Missoula County Public Records /Missoula County Inmate Search

Missoula County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Missoula County?

Inmate records in Missoula County are official documentation maintained by the Missoula County Detention Facility and Sheriff's Office that chronicle an individual's custody status within the county correctional system. These records constitute the comprehensive administrative documentation of persons who are currently or were previously incarcerated within Missoula County's detention facilities.

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2141, county sheriffs are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to county detention facilities. These records are distinct from court records, which document legal proceedings and are maintained by the Missoula County District Court. While court records focus on case proceedings, judgments, and legal determinations, inmate records specifically document the physical custody and supervision of individuals within the correctional system.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into the detention facility. Information collected during this initial phase includes demographic data, photographs, fingerprints, and details of the alleged offense. Throughout an individual's period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains on file with the Missoula County Sheriff's Office Detention Division.

Are Inmate Records Public In Missoula County?

Inmate records in Missoula County are generally considered public information under Montana's constitutional right to know and the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1003, which establishes the presumption that government documents are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law or where individual privacy clearly exceeds the public's right to know.

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster that provides basic information about individuals currently in custody. This information is made available in accordance with Montana's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy considerations as outlined in the Montana Constitution Article II, Sections 9 and 10.

Information that is typically publicly accessible includes:

Current inmate roster with names of individuals in custody
Booking date and time
Charges filed against the inmate
Mugshot photographs
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates
Current housing facility

Certain portions of inmate records may be restricted from public access due to privacy concerns, security considerations, or ongoing investigations. These restrictions are applied in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1009, which outlines exceptions to public disclosure requirements.

What's Included Inmate Records in Missoula County

Inmate records maintained by the Missoula County Detention Facility contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking/intake
Arresting agency
Booking officer
Custody classification
Housing assignment
Disciplinary records
Program participation
Visitation logs
Medical screening information (with certain privacy protections)

Charge Information:

Current charges
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Incident reports

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, not posted)
Conditions of release
Bail hearing dates

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case numbers
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Projected release date
Good time/earned time calculations
Probation/parole eligibility dates

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions
Supervising agency (if applicable)

The scope and detail of information contained in inmate records are governed by Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2245, which establishes requirements for record-keeping in detention facilities.

Missoula County Prison System

The Missoula County correctional system operates under the authority of the Missoula County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the detention and custody of individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses. The county system is distinct from the Montana state prison system, which houses individuals convicted of felony offenses serving longer sentences.

The Missoula County Detention Facility serves as the primary correctional institution for the county, housing individuals who are:

Awaiting arraignment or trial
Serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to one year)
Awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Being held on probation or parole violations
In custody on behalf of other jurisdictions

The distinction between county detention and state prison is significant. County facilities generally house individuals for shorter periods and focus on pre-trial detention and misdemeanor sentences, while the Montana Department of Corrections manages state prisons that house felony offenders serving longer sentences.

Missoula County Sheriff's Office
200 W. Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 258-4810
Missoula County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Missoula County

Missoula County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations:

Missoula County Detention Facility
2340 Mullan Road
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 258-4000
Missoula County Detention Division

The Missoula County Detention Facility serves as the main incarceration facility for the county, with a capacity of approximately 400 inmates. The facility houses both male and female inmates across various security classifications. The detention center includes:

Maximum security housing units
Medium security housing units
Minimum security housing units
Special management units for inmates requiring additional supervision
Medical housing for inmates with health concerns

Missoula Assessment and Sanction Center (MASC)
2340 Mullan Road
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 258-4000

Operated in partnership with the Montana Department of Corrections, the MASC provides assessment and sanction services for probation and parole violators. This facility focuses on evaluating offenders and determining appropriate placement within the corrections system.

Missoula Pre-Release Center
1260 South Ave W
Missoula, MT 59801
(406) 728-9799

This community-based correctional facility provides transitional services for inmates nearing release. The pre-release center focuses on reintegration programming, employment assistance, and life skills development to support successful community reentry.

Juvenile Detention Facility
2340 Mullan Road
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 258-3651

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders separately from the adult population in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding the detention of minors.

Who's in Prison In Missoula County

The Missoula County Detention Facility houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:

Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These detainees may be held because they:

Have been denied bail
Cannot afford to post bail
Are awaiting arraignment or other court proceedings
Have been deemed a flight risk or danger to the community

Sentenced Misdemeanants: Individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of up to one year. Common misdemeanor offenses include:

Driving under the influence (DUI)
Petty theft
Simple assault
Disorderly conduct
Trespassing
Possession of small amounts of controlled substances

Felony Offenders Awaiting Transfer: Individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses and are temporarily housed in the county facility while awaiting transfer to a state prison facility operated by the Montana Department of Corrections.

Probation and Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their probation or parole and are being held pending revocation hearings or sanctions.

Federal Detainees: In some cases, the facility may house federal detainees through agreements with federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Short-term Holds: Individuals being temporarily detained for court appearances, transport to other facilities, or other administrative purposes.

According to data from the Montana Department of Corrections, the demographic composition of the Missoula County inmate population generally reflects broader incarceration patterns in Montana, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups, particularly Native Americans, relative to their share of the general population.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Missoula County in 2026

Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Missoula County may utilize several methods to access inmate records. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office maintains current information on individuals in custody and provides multiple channels for public access to this information.

Online Inmate Roster Search:

Visit the Missoula County Daily Inmate Jail Roster on the official Missoula County website
No login or account creation is required for basic searches
Enter the inmate's name in the search field (last name, first name format)
Review search results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if applicable)
- Housing location

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Missoula County Detention Facility during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Complete a public records request form at the facility's administrative office
Provide identification and specify the information being requested
Pay applicable fees for document reproduction if requesting physical copies

Written Record Requests:

Submit a written request to:

Missoula County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
200 W. Broadway
Missoula, MT 59802
Include the following information:
- Full name of the inmate
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration (if known)
- Specific information requested
- Your contact information for response

Telephone Inquiries:

Call the Missoula County Detention Facility at (406) 258-4000
Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
Note that basic information (confirmation of custody status) may be provided by phone, but detailed records typically require written requests

All record requests are processed in accordance with the Montana Public Records Act and may be subject to review to ensure compliance with privacy protections and security considerations.

How To Find an Inmate in Missoula County for Free?

Missoula County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently in custody within the county detention system. These resources are available to the general public without fees or subscription requirements.

Missoula County Online Inmate Roster:

Access the Missoula County Daily Inmate Jail Roster through the county's official website
The roster is updated in real-time as individuals are booked into or released from custody
Search by entering the individual's last name, first name
The system will display all current inmates matching the search criteria
Information provided typically includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status

Montana Statewide Offender Search:

Visit the Montana Department of Corrections Offender Search portal
Enter the individual's name in the search fields
This database includes individuals in both county and state facilities throughout Montana
Results provide information on current location and custody status
Note that this system primarily tracks convicted felons and may not include all pre-trial detainees

Telephone Verification:

Call the Missoula County Detention Facility directly at (406) 258-4000
Request information about a specific individual by providing their full name
Facility staff can confirm whether the person is currently in custody
Basic information such as next court date may also be available by phone

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Missoula County Detention Facility at:

Missoula County Detention Facility
2340 Mullan Road
Missoula, MT 59808
Speak with staff at the information desk during regular business hours
Provide the name of the individual you are attempting to locate
Staff can verify custody status and provide publicly available information

These free resources provide basic custody information in accordance with Montana's public records laws. For more detailed information or official documentation, a formal records request may be required.

How To Visit an Inmate In Missoula County

Visitation with inmates at the Missoula County Detention Facility is governed by established policies designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visitors must comply with facility regulations as outlined in the Missoula County Detention Facility Inmate Handbook.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors must successfully pass through security screening
Visitors with active warrants or who are on probation/parole may be denied entry
Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before being approved for visitation
All visits are subject to monitoring and recording, except for privileged attorney visits

Visit Schedule:

General population inmates are permitted two 30-minute video visits per week
Visitation hours are:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, etc.) are typically conducted during regular business hours
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through the online scheduling system

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID)
Visitor registration confirmation (if pre-registered online)
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Necessary medical items (with prior approval)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
Alcohol or illegal drugs
Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks

Dress Code:

Conservative, appropriate attire is required
No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Video Visitation: Primary method of visitation conducted via video terminals
Contact Visits: Limited to special circumstances with prior approval
Professional Visits: Separate accommodations for attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals
Remote Video Visitation: Available through the facility's online system for a fee

Visit Restrictions:

Inmates on disciplinary status may have restricted visitation privileges
Maximum security inmates have modified visitation schedules
Visitors exhibiting signs of intoxication will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
Violation of facility rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges

Visitation policies are established in accordance with Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2225, which authorizes detention facility administrators to establish reasonable regulations for inmate visitation.

How To Send Money to a Missoula County Inmate

The Missoula County Detention Facility provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses during incarceration.

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay Payment Systems website
Create an account or log in as a guest
Select "Missoula County Detention Facility" from the facility list
Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
Follow the prompts to complete the transaction using a credit or debit card
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours
Service fees apply (approximately 3-5% of the transaction amount)

Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the lobby of the Missoula County Detention Facility
Use the TouchPay kiosk located in the public lobby
Follow the on-screen instructions
Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted
Receipts are provided for all transactions
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 1-2 hours
Lower service fees than online deposits

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase a money order payable to "Missoula County Detention Facility"
Write the inmate's full name and ID number in the memo line
Mail to:

Missoula County Detention Facility
Inmate Accounts
2340 Mullan Road
Missoula, MT 59808
Do not send cash, personal checks, or other items with the money order
No service fees apply
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00

Deposit Fees:

Online deposits: 3-5% of transaction amount
Kiosk deposits: $2.00-$3.00 flat fee
Money orders: No fee

Prohibited Uses of Funds: Inmate funds cannot be used for:

Posting bail or bond
Payment of fines or restitution
Purchasing items for other inmates
Transferring money to outside accounts
Purchasing prohibited items

Approved Uses of Funds: Inmate funds can be used for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Telephone calls
Video visitation fees
Medical co-pays
Release money upon discharge

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with facility policies and Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2242, which governs inmate funds and property.

How To Send Jail Mail In Missoula County

Correspondence with inmates at the Missoula County Detention Facility is permitted but subject to specific guidelines and security protocols. All mail, except privileged legal correspondence, is opened and inspected before delivery to inmates.

General Mail Guidelines:

Address all mail as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known)
Missoula County Detention Facility
2340 Mullan Road
Missoula, MT 59808
Include a complete return address on the envelope
Use standard white envelopes only
Write in blue or black ink only
Mail lacking proper addressing will be returned to sender

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 5 pages per envelope)
Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Money orders (as described in the previous section)
Approved religious materials (subject to review)
Legal documents

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Plastic or metal items of any kind
Stickers, labels, or tape
Colored paper or envelopes
Crayon or marker writings
Perfumed or scented items
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Materials depicting violence or weapons
Any items containing biohazards or unknown substances

Legal/Privileged Mail:

Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Privileged Correspondence"
Must include the sending attorney's name, title, and bar number
Will be opened in the presence of the inmate
Is not subject to content review, only inspection for contraband

Publications:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
Hardcover books are not permitted
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Limited to 3 books and 5 magazines in an inmate's possession at any time

E-Messages:

Available through the Securus Technologies system
Requires account creation and prepayment
Messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
Fees apply per message
Typically delivered more quickly than physical mail

All mail procedures comply with Montana Code Annotated § 7-32-2247, which establishes guidelines for inmate correspondence while in county detention facilities.