Wells County Jail

Search for an Inmate in Wells County

Wells County Jail Information

The Wells County Jail is a 15-bed jail located in Fessenden, Wells County, North Dakota. For inmate details, you can contact them 24/7 at 701-547-3211.

This facility processes offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies. They undergo booking and processing, and depending on their charges, may remain incarcerated until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or held until their trial concludes.

Use the inmate search tool to see who is currently in custody.

Inmates serving less than one year will do their time at this jail, while those with longer sentences will be transferred to the North Dakota State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page provides information on the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, mailing them, receiving phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond details, and commissary purchases.

It is useful to keep the inmate's jail ID or booking number for correspondence purposes. If it’s not available online, contact Wells County Jail at 701-547-3211 for assistance.

Phone: 701-547-3211

Physical Address:
700 Railway Street North
Fessenden, ND 58438

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Wells County Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Wells 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 701-547-3211 for the information you are looking for. You can use an online app to look up an offender's criminal court case, their charges, court schedule and final disposition of their case.

Wells 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 Wells 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 701-547-3211 for further assistance.

The Wells County Jail maintains an average of 15 offenders in custody on any given day. The Wells 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 Wells County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 2,220 offenders.

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About the Wells County Jail

The 15-bed Wells County Jail is responsible for the housing and care of those who are accused or convicted of committing a misdemeanor or felony in Wells 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 701-547-3211, 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 Wells 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: 

700 Railway Street North
Fessenden, ND 58438

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:

700 Railway Street North
Fessenden, ND 58438

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

The booking process explained for Wells County Jail

Following an arrest, individuals are processed at Wells County Jail. The booking process confirms identity, charges, and whether the individual will be released, granted bail, or held until court.

It is advisable to remain silent during booking, as anything said can be used against the individual later. Legal counsel should be consulted before any statements are made.

The booking steps at Wells County Jail include:

  • Identification verification.
  • Taking mugshots.
  • Answering questions about health, criminal history, and gang affiliations.
  • Possible DNA sample collection.
  • A full-body search.
  • Confiscating personal items for safekeeping.
  • Providing a phone call.

Depending on circumstances, the booking process can take one hour or up to 48 hours. To inquire about posting bond for an arrestee, contact the facility at 701-547-3211.

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

What are the bail options in Wells County after an arrest?

Once arrested, an individual may be brought to Wells County Jail in Fessenden for processing. The next steps vary:

1. The individual may be released without paying bail and ordered to appear on a set date.
2. The individual could be held in jail until their hearing.
3. Posting bail or bond allows them to be released. Call 701-547-3211 to confirm the bail amount.

There are several ways to pay an individual’s bail.

  • Cash, credit, and money orders are accepted payment methods.
  • Licensed bail bond agencies in Wells County can provide assistance.
  • County real estate may also be used as collateral for bail.

For more information about bail in Wells County, North Dakota, see the Wells County Jail Bail Guide.

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Inmate Visitation

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

Wells County Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

700 Railway Street North
Fessenden, ND 58438
701-547-3211

  • 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 701-547-3211 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 701-547-3211 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 Wells County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 701-547-3211 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 Wells County Jail?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Wells County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 701-547-3211 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Wells County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 701-547-3211 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

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

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Wells County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 701-547-3211 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

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

Wells County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Wells 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 Wells 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:
700 Railway Street North
Fessenden, ND 58438



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
700 Railway Street North
Fessenden, ND 58438



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 Wells 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 Wells 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:
700 Railway Street North
Fessenden, ND 58438

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Wells County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 701-547-3211 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Wells 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 Wells County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 701-547-3211 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Wells 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 Wells County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 701-547-3211 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Wells 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 Wells County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 701-547-3211 for further assistance.

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Other Jails in Wells County

What are the other City and County Jails in Wells County?

Wells County County Jails
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Other Jails Nearby

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

Wells Sheridan Kidder Pierce Benson Eddy Foster Stutsman
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Search for an Inmate in Wells County

This facility, known as "Wells County Jail" is also known as Wells County Jail & Sheriff, (inmates also housed in Stutsman County Jail), Wells County Jail & Sheriff , Wells County Jail & Sheriff , North Dakota, Wells.