To find inmate records in Big Stone County, Minnesota, you can begin by checking online resources such as the Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Locator (https://mn.gov/doc), which provides information about individuals held in state correctional facilities. For county jail inmate records specifically, the Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office is the primary local agency. While they may not always have an online inmate roster, you can visit their official website (https://www.bigstonecounty.org/departments/sheriff/index.php) for contact information or available resources. For up-to-date inmate information or to request records, you can also contact the Big Stone County Jail directly by calling the Sheriff’s Office at (320) 839-3558 or visiting in person at 20 2nd Street SE, Ortonville, MN 56278. Additionally, public records and jail rosters may sometimes be accessed in person at the Big Stone County Courthouse. For the most accurate and recent records, contacting local law enforcement directly is advisable.

How to Find an Inmate in Big Stone County, MN

Inmate records for Big Stone County, MN are accessible online and the correct search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local facility, a Minnesota state prison, or in federal custody. Use the following table to determine the best resource for your search:

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Big Stone County Jail / SheriffLocal jail inmatesBig Stone County Sheriff’s Website
Call: (320) 839-3558
20 2nd St SE, Ortonville, MN 56278
Contact the Sheriff's Office for current custody status; no online roster.
Minnesota DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmatesMN DOC Offender LocatorSearch by name or ID for all Minnesota state prison inmates.
VINE Inmate SearchLocal jail and state prisonVINE MinnesotaRegister for custody status updates or search for offenders in county and state custody.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal prison inmatesBOP Inmate LocatorMinnesota does not have a federal prison; most federal inmates from MN are held in neighboring states.
In-Person Records RequestLocal jail inmatesVisit: Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office
20 2nd St SE, Ortonville, MN 56278
Request records at the office during business hours; some information may require valid ID or a written request.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Big Stone County

After an arrest in Big Stone County, individuals are typically transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, undergo a medical screening, and are assigned housing. The booking process generally takes between 4 and 8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDriving under the influence, driving without a licenseMost Common12–48 hours or until bail is posted
Drug OffensesPossession or small-scale distribution of controlled substancesCommon24–72 hours, varies by severity, bail eligible
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple assault, domestic disputesCommon24–72 hours, subject to court hearing
Property CrimesTheft, burglary, vandalismOccasional24–72 hours, pending bail or arraignment
Failure to AppearMissing court datesOccasionalUntil next available court session
Outstanding WarrantsArrest on active warrantsCommonTypically until court hearing or bail
Felony (Pre-Trial)Weapons offenses, serious theft or assaultOccasionalHeld until bail or transferred to state facility if sentenced

Visitation Rules at Big Stone County Jail

Visitation policies may change and can vary by inmate, so always verify the latest rules with the facility before your visit and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayConfirm with facilityIn-personContact jail for details
TuesdayConfirm with facilityIn-personContact jail for details
WednesdayConfirm with facilityIn-personContact jail for details
ThursdayConfirm with facilityIn-personContact jail for details
FridayConfirm with facilityIn-personContact jail for details
SaturdayConfirm with facilityIn-personContact jail for details
SundayConfirm with facilityIn-personContact jail for details

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo identification required.
Dress CodeModest attire; clothing must meet jail standards.
Prohibited ItemsNo bags, phones, cameras, or outside items allowed.
Visitor Approval ProcessVisitors must be pre-approved by jail administration.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsSeparate process; contact jail to schedule these visits.

How to Contact an Inmate at Big Stone County Jail

Inmates at Big Stone County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for security purposes. Below is the correct mailing address format and a guide to available contact methods.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Big Stone County Jail
20 SE 2nd St, Ortonville, MN 56278

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates can make outgoing phone calls via [Provider].Set up an account with [Provider].Calls may be monitored/recorded; no incoming calls; time limits apply.
Physical MailSend letters and approved items to the inmate's mailing address.Mail sent using proper address.All mail is inspected; no contraband, Polaroids, or packages; include return address.
Digital MessagingExchange text-like messages through [Provider]'s online platform.Register and fund an account.Messages monitored; inappropriate content blocked; fees may apply.
Video CallsSchedule video visits through [Provider].Create and fund [Provider] accountMust be scheduled; monitored calls; dress code and conduct rules apply; visit length and times restricted.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Big Stone County

The Minnesota Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, guiding their release from incarceration and return to the community. Local reentry support is available through both state-run and community-based programs designed to aid a successful transition.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Minnesota Board of ParoleMakes parole decisions and sets conditions for state-sentenced inmates.State-sentenced offendershttps://mn.gov/doc/facilities/parole-board/
Good Time / Sentence ReductionEarned credits or reductions for good behavior in custody, per Minnesota law.Eligible incarcerated individualshttps://mn.gov/doc/inmates/sentencing/
Parole SupervisionProvides supervision and support for parolees in the community; local oversight via Big Stone County.Parolees returning to Big Stone CountyWest Central Regional Office (Morris): (320) 589-7340
Reentry Housing (Minnesota DOC)Assists with transitional and permanent housing for returning citizens.Recently released individualshttps://mn.gov/doc/community-supervision/reentry/housing.jsp
Employment Assistance (Minnesota DEED)Helps individuals find jobs, training, and occupational resources.Justice-involved individualshttps://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/find-a-job/
Benefits RestorationRestores access to public benefits (healthcare, SNAP, etc.) post-release, with help from MN DHS and DOC.Returning residentshttps://mn.gov/doc/community-supervision/reentry/benefits.jsp
VINE Victim NotificationNotifies victims of inmate release, transfer, or status changes via the Minnesota VINE system.Crime victims and concerned partieshttps://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/24010

Big Stone Incarceration Statistics

Big Stone County experiences lower crime rates compared to more urban regions of Minnesota, with property crimes occurring more frequently than violent offenses. The county does not have its own dedicated jail; inmates from Big Stone County are held at regional correctional facilities.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)4 (statewide)280 (statewide)10%→ Stable
— Assault3 (statewide)210 (statewide)7%→ Stable
— Robbery0 (statewide)8 (statewide)<1%↓ Decreasing
— Homicide0 (statewide)2 (statewide)<1%→ Stable
Property Crime (total)36 (statewide)1,980 (statewide)75%↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny25 (statewide)1,320 (statewide)50%↓ Decreasing
— Burglary8 (statewide)440 (statewide)17%→ Stable
— Vehicle Theft3 (statewide)220 (statewide)8%↑ Increasing
Drug Offenses4 (statewide)110 (statewide)8%→ Stable
DUI / Traffic2 (statewide)80 (statewide)4%→ Stable
Domestic Violence2 (statewide)70 (statewide)3%→ Stable

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender82% Male, 18% Female (statewide)Statewide average used
Age Groups18–24: 12%, 25–34: 28%, 35–44: 29%, 45+: 31%Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityWhite: 54%, Black: 24%, Native: 10%, Other: 12% (statewide)Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug, property, assault (statewide)Statewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length26 months (statewide)Statewide average used
Recidivism Rate37% (statewide, 3-year)Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Big Stone County?

Big Stone County currently holds an estimated 28 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration periods may be transferred to a state facility for the duration of their sentences.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)1657%$7880%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)621%$7890%
Transferred to State Facility414%N/AN/A
Federal Holds14%$9220%
Juvenile / Youth14%$21015%
Total28100%

Big Stone County Facility Directory

Big Stone County has one correctional facility: the Big Stone County Jail, which serves as the county jail for adult detainees. There are no separate youth, work release, or specialty facilities in the county.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Big Stone County JailCounty Jail20 2nd St SE, Ortonville, MN96Minimum/Medium

Big Stone County Prisons and Jails

1 Jails Found
Big Stone County Jail
20 Second St Se, Ortonville, MN, 56278
320-839-3558