Watonwan County Jail

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Watonwan County

Watonwan County Jail

You can call the 28-bed Watonwan County Jail 24 hours a day for inmate information at 507-375-3121.

This facility handles the booking and processing of offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. Depending on their charges, inmates may be held until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or remain in custody until their trial is concluded.

You can use the inmate search tool to view the roster of individuals currently in custody.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time at this facility, while those sentenced to longer terms will be transferred to either the Minnesota State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides details on the visitation schedule, how to fund an inmate's account, send mail, receive phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary purchases.

It’s advisable to save the inmate’s jail ID or booking number for communication purposes. If you cannot locate it online, call Watonwan County Jail at 507-375-3121 for help.

Phone

507-375-3121

Physical address

710 2nd Ave. South
St. James, MN 56081
Get directions

Mailing address (personal mail)

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Watonwan County Jail
710 2nd Ave. South
St. James, MN 56081

Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Watonwan County Jail
710 2nd Ave. South
St. James, MN 56081

Other Jails and Prisons

To search for an inmate in the Watonwan County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 507-375-3121 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up any offender's court case online with the Minnesota Court Records Online application.

Watonwan County Jail Inmate Search

The Watonwan County Jail maintains an average of 28 offenders in custody on any given day. The Watonwan County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Watonwan County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 560 offenders.

The following charts of Watonwan County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Watonwan County Corrections Department, the state of Minnesota Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Watonwan County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Watonwan County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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The 28-bed Watonwan County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Watonwan County as they wait for their trial or as they serve their sentence, usually less than one year. 

It serves many law enforcement organizations including the Sheriff’s Department, local police, Immigration, and other surrounding counties as needed.

If you have questions regarding an inmate or the programs and services provided, the staff can be reached at 507-375-3121, and an online listing of all the detainees is published for your own investigation.

Upon intake, the booking process is completed, which includes a medical screening, fingerprinting and mugshots, DNA sample, along with an assessment to determine security needs, medical needs, mental health requirements, and housing assignment. 

Staff is available to transport all inmates to court dates and any medical appointments or emergency needs, as well as inspecting all mail for contraband, receiving commissary funds and other money for inmates, maintaining the safety of the community and the security of the facility, and other tasks. 

The Watonwan County Jail also provides several other services to inmates including basic needs in meals, laundry, and hygiene items, and programs including AA, counseling, religious programs, education, recreation, and opportunities to grow social and life skills. 

Along with the efforts made by the staff, reduced recidivism is seen when inmates are able to stay in contact and supported by their family or friends who are not incarcerated so mail, phones, and visits are provided. 

Visits are in person, and are via video and an account is created online to book and complete visits, allowing both visitors and inmates to schedule a visit. 

Phone accounts are also registered online, and allow for inmates to make outgoing calls during the daytime and evening hours when they are not participating in a task or program. 

Information for money for an inmate’s commissary can be found on our Inmate Money page. 

All personal mail is sent to: 

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Watonwan County Jail
710 2nd Ave. South
St. James, MN 56081

Staff will open each piece and look for contraband, which is removed before it is given to the inmate.

Legal mail, money orders, books and newspaper and magazine subscriptions are mailed to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Watonwan County Jail
710 2nd Ave. South
St. James, MN 56081

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Understanding the booking process at Watonwan County Jail

After an arrest, individuals are taken to Watonwan County Jail where they go through booking. This process includes identifying the person, reviewing charges, and determining whether they will be released on their own, eligible for bail, or detained until their court date.

It’s crucial to remain silent after being arrested. Anything said may be used in court, so it’s better to refrain from speaking until consulting with an attorney.

The following steps outline the booking procedure at Watonwan County Jail:

  • Personal identification verification.
  • Taking photographs (mugshots).
  • Medical and mental health assessment, as well as inquiries about substance use.
  • Possibly collecting DNA samples.
  • Performing a full-body search.
  • Seizing personal belongings for safekeeping.
  • Allowing one phone call.

Booking can take from a short hour to longer periods, especially on busy nights or with uncooperative individuals. For inquiries about posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 507-375-3121.

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Paying bail for someone in custody in Watonwan County

Once someone is booked at Watonwan County Jail in St. James after an arrest, there are several outcomes:

1. They may be released without paying bail, agreeing to show up on a scheduled date.
2. They may remain in custody until their court appearance.
3. They can pay a bail or bond for release. Call 507-375-3121 for bail details.

Bail payments can take several forms.

  • The full cash bond is paid at the jail's bonding window or at the clerk of court using cash, a cashier's check or a money order, while many jails add a card option at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond service for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and call the jail at 507-375-3121 with questions.
  • A licensed bail bond agent in Watonwan County can help cover bail.
  • Many courts take real estate as security for a bond; the property owner must show clear title plus equity at least equal to the bond, often twice it, backed by a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set the bail gives final approval.

For detailed information about the bail process in Watonwan County, Minnesota, see the Watonwan County Jail Bail FAQ.

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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Watonwan County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Watonwan County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

710 2nd Ave. South
St. James, MN 56081
507-375-3121

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 507-375-3121 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 507-375-3121 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

Watonwan County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones. Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls. 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watonwan County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 507-375-3121 for further assistance.

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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Watonwan County Jail?

Video session rates for Watonwan County Jail are listed when you schedule through Reliance, so check the total before confirming. For a disputed video charge, contact Reliance first, then the jail if needed.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watonwan County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 507-375-3121 for further assistance.

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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Watonwan County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watonwan County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 507-375-3121 for further assistance.

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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Watonwan County Jail?

Per-minute call rates for Watonwan County Jail are shown in the Reliance account before any call is paid for, and Reliance customer service at 1-800-896-3201 answers billing questions about a charge.

How Do Inmates in Watonwan County Jail Make Phone Calls?

To set up your Watonwan County inmate to make phone calls to you and others, follow these instructions:

For all the information you need in order to receive phone calls from your Watonwan County inmate, or to assist them in making calls to others, including instructions, fees, cost of calls, payment methods and times that your inmate can use the phone, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when discussing sensitive information about their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watonwan County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 507-375-3121 for further assistance.

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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Watonwan County Jail, and what can I send them?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watonwan County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 507-375-3121 for further assistance.

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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Watonwan County Jail, and what can I purchase?

JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Watonwan County Jail

Search for JailATM services for Watonwan County Jail.

Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Watonwan County Jail. 

Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Watonwan County Jail may not allow all of them. Check on the JailATM website to confirm. Services available through JailATM are subject to change with no notice.

Send Gift Packs

Watonwan County Jail has an agreement with JailATM, which ships predetermined Gift Packs of candy, snacks and hygiene products to the inmate. Check the JailATM website to see if they allow Gift Packs.

These can be ordered by you online and are delivered directly to the inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Watonwan County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Watonwan County Jail follow these steps:

  • Go to JailATM, choose Minnesota, then choose Watonwan County Jail
  • Type in your inmate's last name or their Inmate ID.
  • Select your inmate, and then you will be prompted to Register with them to open an account.
  • Select the products you want shipped to them at Watonwan County Jail, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Watonwan County at any one time.
  • If you need to phone customer support, call 877-810-0914

For all information, tips and available items for shipping Commissary packages or sending money to an inmate in Watonwan County Jail check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Watonwan County.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watonwan County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 507-375-3121 for further assistance.

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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Watonwan County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Watonwan County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for emailing/texting to inmates.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. 

  • Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
  • Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls.  

How Do Inmates in Watonwan County Jail Send and Receive Texts and Emails?

To set up your Watonwan County inmate to make to send and receive texts and emails to you and others, follow these instructions:

For all the information you need in order to send and receive texts and emails from your Watonwan County inmate, or to assist them in sending and receiving secure messages to and from others, including instructions, fees, cost of each message, tablet rentals, payment methods and times that your inmate can send messages, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when communicating sensitive information about their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watonwan County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 507-375-3121 for further assistance.

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Do Inmates in the Watonwan County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Watonwan County Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if tablets are available.

  • Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. 
  • Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
  • Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls. 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Watonwan County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 507-375-3121 for further assistance.

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What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Watonwan County?

Watonwan County (this county)Brown CountyBlue Earth CountyCottonwood CountyJackson CountyMartin County
Watonwan County Jails listed No jails listed
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Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Watonwan County

The Watonwan County Jail serves the following cities and towns of Watonwan County: Butterfield, Darfur, Delft, Lewisville, Long Lake, Madelia, Odin, Saint James and Southbrook.