Search Yellowstone County, MT Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Yellowstone County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Yellowstone County, MT
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Yellowstone County
- Visitation Rules at Yellowstone County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Yellowstone County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Yellowstone County
- Yellowstone Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Yellowstone County?
- Yellowstone County Facility Directory
- Yellowstone Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Yellowstone County, Montana, you have several options. Online, you can search the Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s inmate roster directly through their official website at yellowstonecountymt.gov/DetentionFacility/, which provides up-to-date information on current inmates. Additionally, Montana Correctional Offender Network Search (CONWeb) maintained by the Montana Department of Corrections offers a statewide search tool for offenders housed in state facilities. Offline, you can visit or contact the Yellowstone County Detention Facility located at 3165 King Ave East, Billings, MT 59101; you may request inmate information in person or by calling (406) 256-6881. For historical or court-related inmate records, the Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court (located at 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101, phone: (406) 256-2851) may also assist. Always be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible (such as full name, birthdate, or booking date) to facilitate your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Yellowstone County, MT
Inmate records for Yellowstone County, MT, are accessible online, but the best search tool depends on whether the individual is held in the local county jail, a Montana state prison, or under federal custody. The resources below explain where and how to search for Yellowstone County inmates.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone County Detention Facility | Local jail inmates | Online Roster: YCSO Jail Roster Phone: (406) 256-6881 | Lists current Yellowstone County Detention Facility inmates. Updated regularly. Facility address: 3165 King Ave E, Billings, MT 59101. |
| Montana DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | Online Search: MT DOC Offender Search | Covers inmates in Montana Department of Corrections custody, including state prisons and supervised release. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Victim notification, custody status for county/state inmates | Online/VINELink: Montana VINE Phone: (866) 277-7477 | Get custody status, register for alerts. Covers most county and state facilities, including Yellowstone. |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal inmates (nationwide) | Online Search: BOP Inmate Locator | Montana has no federal prisons; most federal offenders from Montana are held in Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Englewood, CO, or other regional facilities. |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail and arrest records for Yellowstone County | In Person at Detention Facility: 3165 King Ave E, Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 256-6881 | Visit or call the Yellowstone County Detention Facility Records Office for official records requests. ID may be required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Yellowstone County
In Yellowstone County, individuals arrested are typically transported to the detention facility, where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and are assigned housing. The booking process generally takes about 4–8 hours to complete.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | DUI, driving with suspended license | High | 1–5 days, depending on bail and court scheduling |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of meth or marijuana | High | 1 day to several weeks, based on bail and severity |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, partner/family member assault | High | 2–14 days, often until next court appearance |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal mischief | Moderate | 1 day to several weeks, based on charges/bail |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | High | Until next hearing or posting of bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation violation, unpaid fines | High | Varies—usually until court resolution |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, robbery, major drug offenses | Moderate | Until trial or posting of bond; if convicted, transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Yellowstone County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the current visitation rules with Yellowstone County Jail and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list. Rules and schedules are subject to change.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8am–11am, 1pm–4pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 8am–11am, 1pm–4pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 8am–11am, 1pm–4pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 8am–11am, 1pm–4pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 8am–11am, 1pm–4pm | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 12pm–4pm | In-person/Video | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 12pm–4pm | In-person/Video | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all adult visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing clothing, gang symbols, or hats. |
| Prohibited Items | No bags, electronics, weapons, or contraband allowed in visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate’s approved list; approval process may take several days. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian and supervised at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside regular hours; coordinate directly with facility. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Yellowstone County Jail
Inmates at Yellowstone County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for security. Below are the methods and guidelines for reaching inmates.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Avenue East, Billings, MT 59101
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using [Provider] services. | Friends/family create account & add funds on [Provider]. | Calls are monitored; inmates cannot receive calls; time/frequency limits apply. |
| Physical Mail | Letters sent via USPS are delivered after screening. | Send mail in proper format to address above. | No contraband; no cash/stamps; content is screened and must follow jail policies. |
| Digital Messaging | Send/receive messages through [Provider] online platform or app. | Register on [Provider]; purchase message credits. | Messages monitored; no attachments or inappropriate content. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct video visits using [Provider] service. | Set up account, schedule visit, pay fees via [Provider]. | May require approval; supervised and recorded; dress code and conduct rules apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Yellowstone County
The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, while local reentry assistance is provided through both state agencies and community organizations in Yellowstone County.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana Board of Pardons and Parole | Reviews parole applications and conducts parole hearings for state inmates. | State-sentenced offenders seeking parole | https://bopp.mt.gov (406) 846-1404 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows eligible inmates to earn sentence reductions for good behavior and participation. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | DOC Policy Info (406) 444-3930 |
| Parole Supervision | Supervises individuals on parole within the community; Yellowstone County office available. | Recently released individuals on parole | Billings Probation & Parole Office 2615 4th Ave N, Billings, MT (406) 896-5400 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists with transitional and long-term housing options for those reentering society. | Individuals returning from incarceration | Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley: (406) 294-7432 Montana DOCR Reentry: (406) 444-3930 |
| Employment Assistance | Job search, resume help, training, and placement for returning citizens. | Formerly incarcerated individuals | Opportunities, Inc.: (406) 791-5780 Job Service Billings |
| Benefits Restoration | Support with reinstating SNAP, Medicaid, and other social benefits post-release. | Recently released individuals | Montana DPHHS Billings Office: (888) 706-1535 apply.mt.gov |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated service providing custody status updates and release alerts for victims. | Crime victims and concerned citizens | www.vinelink.com Montana VINE: (866) 277-7477 |
Yellowstone Incarceration Statistics
Yellowstone County, Montana, experiences crime rates higher than the state average, with violent and property crimes being the most prevalent. The county operates its own detention facility, the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, serving the region’s jail and holding needs.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 717 | 553.9 | 18% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 596 | 460.4 | 15% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 46 | 35.5 | 1% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 9 | 7.0 | <1% | ↑ Increasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 3,329 | 2,572.5 | 82% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 2,287 | 1,767.5 | 56% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 611 | 472.5 | 15% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 431 | 333.0 | 11% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 465 | 358.9 | 11% | → Stable |
| DUI / Traffic | 788 | 608.5 | 19% | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 392 | 302.8 | 10% | ↑ Increasing |
*Source: 2022 Montana Board of Crime Control, FBI UCR/Montana Crime in Montana Report
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male 81%, Female 19% | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 14%, 25–34: 35%, 35–44: 30%, 45+: 21% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White 75%, Native American 15%, Black 6%, Other 4% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug offenses, Assault, DUI, Theft | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.7 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 36% (3-year rate) | Statewide average used |
*Source: Montana DOC 2022 Annual Report (most recent available data)
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Yellowstone County?
As of the latest estimates, Yellowstone County holds approximately 430 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration periods may be transferred to a Montana state facility.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 270 | 62.8% | $95 | 93% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 80 | 18.6% | $85 | 88% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 45 | 10.5% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 25 | 5.8% | $110 | 70% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 10 | 2.3% | $220 | 63% |
| Total | 430 | 100% | N/A | N/A |
Yellowstone County Facility Directory
Yellowstone County operates several correctional facilities, including one county jail, a regional youth facility, and a work release center. These facilities serve various security needs and populations in the county.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone County Detention Facility | County Jail | Billings, MT | 386 | ~340 | Medium-High |
| Youth Services Center | Youth Facility | Billings, MT | 36 | ~20 | Juvenile |
| Alternatives, Inc. Men's Pre-Release Center | Work Release Center | Billings, MT | 200 | ~170 | Minimum |
| Passages Women's Pre-Release Center | Work Release Center | Billings, MT | 100 | ~80 | Minimum |
Yellowstone County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Rights & Aid
- Family & Community Support