Yellowstone County Detention Facility

Yellowstone County Detention Facility Information

The Yellowstone County Detention Facility is a 430 bed jail in the city of Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana.

This page provides information on how to search for an inmate in the official jail roster, or by calling the facility at 406-256-6881, 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.

Phone: 406-256-6881

Physical Address:
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
PO Box 591
Longview, TX 75606

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility?

To search for an inmate in the Yellowstone 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 406-256-6881 for the information you are looking for.

Yellowstone County Detention Facility Inmate Search

Billings City Court is held at the Detention Facility Video Courtroom on Monday through Friday, starting at 8:30 am.
The public is allowed to go up to City Court, located on the 2nd floor of City Hall.

Justice Court is held Monday, Wednesday, Friday at the Detention Facility in the Video Courtroom.
The public that wishes to attend must go to the Yellowstone County Courthouse located at 3rd Avenue and N. 27th.
Arraignments begin at 3:00pm.

District Court is held Monday through Friday at the Detention Facility Video Courtroom.
The public that wishes to attend must go to the Yellowstone County Courthouse located at 3rd Avenue and N. 27th.

Yellowstone County Detention Facility Inmate Bookings and Population

The Yellowstone County Detention Facility maintains an average of 430 offenders in custody on any given day. The Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 8,600 offenders.

The following charts of Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone County Corrections Department, the state of Montana Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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, and a database of most wanted criminals for Yellowstone County, neighboring counties and the state of Montana.

For a collection of over 20 additional graphs and charts of the demographic and criminal arrest information of the inmates in Yellowstone County and Montana state prisons, click the button below.
Yellowstone County INMATE DEMOGRAPHICS

Yellowstone County Inmate Race & Ethnicity - 3/28/2024

Race Inmates % Total
White 313 92.88%
Black 0 0.00%
Hispanic or Latino 20 5.93%
American Indian/Native Alaskan 4 1.19%
Asian 0 0.00%
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 0 0.00%
Other 0 0.00%
Total 337 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Department, Montana Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Yellowstone County Inmate Criminal Charges - 3/28/2024

(many inmates have multiple charges)

Charge Inmates % Total
Felony (3rd Degree) 112 33.23%
Felony (2rd Degree) 59 17.51%
Felony (1st Degree) 0 0.00%
State Jail Felony 28 8.31%
Felony (Uncategorized) 41 12.17%
Misdemeanor (Class A) 97 28.78%
Misdemeanor (Class C) 0 0.00%
Holds 0 0.00%
Uncategorized 0 0.00%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Department, Montana Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Yellowstone County Inmate Sex - 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 302 89.61%
Female 35 10.39%
Total 337 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Department, Montana Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.

Yellowstone County Inmate Age - 3/28/2024

Age Inmates % Total
Under 18 2 0.59%
18-20 21 6.23%
21-24 34 10.09%
25-30 62 18.40%
31-35 63 18.69%
36-40 64 18.99%
41-45 44 13.06%
46-50 17 5.04%
51-55 13 3.86%
56-60 10 2.97%
61-65 4 1.19%
66-75 3 0.89%
76-85 0 0.00%
Total 337 100.0%
Demographic, Crime and Inmate data is compiled from public reports provided by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Department, Montana Corrections, United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Census Bureau.
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About the Yellowstone County Detention Facility

The Yellowstone County Detention Facility in Montana has a rated capacity of 430 inmates, but on a day to day basis, it is seriously overcrowded. In fact, it always has over 500 inmates housed there, and has been known to get as full as having 620 men and women there at one time. Yellowstone County has come a long way since their early days when their first jail was constructed in 1884 at 401 N. 27th in Billings, which is currently the Yellowstone Art Museum. 

The current address of the Yellowstone County Detention Facility is 3165 King Ave. in East Billings. You can reach them by phone 24 hours a day by calling 406-256-6881, and also by email. If you want to find out about an inmate, go the official Inmate Jail Roster to search for them, although the jail, while they do provide information about the inmate's criminal charges, does not provide the public with mugshots.

The original design of the facility allowed for the safekeeping of 174 inmates on a ten-acre site, with the possibility of future expansion. The 430 bed detention facility is considered a regional medium-security jail, which houses pre-trial offenders and those sentenced to less than one year. There are some inmates that have been sentenced to longer terms, but are awaiting transport to state or federal prison, or to an ICE Detention Center.

The overcrowding issue is not just that there's not enough beds, but that they can't get enough staff. Every day, the decision must be made to let inmates out that should be staying in jail due to their danger to the community. But until the voters approve funding for an expanded facility, which could cost $75 million or more, the issue will remain in Billings.

The Yellowstone County Detention Facility

Family or friends may drop off prescribed medications in their original and labelled packaging, any legal documents that pertain to their case, identification and insurance information, and cash can be added to the commissary account for necessary purchases.

Mail can be received every day and is processed and passed to the inmates quickly, however the jail uses a digital service to avoid contraband entering the facility. Friends and family of inmates in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility can arrange to visit inmates by video, both at the jail and remotely from home. Friends and family can also communicate using an online text/email system, send them money and buy them commissary online, and set up a phone account that allows the inmates to call them during the day and evening seven days a week.

All the information on these inmate services can be found in the sections below.  If you still have questions, you can phone the jail 24 hours a day by calling 406-256-6881.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How do I find out if someone has been arrested and booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Facility?

To find out if someone you know has been recently arrested and booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, call the jail’s booking line at 406-256-6881.

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.

Yellowstone County Detention Facility Booking Roster

What happens during booking in Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility?

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 Yellowstone 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 to 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.

What happens after booking?

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 Yellowstone 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.

How long does the Yellowstone County Detention Facility 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.

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Directions / Map to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility
Inmate Bail and Bonding

The Yellowstone County Sheriff recommends that you use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Yellowstone County.

  • You can pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Yellowstone County, or in some cases the state of Montana, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Yellowstone County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
  • The typical fee for a bond will be between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15%.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1500.00.

Call 406-256-6881 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Yellowstone County inmate locator.

Yellowstone County Bail Bond Information

Because Yellowstone County and Montana can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the Yellowstone County Detention Facility at 406-256-6881, or the court in the jurisdiction (i.e. Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the offender was charged, and do this right after an arrestee has been booked. 

Ask the staff at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility or the Yellowstone County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. How much will the bail or bond be, and what are the additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to pay it?
  4. Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
  5. What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
  6. Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?

If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction. The sooner you get working on this the quicker you will get your loved one released. 

This entire process will go smoother and faster with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling it for you.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility? What is the Schedule?

Yellowstone County Detention Facility ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101
406-256-6881

Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC

  • On-site Visits are free.
  • Visits are 20-30 minutes.
  • The actual time you can schedule a visit depends on when your inmate is allowed out of their cell.
  • Visitation schedule subject to change.
  • Inmates are allowed two visits per week
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
MONDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
TUESDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
THURSDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
FRIDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
SATURDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM

Yellowstone County Detention Facility REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • The actual time you can schedule a visit depends on when your inmate is allowed out of their cell.
  • Visitation Schedule subject to change.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
MONDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
TUESDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
THURSDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
FRIDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
SATURDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM

Yellowstone County Detention Facility uses the services of NCIC for remote video visitation.

In other words, you can visit your inmate in jail by using your home computer, as long as it is equipped with a microphone and camera that supports video.

When available, the jail also provides use of ‘video visit kiosks’ in the jail lobby if you do not have a computer at home. These ’on-site’ video visits are FREE.



Costs
NCIC Video Visitation fees are subject to change, but the cost to you is roughly $7.50 ($0.25 per minute) for a 30-minute visit + an additional fee of $2.00 for the connection.
On-site (at the jail) video visits are FREE.

How to set up your Video Visit

  • Register here.  
  • Select Yellowstone County Detention Facility
  • Select your inmate.
  • Choose your date and time.

Your inmate will be notified by the jail staff of the date and time for the visit. Be sure to be in front of your computer and connected to NCIC at least 15 minutes before the start of the visit.

NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-256-6881 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility?

Yellowstone County Detention Facility ON-SITE (at the jail) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101
406-256-6881

Schedule Video Visits online with NCIC

  • On-site Visits are free.
  • Visits are 20-30 minutes.
  • The actual time you can schedule a visit depends on when your inmate is allowed out of their cell.
  • Visitation schedule subject to change.
  • Inmates are allowed two visits per week
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per an On-site video session. A 3rd guest is allowed if it is a child and no more than 6 years old.
  • All visits must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
MONDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
TUESDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
THURSDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
FRIDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
SATURDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM

Yellowstone County Detention Facility REMOTE (at home) VIDEO VISITATION SCHEDULE

  • All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
  • The actual time you can schedule a visit depends on when your inmate is allowed out of their cell.
  • Visitation Schedule subject to change.
DAY TIME
SUNDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
MONDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
TUESDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
THURSDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
FRIDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM
SATURDAY 7:15AM - 10:30PM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-256-6881 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility?

How Do I put Money on an Inmate's Commissary Account in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility to Purchase Phone Cards?

There are FOUR options for putting money on an inmate's books:

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility
Bring money to the jail in person. 
Either the jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment or you will use the NCIC self-serve kiosk in the lobbies that accepts cash, debit or credit cards.

Option 2 - Deposit Inmate Money Online
Yellowstone County Detention Facility uses NCIC to process all online deposits to an inmate's account. NCIC charges you a small fee for doing so, but the fee probably isn't as much as gas and parking would cost to take it to the jail in person.



Option 3 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail
Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person and you don't have a debit/credit card for online deposits. Never send cash. Always send a Money Order from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
Make the Money Order out to the inmate's name and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.  Mail it to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility address on this page, or to the address below if it is different than the facility address.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101

Option 4 - Make an Inmate Deposit over the Phone by calling 800-943-2189

For more information about sending an inmate money for phone cards or other commissary sundries, check out our Inmate Money Page.

How to deposit money in an inmate's phone account in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility

  • To deposit money online go the NCIC website
  • To deposit money over the phone call 800-943-2189
  • To deposit money at the jail use the NCIC Kiosk in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility lobby.
  • Call the jail at 406-256-6881 to confirm lobby hours for depositing inmate funds.

For complete information on depositing money in an inmate's account, check out our Inmate Money page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-256-6881 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility?

How Does an Inmate Make Phone Calls in Yellowstone County Detention Facility?

To receive phone calls from an inmate in Yellowstone County follow these instructions:

Yellowstone County Detention Facility uses the services of NCIC for inmate phone calling. It is called a ‘friends & family account”.

In order to receive phone calls from your inmate, you need to do the following:

  • Register here, or by phone 800-943-2189
  • Choose Montana.
  • Choose Yellowstone County Detention Facility
  • Select your Inmate.
  • Enter the phone number your Inmate will be calling.
  • Fund your Account. ($10-$100 at a time)

NOTE:
1.   You cannot receive any calls to your phone number from your inmate until both you and your phone number are registered.
2.  When you do receive a call, the number you will view on your phone from the incoming call is: 800-943-2189.
3.  When allowed by Yellowstone County Detention Facility, families can also leave secure voicemails for inmates to listen to.

Fees

  • Adding funds to your account - $3.00 
  • Cost of phone call of a Prepaid Collect Account - $0.21 per minute
  • Cost of an interstate (ex. Montana to a different state) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost of an intrastate (ex. Montana to Montana) phone call NOT Prepaid - $0.25 per minute
  • Cost if you set up your account (or fund it) by phone using a live agent, you will be charged a one-time fee of $5.95.

NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]
Full list of participating jails.

For all the information regarding phone calls with Yellowstone County inmates; rules, policies, phone calling times, fees, limits and more visit our Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-256-6881 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and what can I send them?

Yellowstone County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
PO Box 591
Longview, TX 75606



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101



Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility 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 below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Yellowstone County Detention Facility standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
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 Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101

Yellowstone County Detention Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Yellowstone 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.

Envelopes
The Yellowstone County Detention Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
PO Box 591
Longview, TX 75606



Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101



Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility 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 below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Yellowstone County Detention Facility standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
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 Jacket Number
Yellowstone County Detention Facility
3165 King Ave. East
Billings, MT 59101

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-256-6881 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and what can I purchase?

JailATM – Send Money or Send Commissary Gift Packs to Yellowstone County Detention Facility

Search for JailATM services for Yellowstone County Detention Facility.

Make an inmate deposit with JailATM for Yellowstone County Detention Facility. 

Note: While JailATM offers the following inmate services, Yellowstone County Detention Facility 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

Yellowstone County Detention Facility 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 Yellowstone County

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

  • Go to JailATM, choose Montana, then choose Yellowstone County Detention Facility
  • 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility, and then input your payment method. 
  • NOTE: There may be a limit on how much product you can send your inmate in Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone County Detention Facility check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Yellowstone County.


 

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-256-6881 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility using an Online Messaging Service?

Yellowstone County Detention Facility uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.



You can deposit money three different ways:
•    Deposit online at NCIC.com
•    Deposit at the kiosk in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility lobby, if available.
•    Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: if you deposit money using a live agent the fee is $5.95).

NCIC Customer Service
Phone - 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069
Email – [email protected]

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Yellowstone County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Yellowstone County Detention Facility follow these steps:

Yellowstone County Detention Facility uses the services of NCIC for you to deposit funds into your {Yellowstone County inmate’s account so that you and they can purchase secure email messaging services from this jail’s e-messaging service.

You can deposit money three different ways:

•    Deposit online at NCIC.com
•    Deposit at the kiosk in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility lobby, if available.
•    Deposit over the phone 24/7 at 800-943-2189 or 903-247-0069 (Note: if you deposit money using a live agent the fee is $5.95).
Email – [email protected]

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Yellowstone County Detention Facility check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Yellowstone County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-256-6881 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Yellowstone County Detention Facility offers NCIC tablets to rent to inmates that they can use for video visitation and calls, phone calls, instant messaging, education and entertainment.

They can also be used for commissary ordering.


How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility

Yellowstone County Detention Facility offers NCIC tablets to rent to inmates that they can use for video visitation and calls, phone calls, instant messaging, education and entertainment.

They can also be used for commissary ordering.

To find out more bout how much tablets cost to rent, and what programs, entertainment, education and other things it can be used for, check out our Tablet Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Yellowstone County Detention Facility’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 406-256-6881 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Yellowstone County Detention Facility? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

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

Yellowstone Carbon Stillwater Golden Valley Musselshell Big Horn Treasure Rosebud
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US State Prison Population Demographics

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 973,343 93.26%
Female 70,362 6.74%
Total 1,043,705 100.0%

Total Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 327,300 35.27%
Black 345,500 37.23%
Hispanic 226,800 24.44%
American Indian / Alaska Native 15,900 1.71%
Asian 12,500 1.35%
Total 928,000 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 622,200 95.46%
Female 31,700 4.86%
Total 653,900 100.0%

Total of Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 178,600 29.23%
Black 234,500 38.38%
Hispanic 179,500 29.38%
American Indian / Alaska Native 9,600 1.57%
Asian 8,800 1.44%
Total 611,000 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 147,500 93.95%
Female 10,000 6.37%
Total 157,500 100.0%

Murderers Held in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,600 26.04%
Black 63,000 43.63%
Hispanic 39,100 27.08%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,300 1.59%
Asian 2,400 1.66%
Total 144,400 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 16,000 86.02%
Female 2,600 13.98%
Total 18,600 100.0%

Violent Negligent Manslaughter Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 5,400 43.90%
Black 3,600 29.27%
Hispanic 2,900 23.58%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.63%
Asian 200 1.63%
Total 12,300 100.0%

Violent Rape & Sexual Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 159,800 98.95%
Female 2,200 1.36%
Total 162,000 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 125,800 96.18%
Female 5,400 4.13%
Total 131,200 100.0%

Violent Robbery Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 18.64%
Black 66,800 56.85%
Hispanic 26,500 22.55%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,200 1.02%
Asian 1,100 0.94%
Total 117,500 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 137,000 94.74%
Female 8,100 5.60%
Total 145,100 100.0%

Violent Aggravated/Simple Assault Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 37,500 23.28%
Black 53,300 33.09%
Hispanic 65,300 40.53%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,800 1.74%
Asian 2,200 1.37%
Total 161,100 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 36,100 91.86%
Female 3,300 8.40%
Total 39,400 100.0%

Other Violent Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 12,200 32.45%
Black 14,200 37.77%
Hispanic 9,700 25.80%
American Indian / Alaska Native 800 2.13%
Asian 700 1.86%
Total 37,600 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 127,900 90.64%
Female 13,600 9.64%
Total 141,500 100.0%

Total of Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 60,500 50.46%
Black 37,800 31.53%
Hispanic 18,100 15.10%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,100 1.75%
Asian 1,400 1.17%
Total 119,900 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 75,900 95.11%
Female 4,200 5.26%
Total 80,100 100.0%

Burglary Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 30,500 44.40%
Black 24,200 35.23%
Hispanic 12,300 17.90%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,100 1.60%
Asian 600 0.87%
Total 68,700 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 22,300 84.47%
Female 4,200 15.91%
Total 26,500 100.0%

Larceny & Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 13,800 58.97%
Black 6,800 29.06%
Hispanic 2,200 9.40%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 1.28%
Asian 300 1.28%
Total 23,400 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,400 91.43%
Female 600 8.57%
Total 7,000 100.0%

Motor Vehicle Theft Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,500 48.08%
Black 1,500 28.85%
Hispanic 1,000 19.23%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.92%
Asian 100 1.92%
Total 5,200 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 9,800 75.97%
Female 3,200 24.81%
Total 13,000 100.0%

Fraud Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,900 63.30%
Black 2,600 23.85%
Hispanic 900 8.26%
American Indian / Alaska Native 300 2.75%
Asian 200 1.83%
Total 10,900 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,600 90.67%
Female 1,400 9.33%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Other Property Crime Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024 - non-categorized

race Inmates % Total
White 6,700 58.26%
Black 2,700 23.48%
Hispanic 1,700 14.78%
American Indian / Alaska Native 200 1.74%
Asian 200 1.74%
Total 11,500 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 114,600 87.08%
Female 17,400 13.22%
Total 132,000 100.0%

Total of Drug Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 49,500 47.50%
Black 37,300 35.80%
Hispanic 14,600 14.01%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,700 1.63%
Asian 1,100 1.06%
Total 104,200 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 28,500 84.57%
Female 5,300 15.73%
Total 33,800 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 14,800 56.27%
Black 7,900 30.04%
Hispanic 3,000 11.41%
American Indian / Alaska Native 400 1.52%
Asian 200 0.76%
Total 26,300 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 86,100 88.04%
Female 12,000 12.27%
Total 98,100 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Drug Dealing/Manufacturing in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 34,700 44.54%
Black 29,400 37.74%
Hispanic 11,600 14.89%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 1.67%
Asian 900 1.16%
Total 77,900 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 102,500 93.95%
Female 6,900 6.32%
Total 109,400 100.0%

Total of 'Public Order' Related Inmates in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 35,900 40.84%
Black 34,500 39.25%
Hispanic 13,800 15.70%
American Indian / Alaska Native 2,500 2.84%
Asian 1,200 1.37%
Total 87,900 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 37,800 97.93%
Female 900 2.33%
Total 38,700 100.0%

Inmates Convicted on Illegal Weapon Possession in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 7,200 22.86%
Black 16,900 53.65%
Hispanic 6,500 20.63%
American Indian / Alaska Native 500 1.59%
Asian 400 1.27%
Total 31,500 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 13,400 89.33%
Female 1,600 10.67%
Total 15,000 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Multiple DUI/DWI in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 6,800 59.65%
Black 2,000 17.54%
Hispanic 1,800 15.79%
American Indian / Alaska Native 700 6.14%
Asian 100 0.88%
Total 11,400 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 51,200 92.25%
Female 4,400 7.93%
Total 55,600 100.0%

Inmates Convicted of Other 'Public Order' Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 21,900 48.45%
Black 15,700 34.73%
Hispanic 5,600 12.39%
American Indian / Alaska Native 1,300 2.88%
Asian 700 1.55%
Total 45,200 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Sex on 3/28/2024

Sex Inmates % Total
Male 6,100 89.71%
Female 800 11.76%
Total 6,900 100.0%

Total Number of Inmates Convicted of Unspecified Felonies in US State Prisons by Race/Ethnicity on 3/28/2024

race Inmates % Total
White 2,700 52.94%
Black 1,500 29.41%
Hispanic 700 13.73%
American Indian / Alaska Native 100 1.96%
Asian 100 1.96%
Total 5,100 100.0%
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This facility, known as "Yellowstone County Detention Facility" is also known as Yellowstone County Jail & Detention Facility, Yellowstone County Jail & Detention Facility, Montana, Yellowstone.