Williams County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Williams County in 2026
WilliamsRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Williams County, North Dakota. Members of the public may find data pertaining to the following record categories:
- Current custody status
- Booking and arrest records
- Charges and bond information
- Court case information
- Incarceration history
Inmate records may be searched through official government resources, the Williams County Sheriff's Office, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Williams County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that members of the public may access to locate individuals held at the county jail. To conduct a search, members of the public should navigate to the Williams County Sheriff's Office official website and locate the inmate search or jail roster section. Users may search by full legal name, booking number, or booking date. Once search criteria are entered, the system returns a list of matching records. Selecting an individual record displays detailed information.
Information displayed in the inmate roster at present includes:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges
- Bond amount and bond type
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Expected release date (where available)
The roster is updated on a regular basis; recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system. A mobile application is not currently available for the Williams County inmate search.
Williams County Sheriff's Office
206 E Broadway Ave
Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-7700
Williams County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for State Prison)
Individuals sentenced to state prison in North Dakota are housed within facilities operated by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR). The DOCR maintains a resident lookup tool that allows members of the public to search for individuals currently incarcerated in a North Dakota correctional facility. As noted by the DOCR, "An individual incarcerated in a North Dakota correctional facility but sentenced out-of-state will not appear in this lookup."
To search, users access the DOCR resident lookup, enter the individual's name or offender ID, and review the results. Information available includes facility location, sentence details, and projected release date. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county jail houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, while state prison houses individuals convicted of felonies serving longer terms. Transfer from county jail to state prison following sentencing may take several weeks.
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
3100 Railroad Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 328-6390
North Dakota DOCR
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for Federal Inmates)
Individuals convicted of federal offenses are housed in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP maintains a free inmate locator tool at its official website. This resource is appropriate when an individual has been charged with a federal crime or is known to be in federal custody. The locator provides facility location, projected release date, and register number.
Phone Search
Members of the public may contact the Williams County Sheriff's Office directly at (701) 577-7700 to request inmate information by phone. Staff can provide basic custody status, charges, and bond information when the caller supplies the inmate's full legal name and date of birth. Phone inquiries are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In-Person Inquiry
Members of the public may visit the Williams County Sheriff's Office at 206 E Broadway Ave, Williston, ND 58801, during business hours to request inmate information in person. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, charges, and bond information.
By Mail
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Williams County Sheriff's Office at 206 E Broadway Ave, Williston, ND 58801. Requests should include the inmate's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies based on request volume.
Search Tips
- Use the inmate's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames and maiden names
- Include the date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current and recently released inmate records
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in the online system
- Transferred inmates may not appear in the county roster
What If You Cannot Find an Inmate
- The individual may have been transferred to state prison — search the DOCR resident lookup
- The individual may be in federal custody — search the BOP inmate locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet appear in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (701) 577-7700
Are Inmate Records Public in Williams County?
Inmate records in Williams County are subject to public disclosure under North Dakota's open records law. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, all government records are presumed open to the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. This framework ensures that booking information, charges, and custody status maintained by the Williams County Sheriff's Office are accessible to members of the public without a formal request in most circumstances.
Information That Is Public
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information and booking date
- Criminal charges
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (where available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact lists
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classifications and cell assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public
The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety notification
- Family notification of custody status
- Support for legal proceedings
- Operational needs of the bail bond industry
Privacy Considerations
Under current law, the public interest in transparency is balanced against individual privacy rights. Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health records, receives statutory protection. The impact of public disclosure on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged within the framework of N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.1, which identifies specific categories of information exempt from mandatory disclosure.
What Are Inmate Records in Williams County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held within a detention facility. In Williams County, these records are created by the Williams County Sheriff's Office upon the booking of an individual into the county jail and are updated throughout the period of custody.
The purpose of maintaining inmate records is to ensure accurate tracking of individuals in custody, support judicial proceedings, facilitate communication between agencies, and provide a documented history of an individual's contact with the corrections system. The official custodian of county jail inmate records is the Williams County Sheriff's Office.
The following distinctions apply to the types of records maintained:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including personal identification information, charges, and booking photograph
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual during incarceration, including housing assignments and court dates
- Incarceration history encompasses all prior bookings and custody periods within the county system
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody
The distinction between facility types is also significant:
- County jail records pertain to pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, maintained by the Sheriff's Office
- State prison records pertain to individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences, maintained by the North Dakota DOCR
- Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses, maintained by the Federal Bureau of Prisons
What's Included in Inmate Records in Williams County
Personal Identification Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security limitations)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (where available)
- Actual release date (following release)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information where applicable
Court Information
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney information where available
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates)
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date where applicable
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History
- Prior bookings within Williams County
- Previous charges
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments where applicable
- Program participation
What Is NOT Typically Included in Public Records
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information and treatment
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Williams County Prison System
The Williams County corrections system is operated by the Williams County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the management of the county jail and the custody of individuals held pending trial or serving short sentences. The facility serves as the primary detention center for Williams County, North Dakota.
Administration
The Williams County Sheriff's Office administers the county jail under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The administrative office is located at 206 E Broadway Ave, Williston, ND 58801, and may be reached at (701) 577-7700.
Facility Operations
The Williams County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state prison, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. The classification system assigns inmates to appropriate housing based on the nature of charges, criminal history, and behavioral assessments.
Inmate Services
The facility provides the following services to individuals in custody:
- Medical care and health screenings
- Mental health services
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming
- Religious services
- Recreation access
Legal Services
Individuals in custody have access to legal resources, including coordination with the public defender's office and attorney visitation. As affirmed by the North Dakota Supreme Court, access to legal counsel is a fundamental right that correctional facilities are obligated to facilitate.
Reentry Programs
Pre-release planning services are available to assist individuals preparing for release, including referrals to housing assistance, substance abuse treatment continuation, and community support resources.
Oversight and Accountability
The Williams County corrections system is subject to oversight by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which establishes standards for county jail operations pursuant to state administrative rules. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Williams County
Williams County Correctional Center
The Williams County Correctional Center serves as the primary detention facility for Williams County, North Dakota.
Williams County Correctional Center
206 E Broadway Ave
Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-7700
Williams County Sheriff's Office
The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state prison, and individuals held on detainers from other agencies. Security levels range from minimum to maximum classification based on individual assessment.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
Williams County may offer home detention or electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information on this program should contact the Williams County Sheriff's Office at (701) 577-7700.
Work Release
Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the court and the Sheriff's Office.
State Prison Facilities
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation operates state prison facilities that house individuals convicted of felonies in Williams County following transfer from the county jail. State facilities are distinct from the county jail and are operated under separate authority. The primary state facilities include the North Dakota State Penitentiary and the James River Correctional Center, both located outside Williams County.
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
3100 Railroad Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 328-6390
North Dakota DOCR
Federal Detention Facilities
Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held in federal custody under the authority of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. No federal detention facility is currently located within Williams County. Federal inmates from the county may be housed at the nearest federal facility designated by the BOP.
Facility Contact Information Summary
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Williams County Correctional Center | 206 E Broadway Ave, Williston, ND 58801 | (701) 577-7700 |
| ND DOCR (State) | 3100 Railroad Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 | (701) 328-6390 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 320 First St NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Williams County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Williams County at no cost through several official government resources.
Free Online Resources
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Williams County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate roster that requires no registration. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond details, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated regularly, with recent bookings appearing within several hours of intake.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The North Dakota DOCR resident lookup provides free access to information on individuals currently incarcerated in a North Dakota state correctional facility. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals previously held in state custody.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The BOP inmate locator provides free access to information on individuals in federal custody, including facility location and projected release date.
4. Court Records Search
Members of the public may search North Dakota court records to verify custody status through associated court cases and to identify upcoming court dates. The District Court Case Search provides access to criminal, traffic, and civil case information for North Dakota district courts, including Williams County.
Free Phone Information
Members of the public may call the Williams County Sheriff's Office at (701) 577-7700 for basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can provide custody status and charge information during regular business hours.
Free In-Person Search
Members of the public may visit the Williams County Sheriff's Office at 206 E Broadway Ave, Williston, ND 58801, during business hours to conduct an in-person inquiry. No fee is charged for basic inmate information provided at the front desk.
What Is Free vs. What Costs Money
The following services are provided at no cost:
- Online inmate search and roster access
- Current custody status inquiry
- Basic inmate information by phone
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office
- State DOC resident lookup
- Federal BOP inmate locator
- Court records search
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate (processing fees apply through the designated vendor)
- Video visitation (fees set by the service provider)
- Phone calls from an inmate (fees set by the telecommunications vendor)
- Commissary orders
- Background checks or certified copies of booking records
Scam Warning
Members of the public are advised to use only official government websites when searching for inmate information. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, public records maintained by government agencies are accessible without payment to private intermediaries. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a verified .gov domain before submitting personal information.