Dane County Main Jail

County Jail

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
115 W Doty St, Madison, WI 53703
County
Dane
Phone
608-284-6100
Email
sheriff.cc8@danesheriff.com

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Dane Co Main 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 Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, 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 JailATM™ 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 Dane County Main Jail

You can support your loved ones at Dane Co Main Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 608-284-6100.

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 Dane Co Main Jail is a detention center located at 115 W Doty St Madison, WI which is operated locally by the Dane 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. Dane County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Madison 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 Wisconsin here.

The Dane County Sheriff's Office operates three jail facilities:

  • The Public Safety Building Jail, located downtown adjacent to the County Courthouse one block off the shore of Lake Monona, accommodates medium-security inmates and those sentenced to jail with work release privileges. It also serves as the Booking facility where new prisoners are processed and acts as the centralized location for releases from jail facilities. All property, financial, and administrative offices are situated within this facility.
  • The William H. Ferris Center, positioned at 2120 Rimrock Road near the Coliseum and Exposition Center, holds minimum-security inmates granted work release privileges. This center also manages the administrative office for electronic release programs.
  • Located at 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, the City-County Building Jail houses maximum-security inmates who are either awaiting trial or do not possess work release privileges on their sentences.

Individuals who are sentenced to jail might have the opportunity to participate in the Huber release program, which permits them to leave the jail for approved activities such as employment, schooling, family care, or treatment programs. Eligibility for Huber release is determined by the individual's criminal history and behavior within the jail. The program operates under stringent guidelines, necessitating that all activities during the release are verified and approved by jail staff. Participants are allowed to leave the facility only for these pre-approved engagements, including the required travel time, up to a maximum of six days per week. Failing to follow the required pre-reporting steps could jeopardize one's immediate access to these privileges.

Upon entering the jail, inmates are provided with the Jail Inmate Handbook, which details the facility's operational rules, including those specific to Huber release. Compliance with all outlined rules is compulsory; non-adherence can lead to disciplinary measures that may affect the inmate's eligibility for continued participation in the Huber release program.

The jail has limited storage space, hence incoming inmates are advised to bring only essential items. Prohibited items include duffle bags, luggage, and electronic devices, which must be disposed of before entry. The facility supplies inmates with the necessary items such as jail uniforms, sandals, and basic hygiene products. Inmates may also bring additional personal items, approved by the jail's medical staff or administration, in a disposable bag. These items include a variety of clothing and personal care items, medical necessities like prescription medications in their original containers, dentures, and medically necessary equipment. Furthermore, valid state identification and social security cards are required for those seeking employment during their incarceration.

Once classified and placed in a housing unit, inmates can buy additional provisions from the commissary. Indigent inmates are provided with basic hygiene products. Inmates must also obtain approval from jail staff for any personal property that family or friends might wish to drop off during designated times.

Those interested in jail diversion programs, which offer alternatives to traditional incarceration and aim to reintegrate individuals into the community more effectively, can seek more information through designated contact points provided by the jail administration. These programs are designed to address various aspects of the inmates' needs and facilitate a smoother transition post-release.

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in Wisconsin. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Dane County Main Jail.

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

Public Safety Building Visitation page link

Remote Video Visitation

  • $0.25 per minute
  • Set-up an account at www.gettingout.com
  • Schedule your first visit.
  • Remote Visitation available 7:45 am – 10:45 am; 12:15 pm – 2:00 pm; 5:45 pm – 9:45 pm

NON-CONTACT

  • Monday through Friday - 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm 9 pm
  • Saturday & Sunday - 8 am, 9 am, 10 am | 1 pm, 2 pm | 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm

CONTACT (Contact Visitation has not resumed yet)

  • Tuesday - 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm 9 pm
  • Saturday - 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm

VIDEO VISITATION

  • Monday thru Friday - 8 am, 9 am | 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm 9 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday - 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm

Dane County Jail Public Visitation Guidelines & Schedule

All residents are allowed two (2) forty-five-minute visitation slots per week. Residents are allowed 2 non-contact visits per week. Only scheduled visits will be honored. No walk-up visits are permitted. All visits require 48 hours advance sign up. Visitors must register at the following site: https://www.gtlvisitme.com/app

Visitors must be on time for their scheduled visits. Anyone arriving after their scheduled start time, regardless of the reason, will be denied.

Recommended Professional Visitation Hours:

Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Due to mandatory operational duties, please expect delays during the following times:
Daily: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM / 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM / 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM / 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM

Remote Video Visitation for Attorneys:

  • $0.25 per minute
  • Set-up an account at www.gettingout.com
  • Schedule your first visit.
  • After you have scheduled your first visit, send an email to GTLonsiterep@danesheriff.com
  • They will change your account settings to “Do Not Monitor”.
  • Remote Visitation available 7:45 am – 10:45 am; 12:15 pm – 2:00 pm; 5:45 pm – 9:45 pm

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dane County Main Jail - 25 FAQs

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Dane County Main Jail?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Dane County Main Jail, 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 Dane County Main Jail 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 Dane County Main Jail?
    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 Dane County Main Jail?
    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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane County Main Jail?
    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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane County Main Jail 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane County Main Jail?
    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 Dane County Main Jail?
    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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane Co Main 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 Dane County Main Jail?
    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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