Montana Inmate Search

Lewis Clark County Jail Inmate Lookup

The Lewis Clark County Jail, MT, is a crucial part of the local justice system, serving Lewis and Clark County and its surrounding areas. This detention facility aims to securely confine inmates awaiting trial or sentencing. The correction center provides inmates with necessary services while maintaining high security and discipline standards, ensuring both public safety and the respect of inmates' rights.

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Inmate Search and Prison Roster

The Lewis Clark County Jail offers a user-friendly online system to assist you in locating an inmate within its detention center. You may perform an inmate search by visiting the Lewis Clark County Jail's official inmate roster page.

The following information can be found on the jail roster:

  1. Booking Number: This unique identifier is assigned to an inmate at the time of their booking into the jail.
  2. Last Name & First Name: The full legal name of the inmate as provided at the time of booking.
  3. Date of Birth: This is the inmate's date of birth, providing an additional data point to confirm the identity of the inmate.
  4. Release Date: If known, the anticipated date the inmate will be released from custody will be displayed.
  5. Criminal Charges: The specific criminal charges that the inmate is being held for.

Tips for Inmate Search

When searching for an inmate within the Lewis Clark County Jail:

  • Accuracy: Make sure to spell the inmate's name correctly. The system will not return results for misspelled names.
  • Partial Names: If you're unsure of the full name or correct spelling, you can enter the first few letters of the last name, and the system will return all inmates with last names that begin with those letters.
  • Multiple Results: If your search yields multiple results, use additional information (such as Date of Birth or Booking Number) to locate the correct individual.
  • Updating: The jail roster is continually updated. If you cannot find an inmate, they may have been recently booked or released. Check back frequently if you're monitoring a specific individual.
  • Help: If you're having trouble locating an inmate, you may contact the Lewis Clark County Jail directly at their contact page for assistance.

Remember that all information available on the roster is public record. However, it is important to respect the privacy and rights of both inmates and victims when utilizing this tool.

User's Guide

Here are some additional tips to effectively use the inmate search:

  • Use Wildcards: If you are unsure of the spelling of the inmate's name, consider using a wildcard search. For example, inputting "Jo*" in the first name field will return all inmates with a first name beginning with "Jo".
  • Limit Your Search: If your initial search returns too many results, consider adding additional information to narrow down your search.
  • Understanding Charges: If you're not familiar with legal jargon, the charges might seem confusing. Consider seeking legal advice or conducting some online research to understand them better.
  • Contact the Jail: If you face any issues or have specific queries, do not hesitate to contact the Lewis Clark County Jail directly at their contact page. They can provide you with further guidance on using the inmate search system.

Visitation Guidelines and Hours

The Lewis Clark County Jail allows inmate visitations under specific guidelines and during specified hours. Here's what you need to know:

Procedure for Arranging a Visit

  1. Prior to your visit, you must be listed on the inmate's approved visitor list. The inmate is responsible for adding visitors to their approved list.

  2. To schedule a visit, you must call the Lewis Clark County Jail at least 24 hours in advance. Visitations are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rules and Regulations for Visits

  1. All visitors must provide a valid photo ID.

  2. Visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility.

  3. All visitors must dress modestly. Clothing displaying offensive messages or images is not permitted.

  4. Visitors must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

  5. Any form of contraband is strictly prohibited.

  6. All visits are non-contact visits, meaning there is a barrier between you and the inmate.

  7. Violation of any of these rules may result in termination of the visit and potential removal from the approved visitor list.

Visitation Hours

Visitation hours at the Lewis Clark County Jail are typically held from Tuesday to Sunday during the following times:

  • Morning Session: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Evening Session: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

It is important to note that visitation hours may change based on the jail's operational requirements, so it is recommended to verify the visitation hours by contacting the jail directly.

Inmate Communications

Inmates at the Lewis Clark County Jail are allowed to make phone calls under certain guidelines.

Inmate Call System and Associated Regulations

  1. Inmates are provided access to phones during specific hours. Calls are typically limited to 15 minutes to ensure all inmates have access to phones.

  2. All calls are recorded and subject to monitoring, with the exception of calls to legal counsel.

  3. Three-way calls or call forwarding are not allowed.

  4. Violation of phone rules may result in disciplinary action and loss of phone privileges.

Jail Phone Number and Guidelines for Use

The general phone number for the Lewis Clark County Jail is provided on their contact page. However, inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Inmates can only make outgoing calls to approved numbers.

If you want to receive a call from an inmate, the inmate must either call collect or use a prepaid calling card that they have purchased through the commissary.

It's important to remember that phone communication with inmates must adhere to the guidelines set by the Lewis Clark County Jail. Abusing phone privileges can result in disciplinary action against the inmate and potential banning of the called party's number.

Inmate Mail

Communication via mail is permitted at the Lewis Clark County Jail, with some rules and guidelines in place to maintain security and order.

Process of Sending Mail to an Inmate

  1. All mail should be addressed with the inmate's full legal name and the jail's address. Here is the format:
[Inmate's Full Name]
Lewis Clark County Jail
221 Breckenridge Street
Helena, MT 59601
  1. It's also recommended to include your return address on the envelope.

  2. Once the mail arrives at the jail, it will be inspected for contraband and then delivered to the inmate.

Guidelines for Sending Mail to Inmates

  1. All letters must be written in blue or black ink or non-metallic pencil.

  2. Do not send packages, as they will not be accepted.

  3. Do not send any form of contraband or inappropriate content. This includes explicit photos or images, any form of a weapon, drugs, etc.

  4. Avoid using staples, paper clips, or any other metal in your mail.

  5. Polaroid pictures are not allowed due to their ability to hide contraband.

  6. Letters containing threats, extortion, or coded messages will be turned over to law enforcement.

Violation of these guidelines can result in mail being returned or discarded and potential restrictions on your ability to send mail to inmates.

Sending Money to Inmates

Inmates at the Lewis Clark County Jail are allowed to receive money for their commissary account, which can be used to purchase items such as toiletries, snacks, and stationery.

Approved Methods for Sending Money

  1. Money Orders: Money orders should be made out to the inmate and mailed to the jail's address. Do not send cash or personal checks, as they will not be accepted.

  2. Online Deposits: You may also deposit money into an inmate's account online through approved services. Check the Lewis Clark County Jail's website for links to their approved online commissary deposit service.

Regulations and Limitations for Sending Money

  1. All funds are subject to inspection and may be held for a period of time before being deposited into the inmate's account.

  2. There may be a limit on the amount of money an inmate can have in their account at any given time. Excess funds will be returned.

  3. If an inmate owes fines, fees, or restitution, a portion or all of the money sent may be used to pay these debts.

  4. Any attempt to send money in violation of the rules could result in disciplinary action against the inmate and potential criminal charges.

Always check with the Lewis Clark County Jail for their most up-to-date rules and procedures regarding mail and money transfers.

Inmate Commissary

The inmate commissary is a store within the detention facility where inmates can purchase products that are not provided by the jail.

The commissary serves as an internal convenience store, allowing inmates to purchase items such as toiletries, snacks, stationery, and additional comfort items. The purpose of the commissary is to provide inmates with a means to acquire goods that can help make their time in detention more bearable and comfortable.

How Inmates Can Use the Commissary

To make a purchase, inmates must have funds in their personal jail account, which can be topped up by friends or family members or by the inmate's prison job earnings. The process is typically as follows:

  1. Inmates fill out an order form for the items they wish to purchase.
  2. The jail staff reviews and processes the order.
  3. The ordered items are then delivered to the inmate.

Restrictions on the Commissary Use

  1. The amount an inmate can spend in the commissary is usually limited per week.
  2. Certain items may be restricted based on an inmate's behavior or the security level of their housing unit.
  3. An inmate's privilege to use the commissary may be revoked as a disciplinary measure.

Incarceration Records and Mugshots

Incarceration records and mugshots are part of an inmate's criminal record, and they are often made public for transparency and public safety reasons.

Process of Obtaining Incarceration Records

Incarceration records can often be obtained from the local, state, or federal agency that manages the correction facility where the person was incarcerated. To request incarceration records from the Lewis Clark County Jail, you may need to submit a public records request. The best way to start this process is by visiting the Lewis Clark County Sheriff's Office's website or contacting them directly.

Explanation of Mugshots and Their Availability

A mugshot is a photographic portrait of a person taken shortly after their arrest, typically focusing on the person's face. The purpose of a mugshot is to allow law enforcement to have a record of the arrested individual's appearance for identification purposes.

Mugshots are often included as part of an inmate's public criminal record, and they may be made available online. However, the availability can depend on the policies of the law enforcement agency that took the mugshot. For the Lewis Clark County Jail, mugshots may be found on the jail's inmate roster if they are available.

Remember to respect the privacy and rights of individuals when searching for and using mugshots and incarceration records. The misuse of this information can have serious legal consequences.

Inmate Population

The inmate population at the Lewis Clark County Jail varies, as it is dependent on factors such as the crime rate, court activities, and law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.

Current Population Statistics

As of today, the Lewis Clark County Jail houses approximately 100-150 inmates on a daily basis. This includes inmates awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to another facility, as well as those serving short-term sentences. It's important to note that these numbers fluctuate and the most up-to-date statistics can be obtained by contacting the jail directly.

Average Inmate Stay Duration

The average length of stay for an inmate in the detention center ranges from a few days to several months. Pretrial inmates usually have shorter stays, while those serving sentences or awaiting transfer to state prison tend to stay longer.

Racial, Age, and Gender Demographics

The Lewis Clark County Jail houses inmates of all races, ages, and genders. The demographic composition of the inmate population is reflective of the local community's demographic breakdown and the broader trends in criminal justice.

Security Level

The Lewis Clark County Jail operates with a high standard of security measures to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.

The security measures include constant surveillance, regular cell checks, controlled movement within the facility, and a rigorous screening process for all incoming mail and visitors. The jail is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, including cameras and secured doors. All areas of the jail are monitored 24/7.

Categories of Offenders Housed

The Lewis Clark County Jail houses offenders of various categories. These typically include:

  1. Pretrial detainees who are awaiting their court dates.
  2. Convicted offenders who are serving short-term sentences.
  3. Inmates who are waiting to be transferred to a state or federal prison.

The jail is designed to securely house all categories of offenders, including those who pose a high security risk.

Role of Correctional Officers

Correctional officers play a crucial role in maintaining security within the jail. Their responsibilities include:

  1. Monitoring inmate activities and enforcing the jail's rules and regulations.
  2. Conducting regular cell checks and searches for contraband.
  3. Facilitating inmate activities such as meals, recreation, and visitation.
  4. Responding to incidents within the jail, such as fights or medical emergencies.

The correctional officers are trained professionals who play a crucial role in maintaining the order and security of the Lewis Clark County Jail.

Location and Contact Details

Getting in touch with the Lewis Clark County Jail directly can often be the best way to get accurate and up-to-date information. Below are the official contact details:

Official Mailing Address

Lewis Clark County Jail
221 Breckenridge Street
Helena, MT 59601
USA

Official Phone Number

You can reach the Lewis Clark County Jail at the following number:

(406) 447-8293

Please note that inmates cannot receive incoming calls. For information on communicating with an inmate, please refer to the Inmate Communications section above.

Official Website

The Lewis Clark County Jail's official website provides a wealth of information about the jail, including its policies, inmate search, visitation schedules, and more. You can visit their website at:

Lewis Clark County Sheriff's Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Inmate Search & Arrests Lookup

1. How do I conduct an inmate search?

You can conduct an inmate search by visiting a relevant government website, such as a Department of Corrections or Sheriff's Office website. You can also use public records platforms or specialized inmate lookup services. Usually, these sites will have a "Search" or "Inmate Lookup" feature where you can enter details like the inmate's name, inmate number, or other identifying information.

2. Are all prisons and jails searchable for inmate details?

Not all prisons and jails provide searchable inmate databases to the public. Availability depends on the specific regulations of the state, county, and facility in question. Federal prisons generally maintain a public database, as do many state and county facilities.

3. How up-to-date is the inmate information provided?

The frequency at which inmate information is updated varies from institution to institution. Some facilities update their inmate databases daily, while others may update less frequently.

4. What information do I need to perform an inmate search?

The specific information required to perform an inmate search can vary. However, the most common pieces of information are the inmate's full name and their inmate or ID number if known. Some search platforms may also allow searches based on age, race, or gender.

5. Can I search for an inmate by their crime?

It depends on the specific database you're using. Some databases may include information about the crime the inmate has committed, but this is not universally the case. The Federal Bureau of Prisons allows you to search by offense category and offense title, for example.

6. How do I lookup arrest records?

Arrest records can be looked up through local police departments, county sheriff's office websites, or court records. Certain online public records databases also provide access to arrest records. You would typically need the full name of the individual and preferably their date of birth to conduct this search.

Jail Bookings

7. What does a jail booking mean?

A jail booking is the administrative process that follows an arrest, where the police or law enforcement agency records the arrest and related information. This typically includes the suspect's personal information, the alleged crime, fingerprinting, mugshots, and the inventory of personal items.

8. How do I find information on recent jail bookings?

Information on recent jail bookings can typically be found on the website of the jail or the county sheriff's office. Alternatively, some counties or cities may publish this information in local newspapers or online platforms.

9. Is information about jail bookings publicly accessible?

Yes, in most jurisdictions, jail booking information is considered public record and can be accessed by members of the public. However, access to this information can vary greatly depending on state and local laws.

Inmate Calls & Mail

10. How can an inmate make calls?

Inmates can make calls using the phone systems provided by the correctional facility. In most cases, inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone cards or accounts set up by family or friends. Direct dialing and cell phone use are typically prohibited.

11. Are inmate calls monitored or recorded?

Yes, in general, inmate calls are monitored and recorded for security reasons. There are exceptions for calls to legal counsel, which are usually private.

12. How can I send mail to an inmate?

To send mail to an inmate, you would typically write to the inmate using their full name, inmate number, and the address of the facility where they are incarcerated. The exact process can vary by facility, so it's important to check the facility's rules before sending mail.

13. What restrictions apply to inmate mail?

Each facility has specific guidelines on what is acceptable to send via mail. Generally, letters must not contain contraband, threats, or plans for illegal activities. Some facilities may not allow packages or items like stamps or paper, and photos may have size or content restrictions. Check with the specific facility to get their guidelines.

14. Can inmates receive packages?

In most cases, inmates can receive packages, but the policies can vary greatly from one facility to another. Some facilities allow inmates to receive packages directly from the public, while others require that packages be sent through approved vendors. All packages are typically searched for contraband.

Visitation

15. What are the rules for visiting an inmate?

Rules for visiting an inmate can vary significantly by facility. However, most facilities require visitors to be on an approved visitor list, have a valid ID, follow a dress code, and comply with specific conduct rules. Some facilities may also limit the number of visitors per visit or the frequency of visits.

16. Do I need to schedule my visit in advance?

Many facilities do require visitors to schedule their visits in advance. The amount of notice required can vary, so it's important to check with the specific facility for their policies.

17. Can children visit inmates?

Yes, children can generally visit inmates, but they must be accompanied by an adult and must be listed on the inmate's approved visitor list. Policies can vary, so it's important to check with the specific facility.

18. Are there any restrictions on what I can bring to a visit?

Yes, most correctional facilities have restrictions on what visitors can bring. These often include restrictions on food and drink, electronics, and personal items. Some facilities may also have specific rules about bringing items for the inmate, like books or magazines.

Sending Money & Posting Bond

19. How can I send money to an inmate?

Most correctional facilities allow friends and family to send money to inmates. This can often be done through postal mail, walk-in, internet, or phone, and typically requires a credit or debit card. Some facilities use specific services for money transfers, such as JPay or Western Union.

20. What are the rules regarding sending money to inmates?

The rules regarding sending money to inmates vary by facility, but there are typically limits on the amount of money an inmate can receive. Some facilities may also restrict who can send money. All money transfers are usually subject to fees.

21. How do I post bond for an inmate?

To post bond for an inmate, you typically need to pay the bail amount to the court or a bail bondsman. This can often be done at the courthouse, jail, or a bail bond service. You will need to know the full legal name of the defendant, the booking number, and the exact bail amount.

22. Can I get a refund if the inmate doesn’t go to court?

If you posted bail directly to the court and the defendant doesn't appear in court, you typically lose the entire bail amount. If you used a bail bondsman, you lose the fee you paid them, which is usually a percentage of the bail amount.

Legal Assistance for Inmates

23. How can inmates access legal assistance?

Inmates often have access to a law library where they can conduct research. They may also be able to request legal assistance from public defenders or pro bono legal aid organizations. For serious charges, inmates are typically assigned a court-appointed lawyer if they cannot afford one.

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