Lake County Detention Facility
Lake County Detention Facility
The 42-bed Lake County Detention Facility answers calls about inmates 24 hours a day at 406-883-7272.
All misdemeanor and felony arrests in this county end up here for booking and processing. From there, an inmate may be released on bond, released on their own recognizance, or held until the outcome of their trial, depending on the charges.
The inmate search tool lists everyone who has been arrested and is still being held.
Sentences shorter than one year are served locally. Sentences of a year or more are served in the Montana State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Here you can learn how to search the jail roster, get directions to the facility, and use inmate services such as visitation, inmate account deposits, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and text messages, tablets, bail bonds, and commissary.
Before you send anything, get the inmate’s booking number or jail ID. If it doesn’t show up online, the staff at Lake County Detention Facility can give it to you at 406-883-7272.
Inmate Services
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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessThe 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 & Jacket #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue E
Polson, 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 & Jacket #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue E
Polson, MT 59860
- Jail (Main): 406-883-7272
The booking procedure at Lake County Detention Facility
After an arrest, individuals are taken to Lake County Detention Facility for the booking process, where their identity is confirmed, charges are reviewed, and decisions are made about whether they will be released on bail or detained.
The arrested individual should remain silent during booking, as anything said could be used against them. It’s important to wait for legal representation before answering questions.
The booking process at Lake County Detention Facility includes the following steps:
- Personal identification confirmation.
- Mugshots for record-keeping.
- Answering health-related questions and inquiries about criminal history.
- DNA collection may be required.
- Conducting a thorough body search.
- Securing personal belongings.
- Providing a phone call.
For questions about an arrestee’s bond or bail, contact the facility at 406-883-7272.
How to handle bail after an arrest in Lake County
If someone has been booked at Lake County Detention Facility in Polson, their next steps may include:
1. Release without posting bail, provided they agree to attend court.
2. Detainment until their trial.
3. Posting bail or bond to secure release. For the exact amount, call 406-883-7272.
There are a variety of payment methods available for bail.
- The usual way to post a cash bond is to pay the full amount at the jail bonding window or the clerk of court by cash, cashier's check or money order; many jails also offer card payment through a lobby kiosk or online bond vendor for a fee, and you should bring the inmate's full name and booking number (call 406-883-7272 for the jail).
- Assistance is available from licensed bail bond companies in Lake County.
- Real property bonds are accepted in many courts: an owner may offer land or a home after showing clear title and equity of at least the bond, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves it.
For a full guide to the bail process in Lake County, Montana, visit the Lake County Detention Facility Bail Information Page.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow 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
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility?
Lake County Detention Facility uses CIDNET for Remote Video Visitation between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow do I Mail an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility, and what can I send them?
Lake County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines
Postcards
Ask the Lake County Detention Facility whether it accepts postcards, and what size and type, before mailing one. 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 & Jacket #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue E
Polson, MT 59860
Legal Mail
Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Jacket #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue E
Polson, 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
Ask the Lake County Detention Facility whether books can be mailed in, and whether they must come straight from a publisher or retailer 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.
Ask the Lake County Detention Facility whether hardcover books are accepted.
All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Jacket #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue E
Polson, MT 59860
Lake County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?
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 & Jacket #
Lake County Jail
106 4th Avenue E
Polson, 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessCan 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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessHow Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Lake County Detention Facility using an Online Messaging Service?
Lake County Detention Facility uses CIDNET for Digital Mail Messaging between inmates and their friends and family.
Register here.
Friends & Family Portal Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions on How to Use CIDNET
CIDNET Instrucciones
CIDNET help line (choose prompt 2), also the number inmate calls come from: (888) 984-1903
How to send a text or email to an inmate in Lake County
To send and receive secure texts or emails from an inmate housed in Lake County follow these instructions:
- Register and create an account with CIDNET.
- Choose a Security PIN and Password.
- After logging in, from the Menu, choose the state of Montana, then the Lake County Detention Facility, then your inmate's name.
- Once you have completed this, the Lake County Detention Facility will have to give final approval for you to communicate by email with your chosen inmate.
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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessDo Inmates in the Lake County Detention Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?
Lake County Detention Facility may now offer CIDNET Tablet Rentals to their inmates.
CIDNET is the same company that handles inmate phone systems, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.
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:
- Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
- eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
- Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
- Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
- Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
- Law Library - Legal research with up-to-date case information.
- eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
- Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
- Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
- Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.
Here's how it works:
- Register here.
- Pay for the subscription.
- You get charged the 1st of each month.
- You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
- No activation or early termination fees.
- Your inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.
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.
⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show lessWhat are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Lake County?
Nearby counties
The Lake County Detention Facility serves the following cities and towns of Lake County: Arlee, Charlo, Elmo, Finley Point, Hot Springs, Polson, Ronan and Saint Ignatius.