Search Big Horn County, MT Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Big Horn County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Big Horn County, MT
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Big Horn County
- Visitation Rules at Big Horn County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Big Horn County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Big Horn County
- Big Horn Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Big Horn County?
- Big Horn County Facility Directory
- Big Horn Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Big Horn County, Montana, you can use both online and offline resources. The Big Horn County Sheriff's Office is the primary local authority responsible for maintaining inmate records. You can visit their official website or directly contact the sheriff's office at 121 3rd Street West, Hardin, MT 59034, or call (406) 665-9780 for information about individuals currently held in the county jail. Additionally, the Montana Department of Corrections offers an online Offender Search tool (https://app.mt.gov/conweb/) that covers statewide inmate information, including those housed in Big Horn County. For older records, court documents, or to request physical copies, you may also visit the Big Horn County Clerk of Court's office at 121 3rd St W, Hardin, MT. When using online databases, ensure you have basic identifying information such as the individual’s full name or booking details to narrow your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Big Horn County, MT
Inmate records for Big Horn County, Montana, can be accessed online or in person, depending on where the individual is being held. The right search tool depends on whether the inmate is in the local county jail, a Montana state prison, or in federal custody.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | MT DOC Offender Search | Search by name or ID for offenders in Montana Department of Corrections facilities. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status for county & state | MT VINE | Statewide notification system with real-time inmate status updates. Requires basic registration for notifications. |
| Big Horn County Jail / Sheriff's Office | County jail inmate roster | Call: (406) 665-9780 Address: 121 W 3rd St, Hardin, MT 59034 Website | Contact directly via phone or in person; online roster not always available. |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal prison inmates | BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prisons in Montana; federal inmates are usually held in facilities in neighboring states such as Sheridan, WY, or Dublin, CA. |
| In-Person Records Request | All inmate types (with limits) | Visit: Big Horn County Sheriff's Office, 121 W 3rd St, Hardin, MT 59034 | Photo ID required; subject to privacy restrictions and processing time. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Big Horn County
After an arrest in Big Horn County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned to housing; the full intake process usually takes 4–8 hours. Below is a summary of common charges and hold durations specific to Big Horn County, Montana.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving under the influence, suspended license, reckless driving | Most Common | 12–48 hours, longer if unable to post bond |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia | Common | 24–72 hours, pre-trial release or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, partner/family member assault | Common | 24–72 hours, may include mandatory cooling-off period |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal mischief | Occasional | 48 hours to several days until bond or initial hearing |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates on minor offenses | Common | Until warrant is cleared or new court date is scheduled |
| Outstanding Warrants | Unresolved cases from within or outside the county | Occasional | Until warrant is addressed or transferred to jurisdiction |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, serious drug offenses | Occasional | Held until trial/bond; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Big Horn County Jail
Before planning a visit to the Big Horn County Jail, always verify the most current visitation rules directly with the facility and confirm you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Confirm with facility | In-person/Remote | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | Confirm with facility | In-person/Remote | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | Confirm with facility | In-person/Remote | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | Confirm with facility | In-person/Remote | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | Confirm with facility | In-person/Remote | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | Confirm with facility | In-person/Remote | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | Confirm with facility | In-person/Remote | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No weapons, electronics, bags, or outside food/drinks allowed in visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate's visitation list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside regular hours; schedule in advance with jail administration. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Big Horn County Jail
Inmates at Big Horn County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored by facility staff. Below are the approved methods and guidelines for contacting someone at the jail.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Big Horn County Jail
121 W 3rd St, Hardin, MT 59034
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outbound calls via [Provider] phone system; incoming calls are not allowed. | Set up prepaid account with [Provider]. | Calls are recorded; may be time-limited; no 3-way or call forwarding allowed. |
| Physical Mail | Letters are delivered to inmates after screening for contraband. | Address mail properly per format above. | No cash, drugs, photos with nudity, or unauthorized items; send only standard paper and envelopes. |
| Digital Messaging | Electronic messages sent and received through [Provider]'s platform. | Create an account with [Provider]. | Messages are monitored; may incur a fee per message; attachments may be limited or prohibited. |
| Video Calls | Scheduled remote video visits via [Provider]'s video kiosk system. | Register and schedule via [Provider]. | Visits must be scheduled; calls are monitored; inappropriate content will terminate the session. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Big Horn County
The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, working in coordination with local supervision and reentry programs. Individuals returning to Big Horn County may access a range of support services through both state and community-based providers.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana Board of Pardons and Parole | Makes parole eligibility decisions, sets conditions of release, and oversees parole revocation. | State-sentenced offenders eligible for parole | https://bopp.mt.gov / (406) 846-1404 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Potential for sentence reductions based on program participation and good behavior (per state law/policy). | State inmates | Montana Department of Corrections: https://cor.mt.gov/ (406) 444-3930 |
| Parole Supervision (Big Horn County) | Local supervision, compliance monitoring, and support during parole. | Individuals on parole in Big Horn County | Montana Probation & Parole, Hardin Office: 121 3rd St. W, Hardin, MT 59034 / (406) 665-1622 |
| Reentry Housing | Short-term and transitional housing resources for returning citizens. | Recently released individuals | Montana Reentry Initiative: https://cor.mt.gov/Reentry/ (406) 444-3930 |
| Employment Assistance | Job placement, skills training, and employment readiness programs. | Individuals with criminal records reentering the workforce | Job Service Hardin: 201 4th St. E, Hardin, MT 59034 / (406) 665-3559 |
| Benefits Restoration | Help with reinstatement of Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits after incarceration. | Returning citizens needing benefits | Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: https://dphhs.mt.gov/ / (888) 706-1535 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Provides automated updates to victims about inmate custody status and release. | Victims and concerned community members | Montana VINE: https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/27000 / (866) 277-7477 |
Big Horn Incarceration Statistics
Big Horn County, Montana, experiences crime and incarceration patterns similar to those found in rural areas of the state, with overall crime rates typically below Montana’s urban centers. The county does not operate a dedicated local jail; instead, inmates are primarily held at the Big Horn County Detention Facility, a regional facility serving multiple jurisdictions.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 98 (statewide) | 381 (statewide) | 18% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 80 (statewide) | 311 (statewide) | 14% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 8 (statewide) | 31 (statewide) | 1% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 2 (statewide) | 7.7 (statewide) | <1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 347 (statewide) | 1,349 (statewide) | 65% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 200 (statewide) | 779 (statewide) | 38% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Burglary | 110 (statewide) | 429 (statewide) | 20% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 37 (statewide) | 141 (statewide) | 7% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 40 (statewide) | 155 (statewide) | 8% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 31 (statewide) | 120 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 18 (statewide) | 70 (statewide) | 3% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 77% Male, 23% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 12%, 25-39: 55%, 40+: 33% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 44% Native American, 50% White, 6% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Assault, Burglary | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 1.9 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 33% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Big Horn County?
Big Horn County currently holds an estimated 72 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration may be transferred to a state facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 38 | 52.8% | $72 | 85% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 18 | 25.0% | $68 | 65% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 8 | 11.1% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 4 | 5.6% | $80 | 30% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 4 | 5.5% | $150 | 40% |
| Total | 72 | 100% | — | — |
Big Horn County Facility Directory
Big Horn County has one correctional facility: a county jail. Local detainees may also be held in a nearby regional facility.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Horn County Jail | County Jail | Hardin, MT | 30 | 22 | Medium |
| Yellowstone County Detention Facility | Regional Facility | Billings, MT | 450 | 400 | Medium/Maximum |
Big Horn County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Aid
- Families & Community Support
- Legal Rights & Resources