The Lake County Detention Facility is a 42 bed jail in the city of Polson, Lake County, Montana. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 406-883-7272.
Offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies in this county are brought here for booking and processing, and if their crime requires it, are incarcerated until they are either bonded out, are released from custody on their own recognizance, or are ordered to remain in custody until the disposition of their trial.
You can also use the inmate search tool to see this facility's roster of those who have been arrested and are still in custody.
Those who are found guilty and sentenced to a term of less than one year, will do their time in this county. Those sentenced to longer terms will be sent to either the Montana State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 406-883-7272, directions to the facility, and inmate services such as the visitation schedule and policies, funding an inmate's account, mailing them a letter, receiving phone calls from an inmate, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.
It's always a good idea to find out and save the inmate's jail ID number or booking number as you may need this for sending mail or other communication needs. If you can't locate it online, you can call the Lake County Detention Facility at 406-883-7272 to get it.
Phone: 406-883-7272
Physical Address:
106 4th Ave. E.
Polson, MT 59860
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue
Poison, MT 59860
Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue
Poison, MT 59860
Other Jails and Prisons
To search for an inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility, 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 406-883-7272 for the information you are looking for.
Lake County Detention Facility Inmate Search
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about finding an inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility, how the jail rosters work and what happens after an offender is arrested and booked. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 for further assistance.
The Lake County Detention Facility maintains an average of 42 offenders in custody on any given day. The Lake County Detention Facility 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 Lake County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 840 offenders.
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The 42-bed Lake County Detention Facility is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Lake 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 406-883-7272, 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 Lake County Detention Facility 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 #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue
Poison, MT 59860
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 #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue
Poison, MT 59860
How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Lake County Detention Facility?
What happens during booking in Lake County?
What is the booking process like at the Lake County Detention Facility?
What kind of questions are asked during booking?
How long does the Lake County Detention Facility booking process take?
What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking?
To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Lake County Detention Facility, call the jail’s booking line at 406-883-7272.
There may be an automated method of looking them up by their name over the phone, or you may be directed to speak to someone at the jail. Sometimes the jail staff may ask you the offender’s date of birth to ensure privacy of the offender’s status.
Keep in mind that after an arrest, the information on an offender may not be publicly available for several hours.
If you don’t want to check up on an offender by calling the jail, you can also try looking up people recently booked online.
Lake County Detention Facility Booking Roster
After being arrested and taken into custody, and after being read their Miranda Rights, an offender will next be transported to the local police or department or the Sheriff’s Department in Lake County for booking.
Booking is very involved and requires multiple steps in the process, however, keep in mind that most attorneys will advise that an offender remain silent and not offer any additional information about the crime they have been arrested for because anything they do say may be recorded and may very well be used against them in court.
Booking includes having their photo (mugshot) and fingerprints taken, as well as being asked a lot of questions about their personal history and state of mind. If it’s a serious felony, their DNA may also be taken. They will also be checked for warrants in Lake County and other Montana and USA jurisdictions.
If the offender was arrested for a DUI offense, and has refused a breathalyzer test, they may also be forced to have blood drawn by a doctor or nurse.
It is also very likely that the offender will undergo a humiliating full body search while in the nude. This includes bending over, spreading their cheeks in the direction of an officer, and coughing. They will also be walked through a metal detector or x-ray machine, like those used at an airport.
The arresting jurisdiction will ask about gang affiliations, tattoos, medical conditions, prescribed medication they are taking, recreational drugs they are on or addicted to, allergies, if they are suicidal, and other relevant information that will help with determining their cell assignment and special needs.
During the arrest and booking process an offender will also have all their personal property confiscated and held for either their release from jail, or with the offender’s approval, released to a friend or family member.
Personal property includes the clothing they are wearing, money, wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, body rings, earrings, watches, and even glasses if they are deemed a security risk. If they are allowed to keep their shoes or sneakers, the laces are removed.
If the offender remains in jail for any length of time, the Lake County Detention Facility will allow a friend or family member to pick up the inmate's property if the offender gives written authorization for a named person to do so.
To find out the days and times for picking up an inmate's property, and what you will need to bring to verify your identity, call the jail at 406-883-7272 during business hours.
Booking can take anywhere from an hour to 24 hours or more. It all depends on the number of people that are awaiting processing, the number of staff on duty at the time, and the behavior of the offender.
If the offender is heavily intoxicated and/or violent, the Booking Officer may decide to stick the offender in a holding cell for several hours until they become more manageable.
At this point the offender will be allowed to make a free phone call to a person of their choice to notify them of their arrest, and/or arrange a bond or bail for their release.
If the offender is being detained and housed while awaiting arraignment, the Lake County Detention Facility will provide a jail garment and slip-on shoes, a blanket, sheets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel.
Often, before they are dressed in the jail outfit and brought to their housing location, they will be forced to take a shower and undergo a disinfectant treatment for body and hair lice, scabies or other pests that may be residing on their person.
Yes, Lake County recognizes most types of bonds.
Lake County permits five types of bonds:
• By a deposit with the court of an amount equal to the required bail of cash, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, or other personal property approved by the court.
• By pledging real estate situated within the state with an unencumbered equity, not exempt, owned by the defendant or sureties at a value double the amount of the required bail.
• By posting a written undertaking executed by the defendant and by two sufficient sureties.
• By posting a commercial surety bond executed by the defendant and by a qualified agent for and on behalf of the surety company.
• By posting an offender's driver's license in lieu of bail if the summons describes a violation of any offense as provided in 61-5-214 and if the offender is the holder of an unexpired driver's license.”
For most non-violent crimes bail is preset according to a bail schedule. More serious and violent crimes require a defendant to appear in front of a judge who will determine bail amount.
For most non-violent crimes bail is preset according to a bail schedule and that information is available during the booking process. More serious crimes will require a hearing in front of a judge. This hearing, also known as a bail hearing, will generally be scheduled for the next court day. State law requires the bail hearing to take place within 48 hrs. not counting weekends or holidays.
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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility? What is the Schedule?
Visitation is every Saturday and Sunday, but you must call 406-883-7272 to set up a visit appointment.
Lake County Detention Facility uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Detention Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 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 Lake County Detention Facility?
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Detention Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 for further assistance.
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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Detention Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 for further assistance.
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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Detention Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 for further assistance.
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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility, and what can I send them?
Postcards
The Lake County Detention Facility allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.
Envelopes
The Lake County Detention Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.
Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope.
Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue
Poison, MT 59860
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue
Poison, MT 59860
Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.
Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.
Books
The Lake County Detention Facility allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Lake County Detention Facility standards will be disposed of.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue
Poison, MT 59860
For inmates receiving mail in the Lake County Detention Facility there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.
All mail is to be shipped to the Lake County Detention Facility:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue
Poison, MT 59860
For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Detention Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 for further assistance.
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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility, and what can I purchase?
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Detention Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 for further assistance.
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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility using an Online Messaging Service?
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
Contact Customer Support
To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Lake County follow these instructions:
For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues with Texting and Emailing an inmate in Lake County, visit our full page guide.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Detention Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 for further assistance.
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Do Inmates in the Lake County Detention Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?
The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:
Here's how it works:
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Lake County Detention Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-883-7272 for further assistance.
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What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Lake County?
This facility, known as "Lake County Detention Facility" is also known as Lake County Jail & Sheriff, Lake County Jail & Sheriff, Montana, Lake.
