Burleigh County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Burleigh County?
Inmate records in Burleigh County are official government documents maintained by the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center and the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested and detained within the county's correctional system. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks individuals from their initial booking through their release from custody.
Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1-28, correctional facilities must maintain specific records for each inmate in their custody. These records are distinct from court records, which are maintained separately by the North Dakota Court System. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to criminal cases, inmate records specifically track the physical custody and management of detained individuals.
Inmate records are created at the time of booking when an individual is processed into the detention facility. The booking process includes:
- Collection of personal identifying information
- Documentation of charges
- Recording of personal property
- Medical screening
- Assignment of housing
- Capture of booking photographs (mugshots)
Throughout an individual's incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, medical care, court appearances, and other significant events. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with release information but remains on file with the detention facility in accordance with North Dakota records retention requirements.
Are Inmate Records Public In Burleigh County?
Inmate records in Burleigh County are partially accessible to the public in accordance with the North Dakota Open Records Law § 44-04-18, which establishes that all government records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by law. However, certain components of inmate records are protected from disclosure due to privacy concerns and security considerations.
The following inmate record information is generally available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic identifying information (name, age, gender)
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
Certain sensitive information contained within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18.7, which protects personal information, including:
- Social security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical and mental health information
- Victim information
- Detailed security procedures
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Members of the public seeking inmate information may access the Burleigh County Detention Center inmate search function on the county website, which provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This public access tool supports transparency while maintaining appropriate privacy protections for sensitive information.
What's Included Inmate Records in Burleigh County
Inmate records maintained by the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center contain comprehensive information organized into several categories. The following components are typically included in Burleigh County inmate records:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address of residence prior to incarceration
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Booking officer information
- Custody classification
- Housing assignment
- Disciplinary records
- Visitor logs
- Phone call records
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Incident reports
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court orders
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bail, time served, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Probation/parole requirements
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains additional records for individuals transferred from county facilities to state correctional institutions, as specified in North Dakota Century Code § 12-47-36.
Burleigh County Prison System
The Burleigh County correctional system operates under the authority of the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department and primarily consists of the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center, a joint facility serving both Burleigh and Morton Counties. This facility functions as the county jail responsible for housing pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor convictions.
It is important to distinguish between the county detention system and the state prison system. The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center is a local facility that primarily houses:
- Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
- Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically under one year)
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities after felony convictions
- Federal detainees under contract with federal agencies
Individuals sentenced to more than one year for felony convictions are typically transferred to the custody of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to serve their sentences in state prison facilities.
The Burleigh County correctional system is administered by:
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 222-6651
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department
Types of Correctional Facilities In Burleigh County
Burleigh County's correctional system consists primarily of one main detention facility that serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system:
Burleigh/Morton Detention Center
4000 Apple Creek Road
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 255-3113
Burleigh/Morton Detention Center
This facility, which opened in 2017, is a modern detention center that replaced the former Burleigh County Jail. The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center operates as a multi-purpose facility with several distinct functions:
-
Pre-trial Detention Unit: Houses individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or court appearances. These detainees have not been convicted of the charges against them and are either awaiting bail determination or have been unable to post set bail.
-
Sentenced Offender Unit: Houses individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanors and are serving sentences of up to one year.
-
Work Release Program: Provides qualified low-risk inmates the opportunity to maintain employment while serving their sentences. Participants return to the facility when not at work.
-
Temporary Holding Facility: Temporarily houses individuals who have been sentenced to state prison and are awaiting transfer to the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities.
-
Federal Detainee Housing: Under contract with federal agencies, the facility may house federal detainees awaiting federal court proceedings.
The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center has a capacity of approximately 555 beds and employs trained correctional officers, medical staff, and support personnel to maintain facility operations in accordance with state standards established under North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1.
Who's in Prison In Burleigh County
The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center houses several categories of individuals who are in custody for various reasons within the criminal justice system. The facility population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These detainees are either awaiting bail determination, have been denied bail, or have been unable to post the set bail amount. Under the presumption of innocence principle, these individuals are legally considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sentenced Misdemeanants: Persons who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of up to one year. Common misdemeanor convictions include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Simple assault
- Petty theft
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal trespass
- Possession of small amounts of controlled substances
Short-term Felony Convicts: Individuals recently convicted of felonies who are temporarily housed while awaiting transfer to state prison facilities operated by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Probation/Parole Violators: Persons who have violated the terms of their probation or parole and are being held pending hearings or as a sanction for the violation.
Weekend Commitment Inmates: Individuals serving sentences on weekends only, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities during the week.
Federal Detainees: Under intergovernmental agreements, the facility may house federal detainees awaiting proceedings in federal court.
According to data from the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department, the average daily population of the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center fluctuates between 250-300 inmates, with the majority being pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Burleigh County in 2026
Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently in custody at the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center may utilize several methods to access inmate records. The following procedures are currently in place for conducting inmate searches:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the official Burleigh County Sheriff's Department website
- Navigate to the "Burleigh/Morton Detention Center" section
- Select the "Inmate Search" function
- Enter the requested search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center at (701) 255-3113
- Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
- Staff will confirm if the person is in custody and provide basic information
- Note that detailed information may not be available by phone due to privacy and security considerations
In-Person Request:
- Visit the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center at 4000 Apple Creek Road, Bismarck, ND 58504
- Complete an inmate information request form at the public service counter
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Staff will provide available public information about the requested inmate
For court case information related to an inmate's charges, the public may access the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system, which provides information about criminal cases, charges, and court proceedings.
Individuals seeking information about persons who have been transferred to state prison facilities should utilize the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation resident lookup service.
How To Find an Inmate in Burleigh County for Free?
Burleigh County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody at the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center. These free resources are available to family members, friends, legal representatives, and members of the general public:
Burleigh County Online Inmate Locator:
- Access the Burleigh County Detention Center inmate search tool
- No registration or fees are required to use this service
- Search by the individual's first and last name
- The system provides real-time information about current inmates
- Information typically includes booking date, charges, and custody status
North Dakota Statewide Resources:
- For comprehensive searches across multiple jurisdictions, utilize the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system
- This free service allows searches for court cases that may indicate if someone is in custody
- Search by name to locate criminal cases in Burleigh County and other jurisdictions
- Court records will often indicate if a defendant is in custody and where they are being held
Direct Contact Methods:
- Call the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center directly at (701) 255-3113 during business hours
- Provide the full name and, if possible, the date of birth of the person you are trying to locate
- Basic custody information can be confirmed over the phone at no cost
Victim Notification Service:
- Crime victims can register with the North Dakota SAVIN (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification) system
- This free service provides automated notifications about changes in an offender's custody status
- Registration is available through the North Dakota Attorney General's Office
When searching for an inmate, having the following information ready will expedite the process:
- Full legal name (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
All public record searches for inmates in Burleigh County can be conducted without any fees or charges, in accordance with North Dakota's open records laws.
How To Visit an Inmate In Burleigh County
The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center maintains specific policies and procedures for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections. Visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:
Visit Types and Schedule:
- In-person visitation is conducted via video terminals located in the public visitation area
- Visitation hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Visits are limited to 20 minutes per session
- Inmates are allowed two visits per week
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) are conducted during separate hours
Registration Requirements:
- All visitors must register in advance through the facility's visitation system
- First-time visitors must create an account at least 24 hours before the intended visit
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all visitors
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled visit time
- Check in at the visitation desk with required identification
- Submit to security screening procedures
- Follow all staff instructions during the visit
- Visits may be monitored and recorded, except for privileged attorney visits
- Visits may be terminated for rule violations or security concerns
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire is required
- No revealing clothing (no exposed midriffs, cleavage, or undergarments)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times
Prohibited Items:
- Cell phones and electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products
- Food and beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Recording devices
- Excessive jewelry
Visit Restrictions:
- Persons with active warrants or criminal cases pending
- Former inmates (within 6 months of release)
- Persons on probation or parole (without prior approval)
- Individuals who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Persons who have previously violated visitation rules
Remote video visitation is also available through the facility's contracted service provider, allowing approved visitors to conduct visits from home computers or mobile devices for a fee. These remote visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
All visitation policies are established in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1-14, which governs inmate rights and privileges in local correctional facilities.
How To Send Money to a Burleigh County Inmate
The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses. The following options are currently available:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay payment service website (the facility's authorized payment processor)
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Select "Burleigh/Morton Detention Center" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Enter payment amount and complete the transaction using a credit/debit card
- Service fees apply (typically $2.50 per transaction)
- Funds are usually available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay kiosk located in the lobby of the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Follow on-screen instructions to deposit funds
- Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted
- Service fees apply (typically $2.00 per transaction)
- Funds are typically available immediately
Money Order by Mail:
- Obtain a money order payable to "Burleigh/Morton Detention Center"
- Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with the money order
- Mail to: Burleigh/Morton Detention Center Inmate Accounts 4000 Apple Creek Road Bismarck, ND 58504
- No service fees apply for money orders
- Funds are typically available within 3-5 business days after receipt
Deposit Limits and Restrictions:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500
- Funds from unidentifiable sources will be returned
- Deposits from other inmates or their families are prohibited
- Deposits from individuals with active criminal cases may be restricted
Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone calls
- Video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays
- Release funds
Prohibited Uses:
- Payments to other inmates
- Payments to outside vendors or individuals
- Bond payments (must be handled separately through the court system)
- Fines and court costs (handled separately upon release)
Upon release, any remaining balance in an inmate's account will be returned via debit card or check. Questions regarding inmate accounts may be directed to the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center at (701) 255-3113.
How To Send Jail Mail In Burleigh County
The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center maintains specific procedures for sending mail to inmates. All correspondence must comply with facility regulations to ensure security and proper delivery. The following guidelines apply to inmate mail:
General Mailing Instructions:
-
Address envelopes or packages as follows: Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known) Burleigh/Morton Detention Center 4000 Apple Creek Road Bismarck, ND 58504
-
Include a complete return address with sender's full name
-
Mail without proper addressing or return information may be returned to sender
-
All non-privileged mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (non-musical, no glitter, no padding)
- Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (following the procedures outlined in the financial section)
- Legal documents
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
- Stickers, labels, or adhesive stamps inside the envelope
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Items that pose a security threat
Legal/Privileged Mail:
- Mail from attorneys, courts, or government officials is considered privileged
- Mark envelopes clearly as "Legal Mail" or "Privileged Correspondence"
- Include attorney bar number when applicable
- Privileged mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Legal mail is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
Books and Publications:
- Books must be paperback only
- Must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
- Limited to three books in possession at any time
- Subject to review for appropriate content
- Religious texts are permitted subject to security review
E-Messages: The facility offers a digital messaging service through its contracted provider:
- Create an account on the approved messaging platform
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages to the inmate
- Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours after review
- Service fees apply
All mail procedures are established in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 12-44.1-14, which governs inmate rights in local correctional facilities, including the right to send and receive mail subject to reasonable limitations.
Lookup Inmate Records in Burleigh County
Burleigh County Detention Center inmate search
North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system
North Dakota Department of Corrections resident lookup