Arrests.org ND – North Dakota Arrest, Inmate & Mugshot Records

Arrests.org ND acts as a starting point for many people seeking jail rosters and police logs. You likely need to know if someone is in custody right now. You might also need to see their past criminal history. North Dakota keeps these records in specific government databases. A search for “Arrests.org ND” often leads to third-party aggregators. These sites collect data from public sources. However, the most current and correct data comes directly from county sheriffs and state departments. This page connects you to those exact sources. You will learn how to view mugshots, check bail amounts, and see court dates.

North Dakota law makes most arrest records public. This means you can view them without special permission. The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) handles prison records. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) handles background checks. Local sheriffs handle daily jail bookings. Each agency holds a different piece of the puzzle. Knowing which one to check saves time. It ensures you get the right facts. Incorrect data can cause problems. Always verify what you find with the official source.

North Dakota Arrest Lookup: County Jail vs. State Prison

You must know the difference between a county jail and a state prison. This decides where you look. Police take people to the county jail immediately after an arrest. They stay there while waiting for a trial. They also stay there for short sentences. State prisons hold people after a conviction. This usually applies to felonies with sentences longer than one year.

If the arrest happened today or yesterday, check the county jail list. The state prison database will not show a new arrest. The state system takes time to update. County logs update hourly or daily. If the person has been gone for months, check the state prison locator. This tool covers all long-term inmates.

Recent Arrests: Checking County Jail Rosters

Local sheriffs manage county jails. They publish “booking logs” or “intake lists.” These lists show everyone brought in by the police. They list the name, the charge, and the time of arrest. Most lists also show a mugshot. You do not need to pay to see these lists. They are free public records.

Cass County Jail Roster

Cass County includes Fargo. It is the busiest area in the state. The Cass County Sheriff maintains a live inmate list. You can search by name. The list shows the bond amount. It tells you if the person can be bailed out. It also lists the next court appearance. This data changes fast. A person might post bail and leave within hours.

Burleigh County Detention Center

Burleigh County includes Bismarck. The detention center holds inmates for the county and the city. Their online tool lists current inmates. It does not list people released in the past. You must check often if you are watching for a specific person. The list includes the booking photo. It also lists the arresting agency, such as the Bismarck Police or the Sheriff’s Department.

Ward County and Grand Forks County

Ward County (Minot) and Grand Forks County also have online tools. These work the same way. You type a name. The system shows the record. If a county does not have an online list, you must call them. The jail staff can tell you if a person is there. They can also tell you the bail amount.

Long-Term Inmates: The ND DOCR Inmate Locator

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) manages state prisons. They have a tool called the “Resident Lookup.” This tool finds people serving state sentences. It does not show people in the county jail. It does not show federal prisoners.

How to Use the Resident Lookup

Go to the DOCR website. Look for the search box. Type the last name of the person. You can also type the first name to narrow the results. The system lists all matches. Click on a name to see more. The profile shows a mugshot. It lists the birth date. It shows the facility where they live. It also lists the “Good Time Release Date.” This is the date they might get out if they behave well.

Parole and Probation Status

This tool also shows people on parole or probation. These people are not in prison. They live in the community. Officers supervise them. The record will say “Probation” or “Parole” under their status. It lists their supervising officer. This helps you know if someone is still under state control.

Official Background Checks: The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)

A jail roster only shows current custody. It does not show past crimes. For a full history, you need a background check. The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) provides this. This is the only official source for a complete criminal history in the state. Employers use this. Landlords use this.

The BCI collects data from all courts and police in North Dakota. They merge it into one file. A BCI check shows arrests, charges, and court outcomes. It shows if a person was found guilty or innocent. It shows dismissed charges for three years.

Requesting a Record: The SFN 50744 Form

You cannot look up BCI records instantly online. You must mail a request. You must use form SFN 50744. This form asks for the subject’s name and birth date. You must also pay a $15 fee. You pay this by check or money order to the “ND Attorney General.”

Rules for Requesting Records

You can ask for your own record. You can also ask for someone else’s record. If you ask for someone else, you need their permission. They must sign the form. Or, you must tell them you are asking. You must send a notice to their last known address. The BCI will not process the request without this step. This protects privacy.

Processing Time

The BCI takes time to work. It usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You must account for mail time, too. Do not expect instant results. If you need it faster, you can pay for overnight shipping. You must include a prepaid envelope.

Name-Based vs. Fingerprint-Based Checks

There are two types of checks. A name-based check uses the name and birth date. This is easier. But names can be the same. A “John Smith” might have a record that belongs to a different “John Smith.” This causes errors.

A fingerprint-based check is better. It uses the person’s fingerprints. This never mistakes one person for another. It costs the same $15 fee. You must send a fingerprint card with the form. Police stations can take fingerprints for you. They might charge a small fee for rolling the prints.

North Dakota Warrants: How to Check

A warrant allows police to arrest someone. You might want to know if you have a warrant. You might want to check someone else. North Dakota does not have a single list for all warrants. You must check a few places.

Bench Warrants vs. Arrest Warrants

A bench warrant happens when you miss court. The judge issues it from the “bench.” This is common for unpaid tickets or missed hearings. An arrest warrant is different. Police get this when they suspect a crime. They show evidence to a judge. The judge signs the warrant.

Searching for Warrants

Start with the county sheriff. Many sheriff websites have a “Warrant Search” or “Most Wanted” page. This lists active warrants in that county. If you do not see a list, call the Sheriff’s Office. Ask for the records division. They can tell you about active warrants.

The NDCRI Search Tool

You can also use the North Dakota Court Record Inquiry (NDCRI). This is a state court database. You can search for criminal cases. If a case has a warrant, you will see a red “W” next to it. This stands for Warrant. This tool covers the whole state. It is a good way to check many countries at once.

North Dakota Mugshot Search and Police Logs

Mugshots are photos taken during booking. In North Dakota, these are public records. You can see them. Most county jail rosters display them. The DOCR inmate lookup also displays them. You do not need a password. You do not need to pay.

Rules on Mugshot Use

You can look at mugshots. You can share them. But you cannot use them for business. You cannot use them to harass people. Some websites take mugshots and charge money to remove them. This is often illegal or regulated. North Dakota law protects people from extortion. If a site asks for money to remove your photo, report them.

Police Booking Logs

Police logs show more than just the name. They show the time of the arrest. They show the location. They show the specific statute violated. For example, it might say “DUI – 1st Offense.” This tells you exactly what happened. Newspapers often publish these logs. They get the data from the sheriff.

Inmate Financials: Bail and Commissary

When someone goes to jail, they need money. They need money for bail to get out. They need money for food and phone calls if they stay.

Posting Bail in North Dakota

Bail ensures the person comes back to court. A judge sets the amount. You can pay the full amount in cash. You can use a credit card at the jail kiosk. You can also use a bail bondsman. A bondsman charges a fee, usually 10%. You do not get this fee back. If you pay the full cash amount yourself, you get it back after the case ends. You get it back even if the person is guilty. You only lose it if they run away.

Where to Pay

Pay at the Clerk of Court during the day. Pay at the jail after hours. Most jails have a lobby kiosk. This machine takes cash or cards. You need the inmate’s name. You verify the amount before paying.

Sending Money for Commissary

Inmates use the “commissary” to buy things. They buy soap, snacks, and paper. They also pay for phone calls. You can deposit money into their account. Use the jail’s website. They usually partner with a service like JailATM or Tiger Correctional. You can also drop off cash at the jail lobby. Do not send cash in the mail. It will be confiscated.

Correctional Facilities in North Dakota

North Dakota has specific prisons for different needs. The DOCR runs these. Knowing the facility helps you visit or write letters. Each place has its own mailing address.

North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP)

This is in Bismarck. It is the main prison. It holds maximum security inmates. It also processes all new male inmates. Everyone starts here for assessment. They stay for about a month. Then they might move.

• Location: 3100 Railroad Avenue, Bismarck, ND
• Phone: (701) 328-6100
• Focus: High security, intake, long sentences.

James River Correctional Center (JRCC)

This is in Jamestown. It holds medium security inmates. It focuses on special needs. This includes mental health treatment. It also houses the Special Assistance Unit. Inmates here often have specific behavioral health needs.

• Location: 2521 Circle Drive, Jamestown, ND
• Phone: (701) 253-3660
• Focus: Medium security, mental health, violent offender treatment.

Missouri River Correctional Center (MRCC)

This is in Bismarck. It is a minimum security facility. It looks less like a prison. There are no high fences. Inmates here are close to release. They work in the community. They focus on job skills and transition.

• Location: 1800 48th Avenue SW, Bismarck, ND
• Phone: (701) 328-9696
• Focus: Minimum security, work release, transition.

Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (DWCRC)

This is in New England, ND. It holds all female inmates. It handles all security levels for women. It runs specific programs for female offenders.

• Location: 440 McKenzie Street, New England, ND
• Phone: (701) 579-5100
• Focus: Female inmates, all security levels.

Visitation Rules for ND Prisons and Jails

You can visit inmates. But strict rules apply. You must follow them, or the jail will turn you away.

The Visitor Application

For state prisons, you must apply first. Fill out the Visitor Application Form (SFN 7598). Mail it to the prison. They run a background check on you. This takes a few weeks. If you have a criminal record, they might deny you. Once approved, you go on the list.

Scheduling a Visit

You cannot just walk in. You must schedule the visit. Most prisons use an online scheduler. You pick a time slot. Visits usually happen on weekends. Each inmate gets a set number of hours per month.

Dress Code and Conduct

Dress modestly. Do not wear revealing clothes. Do not wear clothes that look like inmate uniforms (orange or grey). Do not bring cell phones inside. Do not bring purses. You can usually bring a small amount of cash for vending machines. Guards will search you. If you refuse the search, you cannot enter.

Video Visitation

Many facilities now use video calls. This is easier for families who live far away. You use a computer or smartphone. You pay a fee per minute. The inmate uses a kiosk in their housing unit. The company “Securus” or “GTL” often runs this service. You must create an account with them.

Sealing Criminal Records in North Dakota

A criminal record makes life hard. It stops you from getting jobs. North Dakota law allows you to seal some records. This hides them from the public. The law is NDCC 12-60.1.

What Does Sealing Do?

Sealing does not destroy the record. The police can still see it. The courts can still see it. But the public cannot. It will not show up on a standard background check. You can legally say “No” if an employer asks if you have a record.

Who is Eligible?

You cannot seal everything. You can seal cases where you were not convicted. This includes dismissed charges. You can seal some misdemeanors after 3 years. You can seal some felonies after 5 years. You must not commit any new crimes during that time. Violent offenders usually cannot seal their records. Sex offenders cannot seal their records.

The Petition Process

You must file a petition with the court. You file it in the same county where the charge happened. You must explain why you want it sealed. You must show you have changed. The prosecutor can object. A judge decides. If the judge agrees, they sign an order. The court clerk then seals the file.

Legal Rights and The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

You must use arrest records legally. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law. It protects people from unfair background checks.

Illegal Use of Online Searches

You cannot use a random website to screen employees. Sites like “Arrests.org” are not consumer reporting agencies. They do not check for errors. Using them to deny someone a job is illegal. You can get sued. You can face federal fines.

Proper Employment Screening

If you are an employer, use a compliant service. Use the ND BCI. Or use a private company that follows the FCRA. These companies verify the data. They give the applicant a chance to dispute errors. This is the fair way. It is the legal way.

Tenant Screening

Landlords must also follow the FCRA. If you deny a tenant because of a criminal record, you must tell them. You must give them the name of the agency that provided the report. You must give them a copy of the report. This allows them to fix mistakes.

North Dakota Sheriff Department Contact List

Contact the local sheriff for the most recent jail data. They hold the records for the last 24 hours. Here is the contact data for major counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers specific questions about finding and using arrest data in North Dakota. These answers help you solve common problems regarding bail, records, and legal rights.

How do I find out if someone was arrested in North Dakota last night?

Check the county jail roster where the arrest happened. This is the fastest method. State databases lag by days or weeks. If the arrest happened in Fargo, check the Cass County Jail roster. If it happened in Bismarck, check Burleigh County. If the county has no online list, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line. Ask for the jail. They will confirm if the person is there. They can also tell you the charges. Do not rely on third-party sites for events that happened within the last 24 hours. They are too slow.

Can I remove my mugshot from the internet in North Dakota?

Removing a mugshot is difficult. If the image is on a government website, it stays there as long as the law allows. This is a public record. However, if the image is on a private “shaming” site that demands money, you have rights. North Dakota law prohibits charging fees to remove mugshots. You should report such demands to the Attorney General. If your case was dismissed or sealed, send the court order to the website administrator. Legitimate sites will remove it. Government sites will remove it once the record is sealed by a judge.

What is the difference between the ND DOCR search and a BCI background check?

The ND DOCR search is free and online. It only shows people who have been in state prison. It does not show county jail stays. It does not show arrests that did not lead to prison time. The BCI background check costs $15. It is a complete history. It shows every arrest, charge, and court outcome from every corner of the state. It includes misdemeanors and cases where the person got probation instead of prison. Use DOCR to find an inmate. Use BCI to vet an employee or tenant.

How do I visit an inmate in the North Dakota State Penitentiary?

You must first complete the Visitor Application Form (SFN 7598). You can download this from the DOCR website. Mail it to the prison. Do not just show up. They will run a background check on you. This takes about 2-3 weeks. Once approved, you must schedule your visit in advance. Visits usually occur on weekends. You must bring a valid photo ID. You must dress according to the strict dress code. No cell phones are allowed inside the visiting room.

Does North Dakota have a “VINE” system for victim alerts?

Yes, North Dakota uses VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). This service is free. It allows victims to register for alerts. If an offender moves to a new prison, gets released, or escapes, VINE sends a text or email. You can register anonymously. The offender will not know you are watching. This covers county jails and state prisons. It provides peace of mind for victims who need to know the location of their offender.

How much does it cost to bail someone out of jail in North Dakota?

The judge sets the bail amount. It depends on the crime. A minor crime might have a $500 bail. A serious felony might be $10,000 or more. North Dakota uses a bail schedule for common offenses. You can pay the full amount in cash. If you do this, you get the money back when the case ends. If you cannot afford the full amount, you can hire a bondsman. You pay them 10% of the total. You do not get that 10% back. The bondsman pays the court for you.

Are juvenile arrest records public in North Dakota?

No. Juvenile records are confidential. They are not open to the public. You cannot search for them online. The BCI background check will not show juvenile offenses unless the person was tried as an adult. Only the parent, the child, and the court can see these files. Law enforcement can see them for investigations. Schools may be notified of certain offenses, but the general public cannot access this data.