Inmate Information & Services
Complete guide to inmate services and procedures at Yellowstone County Detention Center
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Detention Rules & Regulations
Inmate Handbook
Each inmate booked into Yellowstone County Detention Center receives an Inmate Handbook containing comprehensive rules and regulations. This handbook outlines:
- Rights and Responsibilities - What inmates are entitled to and expected to do
- Prohibited Acts - Behaviors and actions that are forbidden within the facility
- Disciplinary Procedures - Types of disciplinary action for rule violations
- Facility Operations - Daily schedules, meal times, and general procedures
- Grievance Procedures - How to file complaints or request assistance
Accessibility Services: If an inmate cannot read or has visual impairments, the Inmate Handbook will be read aloud and verbally explained. For inmates who do not speak English, bilingual staff members are available to provide translation services.
Inmate Mail Services
📬 General Mail
Inmates at Yellowstone County Detention Center may receive mail from friends and family. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and security purposes.
Mailing Address:
Inmate ID Number
Yellowstone County Detention Center
3165 King Ave E
Billings, MT 59101
Mailing Guidelines:
- Include inmate's full name and ID number
- Sender's return address is required
- Letters and postcards are permitted
- No cash, checks, or money orders in mail
- Photos must be appropriate (no Polaroids)
- All mail is subject to inspection
⚖️ Legal Mail
Legal mail from attorneys is treated with special handling to protect attorney-client privilege. This mail must be clearly marked as legal correspondence.
Legal Mail Requirements:
- Must be from the inmate's attorney of record
- Envelope must be marked "Legal Mail - Confidential"
- Include attorney's name and bar number
- Opened only in presence of inmate
- Inspected for contraband but not read
❌ Prohibited Items in Mail
- Cash or money orders
- Stamps or stickers
- Polaroid photographs
- Perfumed items
- Glitter or sparkles
- Staples or paperclips
- Gang-related materials
- Explicit or inappropriate content
📞 Inmate Telephone System
Yellowstone County Detention Center provides a telephone system for inmates to maintain contact with family and friends. The facility uses a collect-calling system through a contracted service provider.
How It Works
- Collect Calls Only - All calls are collect; inmates cannot receive incoming calls
- Approved Numbers - Inmates can only call pre-approved phone numbers
- Time Limits - Calls are typically limited to 15-20 minutes
- Scheduled Hours - Phones available during designated hours
- Call Monitoring - All calls are recorded and monitored (except attorney calls)
Setting Up Phone Service
To receive collect calls from an inmate:
- Contact the phone service provider
- Set up a prepaid or billing account
- Provide your contact information
- Add funds to your account
- Accept calls when the inmate contacts you
Important Phone System Information
📵 No Incoming Calls
Inmates cannot receive incoming calls. All communication must be inmate-initiated.
🎙️ Call Recording
All calls are recorded and may be monitored for security purposes. Attorney calls are privileged.
⏰ Time Restrictions
Phones are available during specific hours. Emergency calls may be arranged through staff.
💰 Inmate Money & Commissary
Sending Money to Inmates
Friends and family can deposit money into an inmate's account for commissary purchases, phone calls, and other approved expenses.
Deposit Methods:
- In Person - Lobby kiosk at the detention center (cash or card)
- Online - Through approved vendor websites (fees apply)
- Phone - Call approved vendor service (fees apply)
- Mail - Money orders only (no cash) sent to facility
Commissary Services
Inmates can purchase approved items from the commissary using funds in their inmate account.
Available Items:
- Snacks and beverages
- Hygiene products
- Writing materials
- Clothing items
- Over-the-counter medications
- Electronics (radios, MP3 players)
Commissary Schedule:
Orders are typically placed weekly. Delivery times vary by housing unit. Contact the facility for specific schedules.
⚠️ Money Restrictions
- Weekly spending limits may apply
- No inmate-to-inmate transfers
- Funds may be held for court fees or restitution
- Remaining balance returned upon release
📚 Educational Programs
Yellowstone County Detention Center offers educational opportunities including:
- GED preparation classes
- Adult basic education
- Life skills training
- Vocational programs
- Library access
🏥 Medical Services
Comprehensive healthcare services are available to all inmates:
- 24/7 medical staff on duty
- Sick call procedures
- Mental health services
- Dental care
- Prescription medications
- Emergency medical care
⛪ Religious Services
Inmates have access to religious programs and spiritual guidance:
- Multi-faith religious services
- Chaplain visits
- Religious materials and texts
- Volunteer religious programs
- Individual spiritual counseling
💼 Work Programs
Eligible inmates may participate in work programs:
- Facility maintenance assignments
- Kitchen and food service
- Laundry services
- Trustee opportunities
- Earn credit toward sentences
⚖️ Yellowstone County Warrant Search
Check for Outstanding Warrants
If you believe you may have an outstanding warrant in Yellowstone County, Montana, it's important to address it promptly. Active warrants can lead to arrest at any time.
How to Check for Warrants:
- Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office: (406) 256-2929
- Billings Police Department: (406) 657-8200
- Montana Warrants Database: Check with Montana Department of Justice
- In Person: Visit the Yellowstone County Courthouse
⚠️ Important Legal Notice
If you have an active warrant, contact an attorney before turning yourself in. Legal representation can help navigate the process and potentially arrange a voluntary surrender. Do not ignore an active warrant - it will not go away on its own.
Types of Warrants
- Arrest warrants
- Bench warrants
- Search warrants
- Failure to appear warrants
What to Do
- Verify the warrant details
- Consult with an attorney
- Gather necessary documents
- Consider voluntary surrender
📦 Inmate Property & Belongings
All personal property brought into the facility at the time of booking is inventoried and stored. Most personal items are not allowed in housing units for security reasons.
Property Upon Release
- All property is returned upon release
- Verify property inventory at booking
- Report missing items immediately
- Property held for 90 days after release
- Friend/family can pick up with authorization
Prohibited Property
- Weapons of any kind
- Illegal drugs or paraphernalia
- Large amounts of cash
- Cell phones and electronics
- Jewelry (except wedding rings)
📞 Questions About Inmate Services?
For specific questions about inmate services, mail, phone calls, or commissary, please contact:
Yellowstone County Detention Center
Phone: (406) 256-6881
Address: 3165 King Ave E, Billings, MT 59101
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM