Cook County MN Jail

You can support your loved ones at Cook Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 218-387-3030.

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 Cook Co Jail is a detention center located at 143 Gunflint Tr Grand Marais, MN which is operated locally by the Cook 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. Cook County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Grand Marais 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 Minnesota here.

Under the management of Jail Administrator Ben Hallberg, the Cook County Jail serves as a secure detention facility accommodating both male and female adult offenders. Its operations include five individual holding cells specifically designated for first-appearance and pre-trial inmates, where they may be held for up to 72 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Additionally, the jail features a 10-bed Work Release/Huber unit, enabling individuals serving community service or Huber sentences to reside at the facility for up to one year while fulfilling their obligations. Notably, the jail does not house juvenile offenders, reflecting its focus on adult detention services.

For long-term pre-trial inmates sentenced to less than one year who do not qualify for the Work Release program, accommodations are arranged in neighboring counties. These inmates either return to Cook County for court appearances via transport or participate in court proceedings remotely through Zoom from their assigned locations. This approach ensures judicial processes are upheld while balancing the facility's capacity and resources.

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. Click here 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 not only benefits the community through valuable labor contributions but also offers inmates the chance to develop a strong work ethic, learn transferable job skills, and build a sense of accountability.