Cascade County Public Records /Cascade County Inmate Search

Cascade County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Cascade County?

Inmate records in Cascade County are official government documents maintained by the Cascade County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated in county detention facilities. These records document the entire custody cycle of an inmate from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system.

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2141, county sheriffs are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to county detention facilities. These records begin at the intake process when an individual is first booked into custody and include documentation of:

Biographical and identifying information
Arrest details and criminal charges
Custody classification and housing assignments
Court appearances and case status
Disciplinary incidents during incarceration
Medical information relevant to detention
Release information and conditions

The Cascade County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records for individuals detained in the Cascade County Detention Center. While court records focus on legal proceedings and case disposition, inmate records specifically document the physical custody and management of individuals within the correctional system.

Montana's Criminal Justice Information Act of 1979 establishes the legal framework for the creation, maintenance, and accessibility of these records, balancing public safety interests with privacy considerations.

Are Inmate Records Public In Cascade County?

Inmate records in Cascade County are partially public under Montana law. The Montana Constitution and the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1003 establish the presumption that government records, including certain inmate information, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Montana Criminal Justice Information Act § 44-5-103 distinguishes between public criminal justice information and confidential criminal justice information, which affects what inmate data is publicly accessible. Under current law, the following inmate information is generally available to the public:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Inmate name and booking number
Charges filed and case numbers
Booking date and expected release date (if determined)
Bond/bail amount
Court of jurisdiction
Basic custody status

However, certain information within inmate records remains confidential under Montana law, including:

Medical and mental health information
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Victim information
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Information that would compromise facility security
Records sealed by court order

The Cascade County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides public access to basic information about individuals currently detained in the county detention center. This public access serves important community interests in transparency and public safety while adhering to state privacy protections.

What's Included Inmate Records in Cascade County

Inmate records in Cascade County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Assigned inmate identification number
Last known address (may be partially redacted in public records)

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency and officer
Custody classification and housing assignment
Disciplinary records during incarceration
Visitor logs (not publicly accessible)
Property inventory upon intake

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Warrant information if applicable
Case numbers for associated court proceedings
Arresting agency and jurisdiction
Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
Statute numbers for alleged violations

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond/bail amount set by court
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, not posted, revoked)
Bond conditions imposed by court
Bond hearing dates

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned to case
Scheduled court appearances
Court case numbers
Attorney of record (if appointed or retained)

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Length of sentence
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Credit for time served
Probation/parole eligibility dates
Special conditions imposed by court

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions if applicable
Probation/parole requirements
Agency assuming supervision after release

The Montana Department of Corrections maintains additional records for individuals sentenced to state custody through their Correctional Offender Network, which interfaces with county-level records for a comprehensive view of an individual's status within the criminal justice system.

Cascade County Prison System

The Cascade County correctional system operates under the authority of the Cascade County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county detention facilities. The system primarily consists of the Cascade County Detention Center, which serves as the main facility for housing pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year.

Under Montana law, specifically Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2201, county detention centers are distinct from the state prison system. County facilities primarily house:

Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
Felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities
Individuals held on probation or parole violations
Temporary holds for other jurisdictions

The Montana Department of Corrections operates the state prison system, which houses individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year. Cascade County inmates sentenced to longer terms are typically transferred to state custody after sentencing.

The Cascade County Sheriff's Office maintains operational control of the county detention system:

Cascade County Sheriff's Office
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
Phone: (406) 454-6820
Cascade County Sheriff's Office

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

The Sheriff's Office works in coordination with the Montana Department of Corrections, local courts, and law enforcement agencies to manage the inmate population and ensure public safety throughout Cascade County.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Cascade County

Cascade County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's detention system:

Cascade County Detention Center
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
Phone: (406) 454-6820
Cascade County Detention Center

The Detention Center is the primary correctional facility in Cascade County with a capacity of approximately 365 inmates. This medium to maximum-security facility houses both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The facility includes:

General population housing units
Administrative segregation units
Medical housing unit
Intake and booking area
Visitation areas
Program spaces for rehabilitation services

Pre-Release Center (operated by Great Falls Pre-Release Services, Inc.)
1019 15th Street North
Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: (406) 727-0944
Great Falls Pre-Release Center

While not directly operated by Cascade County, this facility works in partnership with the county and the Montana Department of Corrections to provide:

Transitional housing for inmates nearing release
Work release programs
Substance abuse treatment
Life skills training
Community reintegration services

Cascade County Juvenile Detention Center
1600 26th Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: (406) 454-6930
Cascade County Juvenile Services

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) and provides:

Secure detention for youth awaiting court proceedings
Educational services
Counseling and rehabilitation programs
Separate housing from adult populations as required by federal law

Alternative Detention Programs
The county also operates several non-facility-based detention alternatives including:

Electronic monitoring/home detention
Day reporting programs
Work release programs
Pretrial supervision services

These facilities operate under the authority granted by Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2203, which establishes the legal framework for county detention operations. The Montana Department of Corrections provides oversight and sets standards for all correctional facilities in the state.

Who's in Prison In Cascade County

The Cascade County detention facilities house a diverse inmate population that reflects various stages of involvement with the criminal justice system. The current inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Persons who have not posted bail or were denied bail
These detainees comprise approximately 60-70% of the county jail population
Length of stay varies widely depending on case complexity and court schedules

Sentenced Misdemeanants:

Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to one year
Common offenses include DUI, simple assault, theft under $1,500, and probation violations
These inmates typically serve their entire sentence in the county facility
May participate in work programs or treatment services while incarcerated

Short-term Felony Offenders:

Persons convicted of felonies serving short sentences or awaiting transfer
Individuals serving sanctions for probation violations
Typically housed temporarily before transfer to state facilities

Special Population Inmates:

Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing
Inmates with medical conditions requiring enhanced supervision
Protective custody cases (inmates at risk in general population)
Administrative segregation cases (disciplinary or security concerns)

Contract Inmates:

Federal detainees held under contract with U.S. Marshals Service
Inmates from other counties held due to space limitations
State inmates temporarily housed for court appearances

According to data from the Montana Department of Corrections, the demographic composition of Cascade County's inmate population generally reflects the following patterns:

Approximately 75-80% male and 20-25% female
Median age of approximately 34 years
Disproportionate representation of Native American individuals relative to general population demographics
High prevalence of substance abuse issues (estimated 70-80% of inmates)
Significant percentage with co-occurring mental health disorders

The Cascade County Detention Center operates at or near capacity, with an average daily population that fluctuates between 340-365 inmates. Population management remains an ongoing challenge for facility administrators, who must balance security concerns with constitutional requirements for housing conditions.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Cascade County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Cascade County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that provide public access to basic inmate data while protecting confidential information as required by Montana law.

Online Inmate Roster Search:

Visit the Cascade County Inmate Roster on the official county website
No login or registration is required for basic searches
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name) in the search fields
For more specific results, include additional identifiers if known
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Inmate name and booking number
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Housing facility
- Scheduled court dates

Montana Department of Corrections Offender Search:

Access the Montana Correctional Offender Network
Enter search criteria (name, DOC ID number, or other identifiers)
This system provides information on individuals in state custody or under state supervision
Results include conviction information and custody status
The system interfaces with county records for comprehensive information

In-Person Record Requests:

Cascade County Sheriff's Office Records Division
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
Phone: (406) 454-6820
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Complete a public records request form (available at the office or downloadable from the county website)
Provide specific information about the inmate and records sought
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Allow processing time as specified by staff (typically 3-10 business days)

Written Record Requests:

Submit a written request to the Cascade County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Include specific information about the inmate and records sought
Provide contact information for response
Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead for current fee schedule)
Allow 10-15 business days for processing

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, the county may charge reasonable fees for document retrieval, copying, and staff time. Electronic records may be provided at reduced cost when available.

How To Find an Inmate in Cascade County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Cascade County without incurring fees is possible through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate information:

Cascade County Online Inmate Roster:

Navigate to the Cascade County Inmate Roster webpage
The roster is updated multiple times daily to reflect current inmate population
Search by entering the inmate's last name and first name
No registration or account creation is required
The system provides basic information including:
- Full name of inmate
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date (if scheduled)
- Housing facility

Montana Department of Corrections Offender Search:

Visit the Montana Correctional Offender Network
Enter the individual's name or identification number
This statewide database includes individuals in county custody who are also under DOC jurisdiction
The service is available 24/7 at no cost
Results include custody status and location information

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Cascade County Detention Center directly at (406) 454-6820
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person you're seeking
Staff can confirm if an individual is in custody and provide basic information
Available during business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
This method is particularly useful for those without internet access

Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE):

Access the VINE service at www.vinelink.com or call 1-800-456-3076
Register with the service (free of charge)
Search for the inmate by name
Receive custody status information and location
Optional notification services are available for custody status changes

When using these free services, members of the public should note that information is limited to what is classified as public criminal justice information under Montana Code Annotated § 44-5-103(13). More detailed information may require formal records requests and associated fees.

How To Visit an Inmate In Cascade County

Visitation with inmates at the Cascade County Detention Center is governed by established policies designed to maintain facility security while facilitating important family and community connections. Persons wishing to visit an inmate must adhere to the following procedures:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
Inmates may submit visitor request forms for up to 5 approved visitors
Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate or school ID
Visitors with criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges
Pre-registration is required at least 24 hours before the intended visit

Visit Schedule:

General population: Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Maximum security: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Special housing units: Monday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Inmates are allowed two visits per week
Schedule is subject to change during holidays or facility emergencies

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during visit (must be declared)
Baby necessities if accompanied by infant (limited to one bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
Visiting order confirmation (if applicable)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
Tobacco products or smoking materials
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20
Letters, photos, or items for inmates

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no exposed midriffs, cleavage, or undergarments)
No shorts above mid-thigh
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
Shoes must be worn at all times
No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions may apply)

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method)
Remote video visitation (available for fee through third-party provider)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.)
Contact visits (special circumstances only)

Visit Restrictions:

Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit
Visitors with outstanding warrants may be subject to arrest
Three missed visits in 30 days results in 30-day suspension of privileges
Violation of rules may result in permanent visitation restriction

For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact:

Cascade County Detention Center Visitation Office
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
Phone: (406) 454-6820
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Visitation policies are established pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2225, which authorizes detention facilities to establish reasonable regulations for inmate visitation.

How To Send Money to a Cascade County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in the Cascade County Detention Center have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and pay for certain services.

Approved Money Transfer Methods:

Online Deposits via TouchPay:
- Visit TouchPay Payment Services
- Select "Cascade County Detention Center" from the facility list
- Create an account or proceed as guest
- Enter inmate information (full name and booking number)
- Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
- Service fee: $2.50 for transactions up to $50; $3.50 for transactions $50.01-$100; $4.50 for transactions $100.01-$300
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
Kiosk Deposits:
- Available in the Detention Center lobby
- Accessible during normal business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 7 days a week)
- Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Service fee: $2.50 per transaction
- Funds available immediately
Money Orders by Mail:
- Make payable to "Cascade County Detention Center"
- Include inmate's full name and booking number on money order
- Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
- Mail to: Cascade County Detention Center Inmate Accounts 3800 Ulm North Frontage Road Great Falls, MT 59404
- No service fee
- Processing time: 3-5 business days
Western Union Quick Collect:
- Visit any Western Union location or westernunion.com
- Use "Pay to": Cascade County Detention Center
- Code City: JAIL MT
- Include inmate's full name and booking number
- Service fees vary based on amount and payment method
- Funds typically available within 24 hours

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $1.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit per inmate: $500.00
Maximum account balance allowed: $1,000.00

Fee Structure:

Facility does not charge fees for deposits
Third-party providers charge service fees as outlined above
Fee schedules subject to change by service providers
No refunds on service fees once transaction is processed

Prohibited Transactions:

No direct inmate-to-inmate transfers
No transfers from individuals with active protection orders against the inmate
No transfers from individuals with felony convictions within past 7 years
No transfers from current or former facility employees

Authorized Fund Uses:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Video visitation services
Medical co-pays
Haircuts and other personal services
Release funds

Unauthorized Fund Uses:

Payment of fines or restitution (separate process required)
Bond payments (must be processed through court)
Payment for outside goods or services
Transfers to other inmates or outside individuals

For questions regarding inmate accounts, contact:

Cascade County Detention Center Inmate Accounts
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
Phone: (406) 454-6820
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2242, which governs inmate funds management in county detention facilities.

How To Send Jail Mail In Cascade County

Correspondence with inmates at the Cascade County Detention Center must follow specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery. All mail is subject to inspection and must comply with facility regulations.

Mailing Address Format:

Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Cascade County Detention Center
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include a complete return address with sender's full name
Envelopes must be standard size (maximum 9" x 12")
Use white or light-colored envelopes only
All mail is opened and inspected before delivery to inmates
Mail that does not comply with guidelines will be returned to sender
Processing typically takes 24-48 hours after receipt

Acceptable Mail Items:

Personal letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum size 4" x 6")
Money orders (as described in the money transfer section)
Legal documents (clearly marked as legal mail)
Religious materials (subject to security review)
Subscription magazines sent directly from publisher

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Padded or bubble-lined envelopes
Colored paper or envelopes
Plastic, metal, or wooden items
Stickers, labels, or tape
Perfumed or scented items
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Glitter, confetti, or other decorative elements
Food items or candy

Legal Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" on the envelope
Must be from an attorney, court, or legal agency
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Is not read by staff but is inspected for contraband
Requires proper identification of sender as legal representative

Publications and Books:

Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Paperback books only (no hardcover)
Subject to content review for security concerns
Limited to 3 books per mailing
Excessive accumulation may require removal of older materials

E-Messages (if available):

Available through approved third-party provider
Subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
Fees apply for service
Messages printed and delivered with regular mail

Mail Restrictions:

Inmates in disciplinary status may have limited mail privileges
Communication between inmates at the same facility is prohibited
Communication with victims may be restricted by court order
Mail suspected of containing criminal activity will be forwarded to appropriate authorities

All mail procedures are established in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2247, which authorizes detention facilities to establish reasonable regulations for inmate correspondence while respecting constitutional rights.

For questions regarding mail policies, contact:

Cascade County Detention Center Mail Room
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
Phone: (406) 454-6820
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM