Codington County Jail Inmate Lookup

The Codington County Jail, located in Watertown, South Dakota, is a medium-security detention facility that houses inmates who have been charged and are awaiting trial, those who have been sentenced to short-term incarceration, and those transferred from other counties. The correction facility, maintained by the Codington County Sheriff's Office, prioritizes security, humane treatment, and rehabilitation services.

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Inmate Search and Prison Roster

For those who need to find an inmate in the Codington County Jail, the process has been streamlined with the utilization of online resources.

Online Inmate Search

Most importantly, an online search tool is available to conduct an inmate lookup. This tool can be accessed on the official Codington County Sheriff's Office Website. On this page, you can search for inmates by entering the required details in the appropriate fields.

The information available on the jail roster includes:

• Booking Number
• Last Name
• First Name
• Date of Birth
• Release Date
• Criminal Charges

Tips for Inmate Search

While conducting an inmate search, here are a few tips to remember:

1. Exact Information: Ensure that you have the exact spelling of the inmate's name or the correct booking number to avoid any errors during the search.

2. Updated Information: Information on the roster is frequently updated. However, there might be a slight delay between the information changes and its display on the website.

3. Multiple Results: If your search returns multiple results, use additional information such as the Date of Birth or Booking Number to verify the correct inmate.

4. Confidentiality: Certain inmate details may not be fully available due to privacy concerns and regulations.

5. Assistance: If you encounter any difficulty with the online search tool, you can contact the detention center directly at the provided phone number for further assistance.

Location and Contact Details

Locating Inmates

After using the online search tool, you should have located the inmate you are seeking. Remember, the inmate's location may change as they can be transferred to another correction facility. If you don't find the inmate online, consider contacting the jail directly for information.

Contacting Inmates

For communication with an inmate, the Codington County Jail has defined channels:

1. Mail: You may send letters to inmates, keeping in mind that all mail will be inspected before delivery. The address is: Inmate's Full Name, c/o Codington County Jail, 14 1st Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201.

2. Phone Calls: Inmates can make outgoing calls only. Ensure the inmate has your number and can add you to their approved call list.

3. Visitation: Visitation rules are outlined in the visitation policy. Ensure to adhere to these policies to maintain visiting privileges.

4. Email: In certain cases, email may be used as a form of communication, however, it is not as common.

Remember, all communications with inmates are monitored and subject to regulation by the correction facility. For comprehensive information about contacting inmates, visit the Codington County Jail's official website.

Comprehensive Inmate Data

The prison roster contains comprehensive data about inmates, which is particularly useful for victims, legal professionals, or individuals trying to locate an inmate. This information may include:

• Booking Date/Time: The time and date an inmate was processed into the facility.
• Bail/Bond Amount: Information regarding the amount set by the court for the inmate's conditional release.
• Court Dates: Details about upcoming court hearings or trials, if applicable.

Remember, some information might not be disclosed due to privacy laws and policies of the detention facility.

Advanced Search Capabilities

For more efficient searching, the online search tool usually provides advanced features. You may be able to filter by the date of booking, charge type, and other categories. However, the availability of these features depends on the software used by the facility.

Search Result Limitations

In some instances, your search might not yield any results. This could be due to several reasons:

• The inmate has been transferred to another detention facility.
• The inmate is in a federal or state prison instead of the county jail.
• The inmate has been released.
• The inmate's information has not yet been uploaded to the system due to recent booking.

Contacting Jail for Inmate Search Assistance

If you have difficulty locating an inmate, or if you need more detailed information than what is provided online, consider contacting the Codington County Jail directly. You may reach the facility at their contact number, typically provided on their website. The staff can assist with the search or provide further information where legally permissible.

Automated Notifications About Inmates

In certain cases, you may wish to be notified about the status changes of a specific inmate, such as release or transfer. While not every facility offers this service, you can check with the Codington County Jail or the county sheriff's office to see if they have partnered with a third-party service like VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) to provide automated notifications.

Always ensure you adhere to the regulations and guidelines set by the detention center when conducting inmate searches and while requesting for additional information.

Visitation Guidelines and Hours

Visitation at the Codington County Jail is a privilege and can be limited or revoked based on the inmate's behavior or other security concerns. Here are key aspects to remember while planning a visit:

Procedure for Arranging a Visit

All visits must be scheduled in advance. To schedule a visit, you will need to contact the Codington County Jail at their designated phone number. Note that visitations are usually based on the inmate's last name or the housing unit's schedule.

Rules and Regulations for Visits

Visitors must adhere to the rules and regulations set by the Codington County Jail:

1. Visitors must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
2. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
3. All visitors and their belongings are subject to a search before entering the visiting area.
4. Visitors are expected to dress modestly. Clothing displaying offensive messages or considered inappropriate will not be permitted.
5. Visitors are not allowed to bring in any items to the inmates without prior approval.

Failure to adhere to these rules may result in termination of the visit or suspension of future visiting privileges.

Visitation Hours

Visitation hours vary based on the housing unit of the inmate. The most accurate and updated visiting hours can be found on the Codington County Jail's official website. It is highly recommended to verify the visiting hours prior to scheduling a visit.

Inmate Communications

The Codington County Jail has established systems for inmates to maintain contact with the outside world within the constraints of the facility's regulations.

Inmate Call System and Associated Regulations

Inmates at the Codington County Jail are allowed to make outgoing phone calls but cannot receive incoming calls. All calls made by the inmates are collect calls, meaning the call charges are borne by the person receiving the call.

Here are some important guidelines regarding the call system:

1. All calls are subject to monitoring and recording.
2. The call system operates on a specific schedule. Calls can only be made during designated hours.
3. Misuse of the call system can lead to privileges being suspended.

Jail Phone Number and Guidelines for Use

The phone number for Codington County Jail is listed on the official website. This number is typically used for administrative purposes, such as scheduling visits or asking questions about the facility's policies. It's important to remember that this number can't be used to contact an inmate directly.

For direct communication with inmates, a separate service is usually used, such as a contracted telecommunications provider, where you can set up prepaid accounts for inmate calls. The details of this service and how to set up an account should be available on the jail's website or by contacting the jail directly.

Remember, all communications with inmates, including phone calls, are subject to monitoring and recording for security purposes.

Inmate Mail

Maintaining written correspondence is an essential means of communication with inmates. The process is subject to guidelines set by the facility to ensure security and smooth operation.

Process of Sending Mail to an Inmate

To send mail to an inmate at the Codington County Jail, follow these steps:

1. Write your letter and ensure it complies with the guidelines stated below.
2. Address the envelope as follows:
   Inmate's Full Name
c/o Codington County Jail
14 1st Ave SE
Watertown, SD 57201
3. Post the letter via standard mail services.

Guidelines for Sending Mail to Inmates

For the safety and security of the facility, there are strict guidelines for sending mail:

1. Only letters, postcards, and official legal documents are permitted.
2. Items such as packages, cash, checks, or any form of contraband are strictly prohibited.
3. All mail is inspected before being delivered to the inmate.
4. Use of explicit language, gang-related content, or content that may incite violence is strictly forbidden.

Non-compliance with these guidelines can lead to the mail being rejected, returned, or even result in legal action.

Sending Money to Inmates

Financial assistance to inmates can be crucial for purchasing items like toiletries, stationery, and snacks from the commissary. Here's how to send money to inmates:

Approved Methods for Sending Money

1. Online Services: Several online services, such as 'JailATM', allow you to deposit money directly into an inmate's account.
2. Postal Money Order: You can mail a money order to the jail directly. Make sure to include the inmate's full name and booking number.

Regulations and Limitations for Sending Money

Remember to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Ensure you are using an approved service or method to send money. Unapproved methods may result in the money not reaching the inmate.
2. Be aware that there may be a limit on the amount of money that you can send to an inmate, and this limit may vary.
3. The facility may charge a small processing fee when depositing money into an inmate's account.

As policies can change, always verify current procedures and regulations from the Codington County Jail's official website or by directly contacting the facility.

Inmate Commissary

An inmate commissary is a store within the correction facility where inmates can purchase items that are not provided by the facility, such as snacks, personal hygiene items, stationery, and more.

The purpose of the commissary is to provide inmates with access to products that can contribute to their comfort and wellbeing while serving their time. The availability of these items can help maintain inmate morale and contribute to a more manageable life behind bars.

How Inmates Can Use the Commissary

Inmates can make purchases at the commissary using funds from their inmate account. These funds can come from money earned through jail work programs or money deposited into their account by friends or family.

Once the money is available in the inmate's account, they can submit a commissary order based on the facility's process, which usually involves filling out a form with the requested items. The items are then delivered to the inmate on specified commissary days.

Restrictions on the Commissary Use

There are a few restrictions on the use of the commissary:

1. Spending Limit: The facility typically imposes a weekly or monthly spending limit.
2. Product Limitations: Some items may be restricted based on an inmate's behavior, medical conditions, or security level.
3. Delivery Schedule: Commissary orders are typically delivered on specific days.

Incarceration Records and Mugshots

Incarceration records and mugshots are part of the public record, providing transparency and aiding in law enforcement activities.

Process of Obtaining Incarceration Records

Incarceration records can often be accessed through online databases maintained by the county sheriff's office or the state's Department of Corrections. These records usually include the inmate's name, booking date, charges, and other relevant details. For detailed or specific records, you may need to submit a formal request or a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Mugshots and Their Availability

A mugshot is a photograph taken by law enforcement officials during the booking process. Mugshots typically include a frontal view and side view of the individual. They serve as a photographic record and are used for identification purposes.

Mugshots are generally considered public record. However, their availability to the public can vary based on local and state laws. In many cases, mugshots can be found online through county sheriff's websites or other public record databases.

Keep in mind that while these records are public, misuse or unauthorized commercial use of this data may be punishable by law. Always respect privacy rights and use this information responsibly.

Inmate Population

The inmate population at Codington County Jail can fluctuate regularly due to admissions, releases, and transfers. As a medium-security facility, it has the capacity to house a substantial number of inmates.

Average Inmate Stay Duration

The average duration of an inmate's stay at a county jail varies widely based on the nature of their charges, the speed of the legal process, and any sentences they receive. Generally, county jails hold inmates serving shorter sentences or those awaiting trial or sentencing.

Racial, Age, and Gender Demographics

Detailed racial, age, and gender demographics are typically not publicly disclosed to protect inmate privacy and comply with legal regulations. Broad statistics may be available from the Sheriff's Office or the State's Department of Corrections, usually as part of an annual report.

Security Level

The Codington County Jail operates as a medium-security detention facility, with multiple layers of security to ensure the safety and order within the facility.

General Description of Security Measures

The security measures at the detention center include:

1. Controlled Access: All entrances and exits are secured and monitored.
2. Surveillance Systems: The facility is equipped with video surveillance systems to monitor activities.
3. Physical Inspections: Regular inspections and searches are carried out to prevent contraband.
4. Staff Training: Correctional officers receive extensive training to handle security matters.

Categories of Offenders Housed

The Codington County Jail houses a variety of offenders, including:

1. Individuals awaiting trial or sentencing.
2. Inmates serving short sentences.
3. Inmates transferred from other jurisdictions.

Role of Correctional Officers

Correctional officers play a vital role in managing the detention facility. Their duties include:

1. Maintaining order within the facility.
2. Supervising inmate activities.
3. Enforcing jail rules and regulations.
4. Managing emergency situations.
5. Providing rehabilitative support where applicable.

For the most accurate information about inmate population and security level, please refer to the official sources from the Codington County Sheriff's Office or the South Dakota Department of Corrections.

Location and Contact Details

Official Address

119 S Maple, Watertown, SD 57201

Official Phone Number

(605) 882-6280

Official Website

codingtonsheriff.com/detention-center

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Inmate Search, Arrests Lookup, Jail Bookings:

1. How can I find out if someone is in jail or prison?

You can usually find out if someone is in jail or prison by using an online inmate locator tool provided by a law enforcement or corrections department. Some common online inmate locators include the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator, VINELink, and the inmate locators provided by many state departments of corrections.

2. How do I use the inmate search function on the website?

The exact process varies depending on the website, but generally, you will enter the person's name and possibly other identifying information, such as date of birth or inmate number. You will then be presented with matching results. Make sure to enter the information accurately to get the correct results.

3. Can I find out why a person was arrested?

Yes, typically, the charge or reason for arrest is part of the public record, which is accessible through inmate lookup tools or arrest records databases. You can often find this information online through the appropriate law enforcement or county jail website.

4. Is it possible to look up past arrests?

Yes, past arrests can often be looked up via public records databases, court record databases, and sometimes via the same online inmate search tools used to find current inmates. The method for accessing these records varies by jurisdiction.

5. How do I access information on recent jail bookings?

Many county jail or sheriff's department websites provide a list or a search function for recent jail bookings. The specific details provided can vary, but typically include the name of the individual, the charges, and the booking date.

6. Are inmate records public information?

In most cases, yes, basic inmate records are considered public information. This usually includes the inmate's name, charges, booking date, and release date. However, certain sensitive or private information, such as medical records, are not publicly accessible.

7. What kind of information will I get from an inmate search?

In an inmate search, you will typically find the person's name, inmate number, current location (if incarcerated), charges, sentence length, projected release date, and any upcoming court dates. Some systems may also provide information about past offenses or parole status.

Inmate Calls:

8. How can I receive phone calls from an inmate?

To receive phone calls from an inmate, you will typically need to be on the inmate's approved call list. The specifics vary by institution, but you usually need to provide your full name, relationship to the inmate, and your phone number. In some cases, you may also need to set up a prepaid account or deposit money into the inmate's phone account.

9. Can I initiate a call to an inmate?

No, inmates are generally not allowed to receive incoming calls. However, they can make outgoing calls to approved numbers during designated hours.

10. How are inmate calls billed?

Inmate calls are typically billed in one of two ways: collect calls or prepaid calls. Collect calls are billed to the person receiving the call. Prepaid calls are paid for in advance by the inmate or by someone on the inmate's behalf.

11. Are inmate calls monitored or recorded?

Yes, in most cases, inmate calls are monitored and recorded, with the exception of privileged conversations with attorneys.

12. What are the rules and regulations governing inmate calls?

The rules vary by institution, but common regulations include a limit on the length of calls, a requirement that the call recipient be on the inmate's approved call list, and restrictions on the time of day when callscan be made. Additionally, all calls (except those to legal counsel) are subject to monitoring and recording.

Inmate Mail:

13. How can I send mail to an inmate?

To send mail to an inmate, you need to use the correct mailing address, which is usually provided on the prison's website. This address should include the inmate's full name and inmate number. Be aware that all incoming mail is typically inspected for contraband before it is delivered to the inmate.

14. Are there restrictions on what I can send in a mail to an inmate?

Yes, there are often many restrictions on what you can send to an inmate. This varies by institution but commonly includes restrictions on the type of paper or envelopes, prohibitions on certain types of images or content, and bans on sending items like money or checks directly to the inmate. Some prisons also do not allow packages.

15. How does the jail handle incoming mail for inmates?

Most jails and prisons inspect all incoming mail for contraband. This can include reading the mail, unless it is legal mail (correspondence with an attorney). After inspection, mail is typically delivered to the inmate within a few days.

16. Can inmates reply to the mail I send them?

Yes, inmates can send outgoing mail to approved contacts, which can include anyone who has sent them mail. However, inmates typically have to purchase their own postage and writing materials, so they may be limited in the amount of mail they can send.

17. Can an inmate receive books or magazines?

Yes, inmates are usually allowed to receive books and magazines, but there are often restrictions. These materials typically must be new and must be sent directly from the publisher or a retailer like Amazon. Content may also be restricted, and hardcover books are often not allowed.

Visitation:

18. How can I visit an inmate in jail or prison?

To visit an inmate, you typically need to be on the inmate's approved visitors list. This often requires filling out an application and may involve a background check. Once approved, visits usually need to be scheduled in advance and occur during designated visiting hours.

19. What are the rules for inmate visitation?

Visitation rules vary by institution, but common rules include a dress code, restrictions on what items you can bring, limits on physical contact, and rules about who can visit (for example, minors may need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Some facilities also limit the number of visits an inmate can receive in a given period.

20. Do I need to schedule a visit in advance?

Yes, in most cases, you will need to schedule a visit in advance. The process for scheduling a visit varies by institution but usually involves calling or using an online system to select a visitation time.

21. What items am I allowed to bring during a visitation?

The list of items you can bring to a visitation is usually very limited and varies by institution. Commonly allowed items include a photo ID, keys, and a small amount of cash for vending machines. Most personal belongings, such as cell phones and bags, are typically not allowed.

22. Are children allowed during visitation?

In most cases, yes, children are allowed to visit inmates. However, they usually need to be accompanied by an adult, and there may be additional rules or restrictions. The exact policies vary by institution.