Pennington County MN Jail

You can support your loved ones at Pennington Co Jail on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 218-416-7097.

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 Pennington Co Jail is a detention center located at 102 1st St W Thief River Falls, MN which is operated locally by the Pennington 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. Pennington County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Thief River Falls 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.

The Pennington County Jail is an indirect supervision facility designed to house both sentenced and pretrial adult male and female offenders. Licensed by the State of Minnesota, the facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 92 inmates, organized across seven housing units under the leadership of Jail Administrator Dave Casanova. Each housing unit is equipped with essential amenities, including video visitation terminals, telephones, a common television, gaming and dining tables, and a natural lighting source to maintain inmate well-being.

The mission of Pennington County Corrections is to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment for inmates, staff, and the public. In alignment with this mission, the facility offers inmates opportunities to improve themselves during their incarceration, supporting rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community.

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.

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 services such as food service, vending, phone access, and health care are managed through contracted providers, while a specialized mental health team addresses the needs of detainees with medical and mental health challenges. This comprehensive approach to detention ensures that the facility maintains security while offering programs aimed at rehabilitation and inmate welfare.

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.

Work Release

The Sentence to Serve (STS) program, operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), offers a sentencing alternative for non-violent offenders. Under close supervision by Crew Leaders, STS participants perform community service on projects that benefit local communities and surrounding areas. This program provides offenders with the opportunity to contribute positively to society while serving their sentences.

The Work Release Program is designed to assist offenders in transitioning back into the community by offering a structured and supervised environment during the final stages of incarceration. Eligible offenders are considered based on their current and prior criminal behavior, institutional conduct, and history of alcohol or chemical dependency. Participants can enter work releases during the last eight months before their supervised release date. This program partners with public and private agencies to provide residential work release services, which include structured living arrangements, close supervision, and surveillance, ensuring offenders are better prepared for successful, crime-free reintegration into society.

The Huber Program offers eligible offenders the opportunity to maintain employment or education while serving their sentences. This program allows individuals to continue working or attending school during the day and return to the facility during non-working hours, supporting their rehabilitation and financial stability while incarcerated.