Search Otter Tail County, MN Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Otter Tail County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Otter Tail County, MN
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Otter Tail County
- Visitation Rules at Otter Tail County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Otter Tail County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Otter Tail County
- Otter Tail Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Otter Tail County?
- Otter Tail County Facility Directory
- Otter Tail Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, you have a few options. Online, you can start by checking the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office website (https://ottertailcountymn.us/department/sheriff/) for current jail rosters and inmate information, as they may list people currently held at the Otter Tail County Detention Facility. Additionally, Minnesota Department of Corrections' Offender Locator (https://mn.gov/doc/) can help you search for inmates within the state system, though not always those held in county jails. For offline requests, you can visit or contact the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office in person at 417 Court Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, or call their non-emergency line at (218) 998-8555. For older or more detailed records, you may also inquire at the Otter Tail County Courthouse or Records Division, which can provide information about arrest records or past inmate status. Always bring proper identification, and be aware that some records may require a formal request or may have restrictions on access depending on the nature of the information sought.
How to Find an Inmate in Otter Tail County, MN
Inmate records for Otter Tail County, MN, are accessible through several online search tools and local offices. The appropriate resource depends on whether the individual is housed in the county jail, a Minnesota state facility, or in federal custody.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otter Tail County Jail / Sheriff | Local jail inmates | Inmate Roster Website or call (218) 998-8555 | Jail at 416 S. Mill St., Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Provides current inmate roster for county jail only. |
| Minnesota DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | MN DOC Inmate Locator | Searches for individuals in Minnesota state prisons across the state. |
| VINE Inmate Search | State and county jail inmates | VINE Link Minnesota | Free victim notification system; real-time custody status and location. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal prison inmates | Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator | No federal prison in Otter Tail County or Minnesota; federal inmates from MN typically held in nearby states. |
| In-Person Records Request | All local inmate records | Visit Otter Tail Sheriff’s Office, 417 Court St., Fergus Falls, MN 56537 | Photo ID required; staff available during business hours for public record requests. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Otter Tail County
After an arrest in Otter Tail County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned housing. The entire booking process usually takes between 4 and 8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DWI, driving after revocation, reckless driving | High | 8–48 hours or until bail/arraignment |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until bail/arraignment |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Domestic assault, simple assault, disorderly conduct | High | 24–72 hours or until bail/court appearance |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, vandalism | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until bail/court appearance |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates for previous charges | Moderate | Until new court date or bail is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation violations, bench warrants | High | Until resolved by court or bail |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, serious drug or property crimes | Moderate | Held until trial or transfer to state facility if convicted |
Visitation Rules at Otter Tail County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the current rules with Otter Tail County Jail and make sure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list, as policies can change.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | On-site | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing, see-through, or offensive clothing. |
| Prohibited Items | No bags, phones, weapons, or contraband in visiting area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be pre-approved; check inmate’s visitor list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Scheduled separately; contact facility to arrange. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Otter Tail County Jail
Inmates at Otter Tail County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, but please note all communications are monitored for security. Below is the proper mailing address format, followed by a table outlining contact methods and guidelines.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St., Fergus Falls, MN 56537
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outbound collect or prepaid calls via [Provider]. | Create an account with [Provider]; add funds | Calls are monitored and recorded; no incoming calls permitted. |
| Physical Mail | Letters can be mailed to inmates at the address above. | Address envelope correctly; use USPS | No contraband, cash, or inappropriate material; all mail is inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive digital messages through [Provider]'s platform. | Register with [Provider]; purchase credits | Messages are monitored; prohibited content may result in restrictions. |
| Video Calls | Schedule online video visits with inmates via [Provider]. | Sign up on [Provider]'s website; schedule | Visits are monitored; must follow facility dress and conduct guidelines. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Otter Tail County
The Minnesota Board of Pardons and the Department of Corrections oversee parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, while local reentry support is available in Otter Tail County through both state-run and community-based programs to assist with a successful transition back into the community.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Board of Pardons & Parole | Reviews parole release for eligible offenders and sets conditions of release. | State-sentenced offenders | https://mn.gov/doc/about/parole |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows inmates to earn sentence reductions for good behavior and program participation. | Incarcerated individuals | https://mn.gov/doc |
| Parole Supervision | Oversees compliance and support for parolees on supervised release. Local D.O.C. office in Fergus Falls. | Individuals on parole in Otter Tail County | Minnesota DOC Fergus Falls Office: 121 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537; (218) 739-7560 |
| Reentry Housing | Links formerly incarcerated people with transitional and supportive housing resources. | Returning residents | Housing Support: https://mn.gov/doc/employment-and-housing-resources |
| Employment Assistance | Provides job search help, training, and placement for those with criminal records. | Formerly incarcerated individuals | CareerForce Fergus Falls: https://www.careerforcemn.com/fergusfalls; (218) 304-3430 |
| Benefits Restoration | Assists with reinstating public benefits (e.g. food, medical) following release. | Formerly incarcerated individuals | MN DHS: https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/reentry-programs/ |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated notification service for custody status changes and release information. | Crime victims and concerned parties | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/24000; 1-877-664-8463 |
Otter Tail Incarceration Statistics
Otter Tail County, a predominantly rural area in Minnesota, maintains crime and incarceration rates below the state average, with property crime making up the majority of reported incidents. The county does not have its own jail; inmates are held at the Otter Tail County Detention Facility, which serves as the regional jail.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 54 | 85 | 7% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 41 | 65 | 5% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 3 | 5 | <1% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 0 | 0 | 0% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 694 | 1090 | 89% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 489 | 768 | 62% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Burglary | 128 | 201 | 16% | → Stable |
| — Vehicle Theft | 77 | 121 | 10% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 27 | 42 | 3% | → Stable |
| DUI / Traffic | 35 | 55 | 4% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 20 (statewide) | 31 (statewide) | 2% (statewide) | → Stable (statewide) |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 80% Male, 20% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 18%, 25-39: 48%, 40+: 34% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 70%, Black: 18%, Native American: 8%, Hispanic: 4% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Property crimes (45%), Drug offenses (35%), Violent crimes (20%) | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 14 months | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 38% | Statewide average used (3-year) |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Otter Tail County?
As of the latest estimate, Otter Tail County holds approximately 85 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer terms may be transferred to a state correctional facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 50 | 59% | $95 | 80% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 20 | 24% | $85 | 90% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 10 | 12% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 3 | 4% | $110 | 30% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 2 | 1% | $200 | 40% |
| Total | 85 | 100% | — | — |
Otter Tail County Facility Directory
Otter Tail County operates 1 correctional facility: a county jail serving adult detainees. There are no youth, community, work release, or specialty facilities in the county.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otter Tail County Jail | County Jail | 416 S. Mill St, Fergus Falls | 128 | ~95 | Medium |
Otter Tail County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-Entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Aid
- Family & Community Support