Ward County opened a new jail in 2017, which was an expansion of an already existing one. The inmate capacity was increased from 104 to 300 beds to meet the existing demand and improve conditions (Fundingsland, 2018). At the moment, there are 74 persons confined, with 19 full-time employees (“Ward County, ND jail roster,” n.d). As a part of the renovation program, the jail uses a video visitation system providing an opportunity to conduct visitation sessions and communicate (“Ward County, ND jail roster,” n.d). It helps to avoid problems with organizing real-life meetings and guarantees a high level of security. Inmates have an opportunity to use this service provided by Turnkey Correction following the existing schedule. The lobby visitation hours are:
- 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM from Monday to Thursday
- 1:00 PM -5:00 PM from Saturday to Sunday (“Ward County, ND jail roster,” n.d.).
The off-site hours are:
- 1:00 PM- 10:00 PM Every Day (“Ward County, ND jail roster,” n.d.).
The recent jail expansion also preconditioned the emergence of more inmate-holding cells to mitigate the problem of overcrowding and provide individuals with better conditions and environments (Fundingsland, 2018). At the same time, there are recreation areas for inmates, a public lobby, visitation areas, and health services for both officers and prisoners (Fundingsland, 2018). It guarantees meeting new demands on quality and safety. Jail also has security updates presupposing new technologies, such as improved monitoring, using the precast concrete wall, and structural systems to create a safe and protected zone.
North Dakota jail also offers the service of finding relevant information about all registered sex offenders by accessing the database. The classification of inmates depends on the severity of the crime and their experience (“Ward County, ND jail roster,” n.d.). In such a way, the Ward County jail in Minot can be viewed as a new detention center meeting modern demands.
Reference
Fundingsland, K. (2018). #4: New Ward County jail.Minot Daily News.
Ward County, ND jail roster. (n.d.). USA County Records.