items that pose a security threat

Mail Inspection:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Mail may be photocopied, with copies provided to the inmate
Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
Mail containing prohibited items will be rejected and returned to sender
Mail suspected of containing contraband may be held for further investigation

Electronic Messaging:

The Grand Forks County Correctional Center offers electronic messaging through the GTL ConnectNetwork
Family and friends must create an account on the platform
Messages are subject to the same screening as physical mail
Fees apply for electronic messages (typically $0.25 per message)
Photos may be attached for an additional fee

Mail Restrictions:

Inmates on disciplinary status may have limited mail privileges
Mail that threatens security or contains criminal content will be rejected
Correspondence with victims may be prohibited by court order
Volume limitations may be imposed (typically 10 incoming letters per week)

These regulations are established pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1-14, which authorizes correctional facilities to establish reasonable mail policies. For the most current mail information, contact the Grand Forks County Correctional Center directly at (701) 780-8110.