Search Lake County, MT Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Lake County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Lake County, MT
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Lake County
- Visitation Rules at Lake County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Lake County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lake County
- Lake Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lake County?
- Lake County Facility Directory
- Lake Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Lake County, Montana, you can start your search online by visiting the Lake County Sheriff's Office website, which may provide an inmate roster or current detention center listings. If online search options are limited or you require more detailed information, you can contact the Lake County Detention Center directly by phone or visit the office located at 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860. Additionally, statewide inmate information can be found through the Montana Department of Corrections’ online offender search tool. For official documents or inmate visitation information, the Lake County Clerk of Court at the local courthouse is another valuable resource. Always have the inmate's full name and, if possible, date of birth when making inquiries to ensure accurate results.
How to Find an Inmate in Lake County, MT
Inmate records for Lake County, MT are accessible online using various search tools, depending on whether the person is held at the local jail, in a Montana state prison, or in federal custody. Use the appropriate tool below based on the facility or agency responsible for the inmate.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake County Jail/Sheriff's Office | Local jail inmates | Call (406) 883-7272 or visit 106 4th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860 | For inmates held in Lake County Jail. No current online roster; call or visit the jail for recent bookings and inmate status. |
| Montana DOC Inmate Locator | State prison and parolee records | https://app.mt.gov/conweb/ | Search Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) prisoners, parolees, and probationers statewide. Does not include federal or county jail inmates. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status for MT jail and prison | https://www.vinelink.com/ | Register for notifications about Montana inmates' custody status. Searchable by name or ID; covers local, state, and some federal facilities. |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal inmates | https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ | Montana does not have a federal prison; federal offenders are typically held in other states (e.g., FCI Englewood in CO or FCI Sheridan in OR). |
| In-Person Records Request | All available local inmate records | Visit 106 4th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860 or call (406) 883-7272 | Visit or contact Lake County Sheriff's Office for official or certified inmate records, including historical data not available online. ID may be required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Lake County
After an arrest in Lake County, Montana, individuals are transported to the detention facility, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned housing. The booking process typically takes 4–8 hours, depending on facility workload and individual circumstances.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, driving without a license | Common | 12–48 hours or until bond is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, marijuana | Common | 24–72 hours or until bond is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, partner/family member assault | Common | 24–72 hours, may vary based on judicial review |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal mischief | Occasional | 24–72 hours or until bond is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Court no-shows | Common | Until next available court date or bond is posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Local or out-of-county warrants | Occasional | Until warrant is satisfied or transferred |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, felony theft | Occasional | Until bond is posted or case resolution; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Lake County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the most current visitation rules with Lake County Jail and confirm you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list, as policies may change.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | No Regular Visits | N/A | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo identification required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest, non-revealing attire required; inappropriate clothing may result in denied entry. |
| Prohibited Items | No phones, bags, weapons, drugs, or other contraband allowed in visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | All visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate's visitor list prior to arrival. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; age limits may apply. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Arranged separately and may occur outside regular hours; coordinate with facility staff. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Lake County Jail
Inmates at Lake County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging. Please note that all communications are subject to monitoring and recording by facility staff.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Lake County Jail
106 4th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outbound calls using [Provider] phones. | Set up an account with [Provider] and add funds. | Calls are recorded; no incoming calls to inmates; time limits apply. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters or cards to the inmate's mailing address. | Address mail with inmate’s full name and Booking ID. | No contraband; no cash, checks, or prohibited items; all mail is inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send secure messages via [Provider] online platform. | Register on [Provider] website and fund account. | Messages are monitored; attachments may be restricted. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visits using [Provider]'s system. | Create an account with [Provider] and schedule visit. | Approved visitors only; visits may be recorded and monitored. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Lake County
The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole oversees parole decisions and release eligibility for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Lake County can access reentry support through state-operated and community-based programs designed to ease reintegration.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana Board of Pardons and Parole | Governing body making parole, revocation, and clemency decisions. | State-sentenced inmates eligible for parole | bopp.mt.gov (406) 846-1404 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Sentence credits for eligible inmates; subject to laws and MDOC guidelines. | Inmates earning program or work credits | Montana DOC Sentence Credits Ask facility case manager |
| Parole Supervision (Lake County) | Supervision for parolees upon release; support with compliance and resources | Parolees residing in Lake County | Montana Probation & Parole Region 1, Polson Office 49576 Hwy 93, Polson, MT (406) 883-7017 |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional housing and referrals for returning citizens | Recently released individuals in Lake County | Montana Reentry Initiative: cor.mt.gov/Reentry (406) 324-3700 |
| Employment Assistance | Job search support, training, and placement programs | Individuals with criminal records | Job Service Polson Office: 417B Main Street, Polson, MT (406) 883-7880 |
| Benefits Restoration | Guidance restoring Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits upon release | Eligible returning citizens | DPHHS Public Assistance Helpline: 1-888-706-1535 apply.mt.gov |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated updates about changes in offender custody status | Crime victims and concerned community members | www.vinelink.com 1-866-277-7477 |
Lake Incarceration Statistics
Lake County, Montana, experiences crime rates and incarceration patterns typical of rural counties in the region, with offenses driven by property and drug-related crime. The county lacks its own dedicated jail; inmates are primarily held in the Lake County Jail or transferred to regional facilities based on capacity.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 80 (statewide) | 321 (statewide) | 14% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 60 (statewide) | 241 (statewide) | 10% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 5 (statewide) | 21 (statewide) | 1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 1 (statewide) | 4 (statewide) | <1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 420 (statewide) | 1,695 (statewide) | 76% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 280 (statewide) | 1,130 (statewide) | 50% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| — Burglary | 95 (statewide) | 384 (statewide) | 15% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Vehicle Theft | 45 (statewide) | 181 (statewide) | 6% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 30 (statewide) | 121 (statewide) | 5% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 15 (statewide) | 61 (statewide) | 2% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 10 (statewide) | 40 (statewide) | 2% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 80% Male, 20% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 12%, 25-34: 34%, 35-44: 28%, 45+: 26% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 74%, Native American: 21%, Other: 5% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Property crimes, Drug offenses, Assault | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.5 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 39% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Lake County?
As of the latest estimate, Lake County holds approximately 420 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) | 270 | 64% | $85 | 90% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 80 | 19% | $87 | 80% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 40 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 10 | 2% | $92 | 40% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 20 | 5% | $200 | 70% |
| Total | 420 | 100% | N/A | N/A |
Lake County Facility Directory
Lake County operates three correctional facilities: one county jail, one juvenile (youth) detention facility, and one work release center. These facilities serve adult and youth populations with varying security levels.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake County Jail | County Jail | 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN | 1,040 | ~950 | Medium |
| Lake County Juvenile Center | Youth Facility | 3000 W 93rd Ave, Crown Point, IN | 100 | ~60 | Secure |
| Lake County Community Corrections Center | Work Release Center | 2600 W 93rd Ave, Crown Point, IN | 300 | ~200 | Minimum |
Lake County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid
- Re-entry Programs
- Community Support
- Legal Rights