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Morton County Public Records /Morton County Inmate Search

Morton County Inmate Search

How To Search for Inmate Records in Morton County in 2026

MortonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Morton County, North Dakota. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, bond details, and facility location data through this resource. Available record categories include current inmate rosters, booking photographs, court dates, and release information. Data availability varies by source and may not reflect real-time changes.

Records may be searched through official government resources, county clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the Sheriff's Office and state corrections agencies.

Online Search Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center maintains an online inmate search tool that members of the public may access at no cost. To conduct a search, navigate to the detention center's official webpage and select the Inmate Search button. Users may search by full legal name, booking number, or booking date. Once search criteria are entered, the system returns a list of matching records. Selecting an individual record displays detailed information.

Information displayed in search results includes:

  • Full legal name and aliases
  • Booking photograph
  • Current charges and charge descriptions
  • Bond type and bond amount
  • Facility location within the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center
  • Booking date
  • Expected release date (where available)

The roster is updated on a continuous basis; however, recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system. No mobile application is currently available for this search tool.

2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search

For individuals who have been transferred from county custody to a state correctional facility, the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation resident lookup provides a statewide search tool. Members of the public may search by name or offender number to locate individuals currently incarcerated in a North Dakota state prison. The lookup returns information including facility location, sentence details, and projected release dates.

It is important to note that an individual incarcerated in a North Dakota correctional facility but sentenced out-of-state will not appear in this lookup. County jail records and state prison records are maintained separately. Individuals are transferred from county custody to state facilities following sentencing on felony convictions, a process that may take several weeks after sentencing.

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator

For individuals held on federal charges, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a searchable database of individuals currently or previously in federal custody. This resource is appropriate when an individual has been charged with a federal offense or is serving a federal sentence. The locator returns information including facility name, release date, and register number.

Phone Search:

Members of the public may contact the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center directly at (701) 255-3113 to request inmate information by phone. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours to assist with inquiries.

In-Person Inquiry:

Members of the public may appear in person at the detention center to request inmate information. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, facility location, and basic booking information.

By Mail:

Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the detention center's mailing address. Requests should include the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing times vary based on request volume.

Burleigh/Morton Detention Center
3100 Railroad Drive
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 255-3113
Burleigh/Morton Detention Center

Search Tips:

  • Use the inmate's full legal name as it appears on official identification
  • Attempt name variations including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
  • Include the date of birth to narrow results when a common name is involved
  • Search by booking number if that information is available
  • Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
  • Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
  • Inmates who have been transferred to state or federal custody may not appear in the county roster

What If You Cannot Find an Inmate:

  • The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; check the North Dakota DOCR resident lookup
  • The individual may be in federal custody; check the Bureau of Prisons locator
  • The individual may have been released
  • The individual may be held in another jurisdiction
  • A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
  • Name spelling variations may affect search results
  • Contact the detention center directly at (701) 255-3113 for assistance

Are Inmate Records Public in Morton County?

Inmate records maintained by the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center are subject to public disclosure under North Dakota's open records law. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, all government records are presumed open to the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. This presumption of openness extends to basic inmate information held by county correctional facilities.

Information That Is Public:

  • Current inmate roster and facility population
  • Booking information including date and arresting agency
  • Criminal charges and charge descriptions
  • Bond and bail amounts
  • Bond type and bond status
  • Booking photographs (mugshots)
  • Current custody status
  • Facility location
  • Scheduled court dates
  • Expected release date (where available)

Information With Restricted Access:

  • Medical records and health conditions
  • Mental health evaluations and treatment information
  • Prescription medication records
  • Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
  • Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
  • Confidential informant status
  • Juvenile detention records
  • Witness protection participant information
  • Specific cell assignments for security reasons

Why Inmate Records Are Public:

The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in publicly funded facilities. Public safety considerations support the availability of custody status and charge information. Families and legal representatives rely on inmate records to locate individuals following arrest. The bail bond industry requires access to booking and bond information to perform its licensed functions. Court proceedings depend on accurate and accessible custody records.

Privacy Considerations:

North Dakota law recognizes a balance between the public's right to access government records and the privacy interests of individuals. Under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.1, certain categories of personal information receive heightened protection. Medical and mental health information is exempt from disclosure regardless of the individual's custody status. The release of sensitive personal information may affect an individual's family members, employment prospects, and reintegration into the community following release.

What Is Inmate Records in Morton County?

Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention facilities. These records serve as the official account of an individual's interaction with the county corrections system, from the moment of booking through release or transfer.

The Morton County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center, serves as the primary custodian of inmate records for individuals held at the county level. The Morton County Sheriff's Office oversees law enforcement and detention operations within the county.

Inmate records encompass several distinct categories:

  • Booking records document the initial intake process, including personal identification information, charges, and booking photographs captured at the time of arrest and processing
  • Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual's detention, including housing assignments, classification level, and any transfers between facilities
  • Incarceration history provides a longitudinal account of an individual's prior bookings and custody periods within the county system
  • Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody, whether by bond, court order, completion of sentence, or transfer

The distinction between county jail records and state prison records is significant. County jail records pertain to individuals held at the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center, which houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. State prison records are maintained by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for individuals serving felony sentences in state facilities. Federal prison records are maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons for individuals convicted of federal offenses.

What's Included in Inmate Records in Morton County

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
  • Date of birth and age
  • Sex and gender
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Height, weight, and physical description
  • Booking photograph taken at time of processing
  • Identifying marks including scars and tattoos

Custody Information:

  • Current facility location within the detention center
  • Housing unit or cell block designation (may be limited for security reasons)
  • Custody date and booking date
  • Expected release date (where available)
  • Actual release date following release from custody
  • Current custody status indicating whether the individual is in custody, released, or transferred

Charges and Legal Information:

  • Current criminal charges
  • Charge descriptions and statutory citations
  • Case numbers assigned by the court
  • Court jurisdiction
  • Date of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Warrant information where applicable

Bond and Bail Information:

  • Bond amount as set by the court
  • Bond type including cash bond, surety bond, or no bond
  • Bond status indicating whether bond has been posted or remains pending
  • Bail bondsman information where applicable

Court Information:

  • Scheduled court dates
  • Court location and division
  • Hearing types
  • Attorney information in some cases

Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):

  • Conviction charges
  • Sentence length
  • Sentence start date
  • Projected release date
  • Parole eligibility date where applicable
  • Good time credit calculations

Previous Custody History:

  • Prior bookings within the county system
  • Previous charges
  • Historical custody dates

Administrative Information:

  • Classification level such as minimum, medium, or maximum security
  • Special housing needs or designations
  • Work assignment information in some cases
  • Program participation records

What Is Not Typically Included in Public Records:

  • Medical history or current health conditions
  • Mental health evaluations or treatment records
  • Prescription medication information
  • Detailed disciplinary incident reports
  • Visitor contact information
  • Inmate account balances
  • Phone call logs
  • Specific cell assignments retained for security purposes

Morton County Prison System

Overview of the County Corrections System:

The Morton County corrections system operates through a joint facility shared with Burleigh County. The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center serves as the primary detention facility for both counties, housing pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state custody. The facility is operated under the joint oversight of the Burleigh County Sheriff and the Morton County Sheriff's Office.

Administration:

The Morton County Sheriff's Office administers law enforcement and detention functions for Morton County. The Morton County Sheriff's Office maintains administrative oversight of county inmates held at the joint detention facility.

Morton County Sheriff's Office
210 2nd Ave NW
Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3330
Sheriff's Office – Morton County

Facility Operations:

The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center houses a range of inmate populations including pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state facilities, and individuals held on federal contract. The facility operates a classification system that assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on charge severity, criminal history, and behavioral assessments.

Inmate Services:

The detention center provides a range of services to individuals in custody, including:

  • Medical care and health screenings
  • Mental health services and crisis intervention
  • Substance abuse programming
  • Educational programming including GED preparation
  • Religious services and chaplaincy
  • Library access
  • Recreation opportunities

Legal Services:

Inmates retain access to legal resources including law library materials and attorney visitation. The facility coordinates with the public defender's office to ensure that individuals who qualify for appointed counsel receive representation.

Reentry Programs:

Pre-release planning services assist individuals approaching release in identifying housing, employment, and community support resources. Substance abuse treatment continuation is coordinated with community providers to support successful reintegration.

Oversight and Accountability:

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides state-level oversight of county detention facilities. Grievance procedures are available to inmates who wish to raise concerns about conditions of confinement or treatment by staff.

Types of Correctional Facilities in Morton County

Burleigh/Morton Detention Center

The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center is the primary correctional facility serving Morton County. It is a joint facility operated in partnership between Burleigh County and Morton County, located in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Burleigh/Morton Detention Center
3100 Railroad Drive
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 255-3113
Burleigh/Morton Detention Center

The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and federal contract inmates. It operates multiple security classifications to accommodate the range of individuals in custody.

Alternative Custody Programs

Home Detention/Electronic Monitoring

The detention center administers an electronic monitoring program for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and corrections staff based on charge type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about this program may contact the Sheriff's Office directly.

Work Release

A work release program is available for eligible sentenced individuals, permitting them to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the court and facility administration.

State Prison Facilities

Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Morton County are transferred to state correctional facilities operated by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The DOCR resident lookup allows members of the public to locate individuals held in state facilities. State prisons are distinct from the county jail and are operated under separate authority pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 12-47-01 and related provisions governing the state corrections system.

Federal Detention Facilities

Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held in federal custody at facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. No federal detention facility is currently located within Morton County. Federal inmates from the county are transferred to the nearest designated federal facility.

Facility Contact Information Summary:

FacilityAddressPhone
Burleigh/Morton Detention Center3100 Railroad Drive, Bismarck, ND 58501(701) 255-3113
Morton County Sheriff's Office210 2nd Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554(701) 667-3330

How To Find an Inmate in Morton County for Free?

Members of the public may locate an inmate in Morton County at no cost through several official government resources.

Free Online Resources:

1. Official County Inmate Roster

The Burleigh/Morton Detention Center inmate search is available to the public at no cost and requires no registration. The search tool provides access to current inmate information including booking details, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated on a continuous basis.

2. State Department of Corrections Free Search

The North Dakota DOCR resident lookup provides free access to information about individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have previously served time in state custody.

3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator

The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides free access to information about individuals in federal custody, including current facility location and projected release date.

4. Court Records Search

The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system allows members of the public to search court case records, which may be used to verify custody status and identify upcoming court dates. The criminal matters legal research section of the North Dakota Court System website provides additional guidance for individuals navigating the court records system.

Free Phone Information:

Members of the public may call (701) 255-3113 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours.

Free In-Person Search:

Members of the public may visit the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center at 3100 Railroad Drive, Bismarck, ND 58501 to conduct an in-person inquiry. Public access terminals may be available on-site. Staff assistance is available during business hours at no charge.

What Is Free vs. What Costs Money:

Services that are always free include online inmate search, current custody status inquiries, basic inmate information, phone inquiries for basic information, and in-person information requests.

Services that carry a cost include sending money to an inmate's account, video visitation, phone calls placed by inmates to outside parties, commissary orders, background check reports, and certified copies of booking records.

Members of the public are advised to use official government websites for inmate location and basic record inquiries rather than third-party services that charge fees for information available at no cost through official channels. Websites that charge for access to public inmate rosters or mugshots do not provide services beyond what is available free of charge through official government sources. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a verified .gov domain before submitting personal information.

Lookup Inmate Records in Morton County