Pondera County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Pondera County

Pondera County Jail Information

The Pondera County Jail is a 12 bed jail in the city of Conrad, Pondera County, Montana. You can call them 24 hours a day for inmate information at 406-271-4060.

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 406-271-4060, 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 Pondera County Jail at 406-271-4060 to get it.

Phone: 406-271-4060

Physical Address:
20 4th Ave SW
Conrad, MT 59425

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Pondera County Jail
20 4th Ave. SW
Conrad, MT 59425

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Pondera County Jail
20 4th Ave. SW
Conrad, MT 59425

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Pondera County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Pondera 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 406-271-4060 for the information you are looking for.

Pondera County Jail 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 Pondera County Jail, 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 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

The Pondera County Jail maintains an average of 12 offenders in custody on any given day. The Pondera 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 Pondera County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 240 offenders.

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About the Pondera County Jail

The 12-bed Pondera County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Pondera 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 406-271-4060, 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 Pondera 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: 

Pondera County Jail
20 4th Ave. SW
Conrad, MT 59425

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:

Pondera County Jail
20 4th Ave. SW
Conrad, MT 59425

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Frequently Asked Questions about Pondera County Jail Recent Bookings & Arrests


How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Pondera County Jail?

What happens during booking in Pondera County?

What is the booking process like at the Pondera County Jail?

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

How long does the Pondera County Jail booking process take?

What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking?


 

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Pondera County Jail?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Pondera County Jail, call the jail’s booking line at 406-271-4060.

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.

Pondera County Jail Booking Roster


 

 

What happens during booking in Pondera County?

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 Pondera 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.


 

 

What is the booking process like at the Pondera County Jail?

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 Pondera 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.


 

 

What kind of questions are asked during booking?

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.


 

 

What happens with an offender’s personal property during booking?

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 Pondera County Jail 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 406-271-4060 during business hours.


 

 

How long does the Pondera County Jail booking process take?

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.


 

 

What happens after an offender is booked into the Pondera County Jail?

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 Pondera County Jail 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.

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Directions / Map to the Pondera County Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Does Pondera County have bail?  

Yes,  Pondera County recognizes most types of bonds.

What kind of bonds are accepted in Pondera County? 

Pondera 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.”

Who can set bail in Pondera County?  

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.

When is bail set in Montana?  

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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Inmate Visitation

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

Pondera County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

20 4th Ave SW
Conrad, MT 59425
406-271-4060

  • 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 406-271-4060 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 406-271-4060 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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pondera County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pondera County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pondera County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pondera County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

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

Pondera County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Pondera County Jail 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 Pondera County Jail 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:
Pondera County Jail
20 4th Ave. SW
Conrad, MT 59425



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Pondera County Jail
20 4th Ave. SW
Conrad, MT 59425



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 Pondera County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & 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 Pondera County Jail 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:
Pondera County Jail
20 4th Ave. SW
Conrad, MT 59425

Pondera County Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Pondera County Jail 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 Pondera County Jail:
Pondera County Jail
20 4th Ave. SW
Conrad, MT 59425


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 Pondera County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pondera County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pondera County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Pondera County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-271-4060 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Pondera County Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

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

Pondera Flathead Glacier Liberty Toole Teton Chouteau
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Search for an Inmate in Pondera County

This facility, known as "Pondera County Jail" is also known as Pondera County Jail & Sheriff, Pondera County Jail & Sheriff , Pondera County Jail & Sheriff , Montana, Pondera.