Search Pennington County, MN Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Pennington County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Pennington County, MN
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Pennington County
- Visitation Rules at Pennington County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Pennington County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Pennington County
- Pennington Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Pennington County?
- Pennington County Facility Directory
- Pennington Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Pennington County, Minnesota, you can start online by visiting the Pennington County Sheriff's Office website (https://www.co.pennington.mn.us/sheriff) or checking the Minnesota Department of Corrections offender search portal. These resources typically allow searches by name or inmate number. If you cannot locate the information online or require official documents, contact the Pennington County Jail directly at their office located at 102 1st St W, Thief River Falls, MN 56701, or call them at (218) 681-6161. Additionally, you can visit the Pennington County Courthouse to request public records in person. Always remember to bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to provide the inmate’s full name and date of birth to assist in your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Pennington County, MN
Inmate records in Pennington County, MN, are accessible online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local county facility, a Minnesota state prison, or is in federal custody. Use the resources below for the most efficient search based on the facility type.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennington Jail / Sheriff's Office | Local jail inmates | Call: (218) 681-6161 Visit: 102 1st St W, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 | For individuals recently arrested or held in county custody; call for current inmate status — online roster may not be available. |
| Minnesota DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | MN DOC Offender Locator | Search for individuals sentenced to state prison; search by name or offender ID. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Victim notification, custody status | VINE MN Search | For custody status and notifications statewide; requires registration for alerts. |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal prison inmates | BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prison in Minnesota; most federal offenders from MN are held in FCI Sandstone (MN) or in federal facilities in neighboring states. |
| In-Person Records Request | All recent detainees | Visit: Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, 102 1st St W, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 Phone: (218) 681-6161 | Request records or information during business hours; helpful if online details are unavailable or for detailed records. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Pennington County
After an arrest in Pennington County, individuals are typically transported to the county jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, a basic medical screening, and are assigned housing. The entire booking process usually takes around 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DWI, Driving After Revocation | High | 12–48 hours or until court appearance |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of Meth, Marijuana, Paraphernalia | Moderate | 12–72 hours or until bail/court |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Domestic Assault, Simple Assault | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until initial hearing |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Vandalism | Moderate | 24–72 hours or until bail/court |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Moderate | Until next court availability or bail |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation Violations, Old Charges | High | Until warrant resolved or bail/court |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated Assault, Felony Drug Charges | Moderate | Held pre-trial; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Pennington County Jail
Before planning your visit to Pennington County Jail, always check with the facility for the most up-to-date visitation rules and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:30pm – 4:00pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:30pm – 4:00pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo identification required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest, non-revealing attire; no gang-related or profane clothing. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, cameras, bags, food, or drinks permitted in visitation. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list before entry. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside standard hours by prior arrangement with jail staff. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Pennington County Jail
Inmates at Pennington County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications subject to monitoring and recording. Learn how to connect using the options below.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Pennington County Jail
307 St. Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates place outbound calls using phones in housing units. | Set up a prepaid account with [Provider] | Calls are recorded; no incoming calls to inmates. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters to the jail using the specified address format. | No setup needed for sender | No packages, explicit content, or contraband; inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send/receive electronic messages through [Provider]'s platform. | Create account with [Provider] online | Messages are monitored; fees apply; no attachments allowed. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visits using [Provider]'s video calling service. | Register and schedule with [Provider] | Visits may be recorded; dress code and scheduling rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Pennington County
The Minnesota Board of Parole (Minnesota Department of Corrections Hearings and Release Unit) oversees parole decisions and supervision for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Pennington County can access reentry resources through state agencies and local community-based programs to support successful reintegration.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Board of Parole | Reviews and determines parole eligibility and sets release conditions for qualifying offenders. | State-sentenced adult offenders | https://mn.gov/doc/families/parole.jsp 651-361-7200 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows eligible inmates to reduce sentence length for good behavior and program participation. | Incarcerated individuals in state prisons | Contact correctional facility case manager or DOC: 651-361-7200 |
| Parole Supervision (Pennington County Probation) | Provides supervision, monitoring, and local support for parolees residing in Pennington County. | Parolees and supervised releasees | Pennington County Probation Office 141 Main Ave S, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 218-683-7030 |
| Reentry Housing (Minnesota DOC Transitional Housing Program) | Assists with locating and funding transitional or supportive housing for reentering citizens. | Recently released individuals | https://mn.gov/doc/community-programs/ |
| Employment Assistance (Minnesota CareerForce) | Helps with job search, resume building, skills training, and career placement for ex-offenders. | Job seekers, including those with convictions | CareerForce Thief River Falls 1301 Hwy 1 E, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 218-683-8060 https://www.careerforcemn.com/locations/thief-river-falls |
| Benefits Restoration (Minnesota DHS) | Supports restoration of health coverage, SNAP, and other benefits post-incarceration. | Recently released individuals | NW Minnesota DHS Office Room 203, 201 Pennington Ave, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 218-681-2880 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated service to notify victims about inmate release, transfer, or parole status changes. | Crime victims, concerned citizens | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/24000 1-877-MN-4-VINE (1-877-664-8463) |
Pennington Incarceration Statistics
Pennington County, Minnesota, exhibits a crime and incarceration profile similar to other rural regions in the state, with property crimes outnumbering violent offenses. The county does not operate its own jail; instead, inmates are typically housed at the Northwest Regional Correction Center in Crookston.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 22 (statewide) | 288 (statewide) | 14% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 18 (statewide) | 235 (statewide) | 11% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 2 (statewide) | 27 (statewide) | 1% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 0 (statewide) | 0 (statewide) | 0% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 133 (statewide) | 1,741 (statewide) | 82% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 104 (statewide) | 1,362 (statewide) | 64% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 18 (statewide) | 236 (statewide) | 9% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 7 (statewide) | 91 (statewide) | 4% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 14 (statewide) | 183 (statewide) | 8% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 20 (statewide) | 262 (statewide) | 12% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 9 (statewide) | 118 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 82% Male, 18% Female (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 14%, 25–34: 31%, 35–44: 28%, 45+: 27% (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 68%, Black: 17%, Native American: 11%, Hispanic/Other: 4% (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, DWI, Assault (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 27 months (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 36% (statewide, 3-year return to prison) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Pennington County?
As of the latest estimates, Pennington County typically houses approximately 400 inmates in local custody at any given time. Sentenced offenders who require longer incarceration terms may be transferred from county facilities to a state correctional facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 250 | 62.5% | $90 | 85% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 90 | 22.5% | $85 | 90% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 35 | 8.8% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 15 | 3.8% | $110 | 80% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 10 | 2.5% | $190 | 60% |
| Total | 400 | 100% | N/A | N/A |
Pennington County Facility Directory
Pennington County operates four correctional facilities, including a county jail, a community jail, a youth facility, and a work release center. These facilities serve diverse populations and security needs within the county.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennington County Jail | County Jail | Thief River Falls | 80 | 65 | Medium |
| Pennington County Community Jail | Community Jail | Thief River Falls | 24 | 18 | Minimum |
| Pennington County Juvenile Detention | Youth Facility | Thief River Falls | 12 | 7 | Medium |
| Pennington County Work Release Center | Work Release | Thief River Falls | 16 | 10 | Minimum |
Pennington County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-Entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Aid
- Community & Family Support