Broadwater County Detention Center

County Jail

Last Updated: February 16, 2025
Address
519 Broadway St, Townsend, MT 59644
Beds
48
County
Broadwater
Phone
406-266-3441
Fax
406-266-3762

Broadwater Co Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is InmateCanteen.com. There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Broadwater County Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Broadwater Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 406-266-3441.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Broadwater Co Jail is a detention center located at 519 Broadway St Townsend, MT which is operated locally by the Broadwater County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Broadwater County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Townsend Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Montana here.

The Broadwater County Detention Center serves as the primary correctional facility for Broadwater County. With a capacity of 48 beds, the center often operates at or near full capacity, reflecting the demands placed upon it. The facility is under the leadership of Jail Commander Johnnie Spurlock and Transport Sergeant Donald Kynett. Their mission is to ensure the safety and security of Broadwater County by maintaining custody of offenders, to return better and more productive citizens upon release. Detention officers are trained to be professional, courteous, and respectful at all times.

The detention center houses individuals charged and awaiting trial, those arrested on warrants, individuals serving sentences at the county facility, and those placed on holds by Parole and Probation. Additionally, it accommodates individuals sentenced to and awaiting placement in the state prison system or community corrections, as well as those sentenced by Justice and District Courts in Broadwater County and others held on behalf of other agencies. The facility emphasizes the importance of treating inmates with dignity and respect, aiming to make productive use of their time without inflicting further punishment. Pretrial confinement is intended to ensure court appearances, while sentenced inmates serve their time as punishment for their offenses.

For those interested in visiting the facility, tours can be arranged by contacting Jail Commander Spurlock. Visitation schedules are organized by housing unit, with specific days and times allocated for each. Visitors are required to provide valid government-issued photo identification and adhere to a dress code to ensure a respectful environment. The Broadwater County Detention Center is committed to serving the community by providing a safe and secure environment where individuals are held accountable for their actions, with the overarching goal of fostering positive change and rehabilitation.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. You might qualify for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate workers are selected for community service programs based on their demonstrated good conduct, cooperation with facility staff, and adherence to institutional rules. These criteria ensure that only individuals who exhibit responsibility, reliability, and a commitment to positive behavior are allowed to participate. Participation in these programs benefits the community through valuable labor contributions and offers inmates the chance to develop a strong work ethic, learn transferable job skills, and build a sense of accountability.

In certain cases, involvement in community service programs can contribute to a reduction in an inmate's sentence. This incentive reinforces the importance of maintaining good behavior while incarcerated and highlights the program's dual role in supporting both the community and the inmate's journey toward reintegration.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Montana. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Broadwater County Detention Center.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please contact us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

As a last resort, you might have to pay for that information if we do not have it. The Arrest Record Search will cost you a small amount, but their data is the freshest available and for that reason, they charge to access it.

Visitation Information

The Broadwater County Detention Center offers both in-person and video chat visitation for individuals unable to physically visit the facility. Those opting for virtual visitation can access the service through the detention center's designated website.

In-Person Visitation Schedule

Visitation is scheduled according to the inmate’s assigned housing pod:

  • A POD & B POD: Monday and Thursday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
  • C POD & D POD: Tuesday and Friday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Visitors are required to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Employment IDs and photocopies of identification documents will not be accepted.

Items Accepted at the Lobby Window

The facility enforces strict policies regarding permissible items. The only items that may be dropped off at the lobby window are prescription glasses and medication, and only with prior approval from detention staff.

Visitation Dress Code

All visitors must adhere to the following dress code regulations to maintain a respectful environment:

  • No visible undergarments or bathing suits
  • No tank tops
  • No low-cut, see-through, or revealing clothing
  • No high-cut shorts or skirts
  • No clothing resembling inmate attire
  • No hats or caps of any kind
  • No clothing with offensive, suggestive, or controversial messages

Dress code violations will result in the denial of visitation. The control officer on duty has the final discretion in determining compliance with these rules.

Visitor Conduct and Facility Rules

Any visitor found to be intoxicated, disrespectful, or acting in a disruptive manner will be denied entry and may face a permanent ban from future visits. Visitors are expected to follow all facility policies to ensure a safe and orderly environment for both inmates and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Broadwater County Detention Center - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Broadwater County Detention Center?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Broadwater County Detention Center, start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Broadwater County Detention Center directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Broadwater County Detention Center?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Broadwater County Detention Center?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Broadwater County Detention Center?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Broadwater County Detention Center before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Broadwater Co Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Broadwater Co Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Broadwater County Detention Center?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Broadwater County Detention Center?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Broadwater Co Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Broadwater Co Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Broadwater County Detention Center?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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