Search Stillwater County, MT Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Stillwater County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Stillwater County, MT
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Stillwater County
- Visitation Rules at Stillwater County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Stillwater County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Stillwater County
- Stillwater Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Stillwater County?
- Stillwater County Facility Directory
- Stillwater Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Stillwater County, Montana, you can use both online and offline methods. For online searches, start by visiting the Montana Department of Corrections' Offender Search portal, which provides information about individuals housed in state facilities, including those connected to Stillwater County. For local records specific to Stillwater County, check the official Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office website for any available inmate rosters or custody lists; not all Montana counties provide online inmate lookup, so availability may vary. If you cannot locate records online, you can contact the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office directly: visit their office at 400 3rd Avenue North, Columbus, MT, or call (406) 322-5326 to make inquiries about specific inmates or request public records. Additionally, the Stillwater County Detention Center may handle in-person requests for inmate information. Remember to have relevant details on hand, such as full names or dates of birth, to aid in your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Stillwater County, MT
Inmate records for Stillwater County, Montana are accessible online, but locating a person depends on whether they are housed in the local jail, a state prison, or a federal facility. Use the appropriate tool below based on the type of facility where the individual is likely to be held.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stillwater County Sheriff/Jail | Local jail inmates (short-term, pre-trial) | Phone: (406) 322-5326 Address: 400 3rd Ave N, Columbus, MT Website: stillwatercountymt.gov/sheriff | Call for inmate status. No online roster; visit or call during business hours for current information. |
| Montana DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates (post-conviction) | app.mt.gov/conweb | Search for anyone in state custody (prisons, not local jails). Updated frequently; name or ID number required. |
| VINE Inmate Search | County jail and state prison inmates | vinelink.com | Montana VINE allows victim/survivor notification and general custody lookup; registration optional. |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal prison inmates (Montana offenders) | bop.gov/inmateloc | No federal prison in Montana; most federal inmates from Montana held at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood (CO), or SeaTac (WA). |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail inmates | 400 3rd Ave N, Columbus, MT | Visit Sheriff’s Office for official inmate records or historical jail data; photo ID required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Stillwater County
After an arrest in Stillwater County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, and undergo a medical screening before being assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving under the influence, driving without license | Most Common | 12–48 hours (varies by charge and bail) |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, marijuana | Common | 24–72 hours, longer if unable to post bail |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Domestic assault, partner/family member assault | Common | 24–72 hours, subject to court appearance |
| Property Crimes | Burglary, theft, criminal mischief | Occasional | 24 hours to several days, depending on severity |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates on previous charges | Common | Until new court hearing or posting of bail |
| Outstanding Warrants | Arrests on existing warrants (various offenses) | Common | Until resolved with the court |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, burglary, drug distribution | Occasional | Until bail/court release; if sentenced, transferred to Montana state facility |
Visitation Rules at Stillwater County Jail
Before visiting Stillwater County Jail, always verify the most current visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No visitation | – | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | No visitation | – | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire; no revealing clothing or offensive slogans. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, weapons, or outside food/drink. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be pre-approved and listed on inmate's visitor list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Arranged separately; contact jail staff for scheduling. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Stillwater County Jail
Inmates at Stillwater County Jail can be contacted through phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for safety and security. Below are the available contact methods and important guidelines.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Stillwater County Jail
400 3rd Ave N, Columbus, MT 59019
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing collect or prepaid calls via [Provider]. | Family/friends must set up an account with [Provider]. | No incoming calls; calls are recorded and may be monitored. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters using the above mailing format. | No setup needed. | No contraband, no cash; all mail is inspected and read before delivery. |
| Digital Messaging | Messages are sent electronically via [Provider] platform. | Create an account with [Provider] online. | Messages are reviewed and may be delayed or withheld if rules are broken. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and participate in video visits through [Provider]'s service. | Register and fund account on [Provider]'s website. | All video calls are recorded and monitored; scheduling rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Stillwater County
The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders in Montana, ensuring structured release and supervision. Local reentry support in Stillwater County is available through both statewide and regional programs designed to help returning citizens reintegrate successfully.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana Board of Pardons and Parole | Oversees parole hearings, release eligibility, and conditions for state offenders. | State-sentenced inmates and families | https://bopp.mt.gov/ (406) 846-1404 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Montana does not offer statutory "good time," but credits may be earned through specific programs. | Inmates in state custody | Contact facility case manager or Montana DOC: (406) 444-3930 |
| Parole Supervision | Community supervision and support for parolees; nearest field office: Billings Probation & Parole. | Released individuals under supervision | Billings Office: 2615 4th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101 (406) 896-5400 |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional and supportive housing resources for returning citizens, coordinated by Montana DOC. | Recently released individuals | Montana Dept. of Corrections Reentry Unit: https://cor.mt.gov/ (406) 444-4913 |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, training, and placement for justice-involved individuals; Montana Job Service and Passage. | Returning citizens, parolees, probationers | Montana Job Service Columbus: (406) 322-5658 https://montanaworks.gov/ |
| Benefits Restoration | Assistance reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits; MT DPHHS and reentry support staff. | Individuals reentering the community | https://dphhs.mt.gov/ Public Assistance Helpline: 1-888-706-1535 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Montana VINE provides automated notifications on custody or release status for victims and families. | Victims, families, concerned citizens | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/27000 1-888-2-MONTANA |
Stillwater Incarceration Statistics
Stillwater County, Montana, has relatively low crime rates compared to more urban counties, with property crimes making up the majority of reported incidents. The county does not operate its own jail; inmates from Stillwater County are typically held at the regional detention center in Yellowstone County.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 12 (statewide) | 326 (statewide) | 16% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 7 (statewide) | 195 (statewide) | 9% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 2 (statewide) | 55 (statewide) | 3% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 0 (statewide) | 0 (statewide) | 0% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 65 (statewide) | 1,771 (statewide) | 60% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 40 (statewide) | 1,089 (statewide) | 37% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 18 (statewide) | 490 (statewide) | 15% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 7 (statewide) | 192 (statewide) | 8% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 10 (statewide) | 272 (statewide) | 9% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 8 (statewide) | 218 (statewide) | 7% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| Domestic Violence | 5 (statewide) | 136 (statewide) | 5% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 78% Male, 22% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 15%, 25-34: 27%, 35-44: 26%, 45+: 32% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 79% White, 15% Native American, 3% Black, 3% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Property, Drug, Violent | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 27 months | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 34% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Stillwater County?
As of the latest estimate, Stillwater County holds approximately 34 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders serving longer terms may be transferred to a state facility for continued incarceration.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 17 | 50% | $75 | 85% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 9 | 26% | $75 | 70% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 6 | 18% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 2 | 6% | $85 | 60% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 0 | 0% | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 34 | 100% | — | — |
Stillwater County Facility Directory
Stillwater County operates one correctional facility: the Stillwater County Jail, which serves as the county jail for adult detainees. Youth and specialty populations are generally transferred to nearby regional facilities.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stillwater County Jail | County Jail | Columbus, MT | 20 | 10 | Medium |
| Yellowstone County Detention Facility | Regional Facility | Billings, MT (serves Stillwater County) | 486 | 400 | Medium/Maximum |
Stillwater County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Aid
- Montana Legal Services Association
- Stillwater County Public Defender's Office
- ACLU of Montana - Criminal Justice
- Community Support
- Montana Link Project (Family Support)
- United Way of Yellowstone County
- Montana 211 Community Resources
- Legal Rights