Missoula County Jail phone number is 406-258-4000. This connects callers directly to the detention facility’s administrative office located at 2340 Mullan Road, Missoula, MT 59808. The line operates during standard business hours and is staffed by trained personnel who can assist with inmate lookup, visitation scheduling, bond information, and general facility policies. For urgent law enforcement matters outside regular hours, callers should contact the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office at 406-258-4810. The jail serves as the primary short-term holding facility for adult offenders awaiting trial or sentencing in Missoula County and is operated under the authority of the Missoula County Sheriff’s Department.
How to Use the Missoula County Jail Phone Number
Calling 406-258-4000 gives families, attorneys, and community members direct access to verified information about inmates. Staff can confirm a person’s booking status, housing unit, scheduled court dates, and visitation eligibility. Callers must provide the inmate’s full legal name and date of birth for verification. The line does not support text messaging or email relay. All calls are logged for security and accountability. For non-urgent questions, the county also maintains an online inmate portal that updates every ten minutes with real-time roster data. However, phone inquiries remain the fastest way to get personalized assistance, especially for those without internet access or who need clarification on complex cases.
Missoula County Detention Facility Location and Hours
The Missoula County Detention Facility sits on a 12-acre campus at 2340 Mullan Road, just west of downtown Missoula. The site includes the main jail building, intake processing center, medical screening unit, and administrative offices. Visitation hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID and pass through security screening before entering. The facility does not allow walk-in visits without prior approval. All visitors are subject to search, and prohibited items include cell phones, bags, food, and weapons. The jail is accessible via public transit and offers limited free parking for visitors.
Missoula County Inmate Information Portal
The official Missoula County Inmate Information Portal provides real-time access to current and recently released detainees. As of December 7, 2023, the system listed 127 active inmates. Users can search by name, booking number, or offense type. Each entry shows charge details, bond amounts, court schedules, and downloadable PDF court documents. The portal pulls data from the county’s Integrated Justice Management System and refreshes every ten minutes. It also includes a released inmates section covering individuals discharged within the past 90 days, showing release dates, parole status, and re-entry program participation. This tool is free, public, and available 24/7.
Services and Programs for Inmates
Inmates at the Missoula County Detention Facility participate in work-release programs that pay Montana’s state-mandated minimum wage of $5.50 per hour. Jobs include kitchen staff preparing three daily meals for over 300 residents, custodial teams cleaning 15,000 square feet of cell blocks, laundry crews handling 2,500 pounds of clothing weekly, library assistants managing a 3,200-book collection, and floor-maintenance workers repairing housing units. These roles help reduce idle time, teach job skills, and offset facility operating costs. In addition to employment, the jail offers GED preparation classes, substance-abuse counseling, legal-aid consultations, and on-site health screenings conducted by the Missoula City-County Health Department. All programs aim to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
Security and Operations
The detention facility operates as a maximum-security county jail with a licensed capacity of 394 inmates, as certified by the Montana Department of Corrections in its 2022 audit. Security features include 24-hour video surveillance, motion-sensor fencing around the perimeter, and a centralized control room staffed by certified correctional officers. Intake procedures involve biometric scanning, medical screening, and classification based on risk level. Housing units are divided by gender, behavior history, and medical needs. The facility expanded in 2008 with a new intake wing to improve processing efficiency and safety. All staff undergo annual training in de-escalation, mental health response, and emergency protocols.
Contact Information for Related Offices
For law enforcement emergencies or warrant inquiries, call the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office at 406-258-4810. This office is located on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex at 200 W Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802. The County Attorney’s Office, housed in the main courthouse, handles civil legal guidance and can be reached at the same number. General county inquiries go to 406-721-5700. The Detention Facility’s mailing address is 2340 Mullan Road, Missoula, MT 59808. Email requests are processed through a secure system that removes personal identifiers for privacy. Fingerprinting services are available by appointment only on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. by calling 406-258-4810.
Visitation Rules and Procedures
Visitors must call 406-258-4000 in advance to schedule a visit. Walk-ins are not permitted. Each inmate is allowed one 30-minute visit per day, with a maximum of two visitors at a time. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All visitors undergo a background check and may be denied entry if they have a recent criminal record or pose a security risk. Prohibited items include tobacco, lighters, electronic devices, and outside food. Visits occur in a monitored glass-partition area to ensure safety. Special accommodations can be made for disabled visitors with prior notice. The jail reserves the right to terminate visits for rule violations.
Mail and Communication Policies
All mail sent to inmates must use the U.S. Postal Service. Private couriers like FedEx or UPS are not accepted. Incoming letters are screened for contraband and logged with the recipient’s inmate ID. Packages are limited to approved hygiene items and must be sent through the jail’s contracted vendor. Inmates cannot receive cash, stamps, or personal photos. Outgoing mail is inspected but not read unless suspicion of illegal activity exists. Electronic messaging is not available. Legal mail from attorneys is opened in the presence of the inmate to protect confidentiality. Correspondence should include the sender’s full name and return address.
Bond and Release Information
Bail amounts are set by judges during initial court appearances and displayed on the inmate portal. Payment can be made in cash, certified check, or through a licensed bail bondsman. The jail accepts bond payments 24/7 at the front desk. Once paid, release processing typically takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on staffing and medical clearance. Inmates released on personal recognizance do not pay bail but must sign a promise to appear in court. Failure to appear results in automatic bond forfeiture and a warrant issuance. The Sheriff’s Office does not provide legal advice on bond conditions but can confirm payment status over the phone.
Health and Medical Services
Newly admitted inmates receive a health screening within 24 hours by staff from the Missoula City-County Health Department. This includes checks for infectious diseases, mental health concerns, and medication needs. Chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension are managed with prescribed treatments. Emergency medical care is provided on-site by contracted nurses, with transfers to Community Medical Center if needed. Mental health support includes crisis intervention and referrals to outpatient programs upon release. All medical records are confidential and comply with HIPAA regulations. Inmates can request medical appointments through their housing unit officer.
Legal Rights and Resources
Inmates have the right to legal representation and can request consultations with public defenders or private attorneys. The jail provides access to a law library with computers for legal research. Court documents, including charging papers and sentencing orders, are available through the inmate portal or by request from staff. Indigent inmates may qualify for free legal aid through the Montana Legal Services Association. All disciplinary actions, such as solitary confinement, are documented and subject to review. Grievances can be filed in writing and are investigated within seven business days. The facility complies with the Prison Rape Elimination Act and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
Community and Support Services
The jail collaborates with local agencies to support re-entry. The Missoula County Grants & Community Programs office coordinates outreach events at the nearby fairgrounds, connecting inmates with housing, employment, and counseling resources. Animal Control assists with service dog training programs that teach responsibility and empathy. The Community and Planning Services division oversees development of new housing units on the detention campus to meet growing demand. These partnerships reflect a broader effort to reduce overcrowding and improve outcomes for returning citizens.
Online Tools and Digital Access
The Missoula County Inmate Information Portal offers three main sections: Current Inmates Roster, Court Schedule, and Released Inmates Roster. Users can filter results by name, booking date, or offense category. Each profile includes biometric IDs, housing locations, and charge details. The “Learn more” link explains how to interpret data fields like bond type or court jurisdiction. The system is mobile-friendly and accessible on smartphones and tablets. For technical issues, users can call the IT help desk at 406-721-5700 during business hours. No registration is required, and all features are free to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to find an inmate, schedule a visit, or send mail. Others want to know about work programs, medical care, or bond procedures. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions based on official county policies and verified data.
How do I find out if someone is in the Missoula County Jail?
Call 406-258-4000 or use the online inmate portal. Provide the person’s full legal name and date of birth. The portal updates every ten minutes and shows current bookings, charges, and court dates. Phone staff can also confirm housing location and visitation eligibility. If the person was recently arrested, allow up to two hours for processing before calling.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment?
No. All visits must be scheduled in advance by calling 406-258-4000. Walk-ins are not allowed. Visits last 30 minutes and are limited to two people per session. You must bring a valid photo ID and pass security screening. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian present.
How much do inmates earn for work assignments?
Inmates earn $5.50 per hour, which is Montana’s state-mandated minimum wage for jail labor. Jobs include kitchen duty, cleaning, laundry, library work, and floor maintenance. Pay is deposited into individual accounts and can be used for commissary purchases or saved for release.
What happens during intake processing?
New inmates undergo biometric scanning, medical screening, and risk assessment. They receive a uniform, hygiene kit, and orientation materials. Personal belongings are stored securely. The entire process takes 60 to 90 minutes. Medical staff check for urgent health needs immediately.
Can I send money to an inmate?
Yes, but only through approved methods. Use the inmate’s full name and booking number. Money can be deposited online via the county’s payment portal, by phone, or in person at the jail front desk. Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within 24 hours.
Are GED classes available?
Yes. The jail offers free GED preparation classes taught by certified instructors. Classes meet three times a week in the education wing. Inmates can take practice tests and receive study materials. Upon release, transcripts are sent to the Montana Department of Education.
What is the jail’s capacity?
The facility holds up to 394 inmates, as licensed by the Montana Department of Corrections. This number includes both male and female detainees. Overcrowding is managed through early release programs and collaboration with state prisons.
Official Website: https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/public-safety/detention-facility
Phone: 406-258-4000
Visiting Hours: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri), 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Weekends)
Address: 2340 Mullan Road, Missoula, MT 59808