Yellowstone County, Montana Inmate Search
An inmate search is a public service that allows individuals to determine if a specific person is currently held in a local jail or correctional facility. Yellowstone County offers an online search tool for members of the public to check an arrestee’s custody status, charges, and more from a computer or mobile device. This system is handled by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the daily operations of the county detention facility. While the county manages the primary jail for pre-trial detention and short-term court sentences, the Montana Department of Corrections handles state-managed prisons for long-term sentences.
City police departments also make arrests before moving people to the county jail. Billings is the most populous city in the county and is served by the Billings Police Department. Laurel is another major city in the area and maintains its own police department. These departments do not hold arrestees for continued periods, but they can be contacted for relevant information regarding their arrests or investigations.
The results of a Yellowstone County inmate search can help the public stay informed about the legal status of friends, family members, or other individuals in the criminal justice system.
How to Find an Inmate in Yellowstone County Jail
To locate an adult inmate in Yellowstone County, one may search the records of the Yellowstone County Detention Facility. These records can be accessed via the county’s official website (through the official inmate/jail roster) or by contacting the jail directly, where inmates are housed and processed.
Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office
2323 2nd Avenue
North Billings, Montana
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Avenue
East Billings, Montana
How to Use the Yellowstone County Jail Roster
The Yellowstone County jail roster can be accessed by following these simple steps:
- Go to the county sheriff’s website at www.yellowstonecountymt.gov/sheriff.
- Locate the "Inmate Search" option on the homepage, situated in the upper-right corner adjacent to the Careers link for desktop users. Alternatively, if accessing via a mobile device, open the navigation menu and select "Inmate Search" positioned immediately below Careers. This link is also accessible in the "RELATED INFORMATION" section of the site.
- On the "Inmate Search" interface, search using name or booking date. To facilitate the search, solve the simple math problem displayed on the screen for security verification, and then click "Search."
To achieve the best results when searching by name, enter the complete last name, followed by a comma, and then the first name.
- If the inmate’s name is unknown, select "View Full Jail Roster" to see all individuals currently in custody.
It is important to remember that custody data is updated regularly, so it is advisable to check again if a recent arrest is not visible yet.
What Information is Included in the Yellowstone County Inmate Roster
The Yellowstone County Inmate Search results display key details about an inmate. When a name is selected from the Inmate list provided after a name search, the following information is displayed:
- Inmate’s full name
- Unique jacket or booking number
- List of current charges
- Specific docket numbers associated with court cases
- Total bond amount
- Date of birth
- Booking date
- Housing unit
According to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 2-6-1003, inmate records are public. However, some information remains confidential and will not be disclosed, including juvenile records, investigative reports, and intelligence data.
Contact Details for Yellowstone County Jail or Sheriff’s Office
To contact the jail or the Sheriff’s Office in Yellowstone County, various phone numbers are available based on the particular inquiry. The primary office of the Sheriff opens from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. For inquiries about an inmate’s bond or ongoing charges, individuals can contact the detention booking line, available 24/7.
Department | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|
Sheriff Administration | (406) 256-2929 | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Detention Booking | (406) 256-6881 | 24 Hours |
Sheriff’s Records | (406) 256-2935 | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Jail Facility Overview in Yellowstone County
The Yellowstone County Detention Facility, or YCDF, is the county’s main adult jail. It is located on a 10-acre site designed for future expansion and was dedicated on August 21, 1987. It uses a "Direct Supervision" concept, meaning staff interact directly with inmates in housing units to maintain better control and safety. It was the first jail in Montana to adopt this new philosophy of inmate management.
The YCDF houses both male and female adult offenders. The facility has a rated bed capacity of 434, but its operational capacity includes 82 short-term beds, for a total of 516 beds. Recent assessments show the average daily population often reaches 510 inmates, indicating the facility frequently operates near its maximum limit. The county also manages a separate Juvenile Services Center for younger individuals in custody.
The YCDF provides various services to help inmates during their stay, such as medical care and educational programs. Inmates can attend Bible studies, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and Narcotics Anonymous sessions conducted by community volunteers. HiSET classes, which were formerly known as GED classes, are taught by licensed teachers throughout the year. These programs aim to reduce violence within the jail and prepare individuals to return to the community successfully.
Facility Name | Address | Phone Number | Office Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Yellowstone County Detention Facility | 3165 King Avenue East, Billings, MT 59107 | (406) 256-6900 | 24 hours a day, full week | |
Juvenile Services Center | 3165 King Avenue East, Billings, MT 59101 | (406) 256-2838 | 24 hours a day, full week | N/A |
How to Send Money to an Inmate in Yellowstone County Detention Facility
Funds can be sent to a Yellowstone County Detention Facility resident through a trust account and a communications account. A trust account, also called a commissary account, allows an inmate to purchase snacks, hygiene items, and other personal belongings. There are three ways to fund this account: accessing the online portal, using the blue kiosk in the jail lobby, or sending a money order directly to the facility.
When sending a money order, it must be addressed to the inmate’s complete name. The inmate’s jacket number must be included, and the envelope should be addressed to "ATTENTION MAIL OFFICER." If this specific phrase is missing from the address, the facility will return the mail. Be aware that the jail does not accept personal checks or cash sent by mail.
Money can also be added to a communications account to cover phone calls, video visits, and electronic messaging. This requires accessing the dedicated website or contacting the customer service hotline. Inmates are permitted to transfer funds from their trust account to their communications account, but they cannot transfer funds in the opposite direction.
A fee of $3 applies when adding funds to an account online.
Inmate Search by Jail Facility
Various search techniques are available based on the facility that contains the person. The main adult jail, the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, offers a public online roster. Individuals can look up this roster by name or booking date to locate people presently in adult custody.
If someone seeks details about a minor, they will not locate them on the public adult list. The Youth Services Center oversees detained minors, and these documents are private. To obtain information about a juvenile, one must reach out to Court Services Juvenile Probation at (406) 256-2838.
Facility Name | Public Search Option | Information Location |
|---|---|---|
Yellowstone County Detention Facility | Yes (Online) | County Sheriff’s Office Website |
Juvenile Services Center | No (Private) | Court Services Juvenile Probation |
Yellowstone County Visitation Rules and Schedules
Visits to inmates at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility can only be done via video visitation. The center has stopped providing in-person visits due to safety concerns. Each inmate is allotted two complimentary video visits per week. To visit more frequently, extra visit time can be purchased via a dedicated visitation portal.
To arrange a visit, an account must first be set up on the visitation portal. These visits can be performed from home using a smartphone, laptop, or a computer equipped with a camera and microphone. Kiosks located in the jail lobby can also be used for visits. Visits occur between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., but they could be halted during meal breaks or in the event of facility emergencies.
During a visit, all facility rules must be followed to prevent the loss of privileges. A valid ID is required when setting up an account, and proper behavior must be maintained throughout the call. Every discussion is documented and overseen by prison staff and could be utilized in criminal cases. Active criminal cases should not be discussed during visits.
Mailing and Commissary Information
The Yellowstone County Detention Facility maintains strict mail rules to prevent contraband from entering the building. Personal mail must not be sent to the jail’s physical address. Instead, all personal letters must go to a processing facility in Texas, where they are scanned and delivered electronically to the inmate. Original letters and all enclosed materials are destroyed after scanning and cannot be returned.
Each letter must be no longer than five pages and written on the front side only, as scanners cannot read the back. Senders may include one photo per letter. Books must be sent to an inmate directly from a publisher or an authorized online retailer.
Legal mail is the only type of mail that can be sent directly to the facility in Billings. This includes mail sent from an inmate’s attorney or from a court. Envelopes must be clearly labeled "LEGAL MAIL" and include a return address with the sender’s name and phone number for verification.
Personal Mail Format:
Inmate Name
Inmate Jacket Number
Yellowstone Co. Detention Facility
P.O. Box 591
Long View, TX 75606
Legal Mail Format:
Inmate Name
ATTN: LEGAL MAIL
3165 King Avenue
East Billings, MT 59101