Cass County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Cass County?
Inmate records in Cass County, North Dakota, are official documents maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Cass County Jail that document the custody status, personal history, and legal circumstances of individuals held in local correctional facilities. These records are distinct from court records: while the Cass County District Court maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders, the jail and sheriff's office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record bond conditions, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived but generally remains accessible under applicable public records law.
Under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, public entities are required to maintain records and make them available to the public unless a specific exemption applies. Custody and booking records maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office fall within the scope of this statute.
Cass County Sheriff's Office 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 241-5800 Cass County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Cass County?
Inmate records maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office are generally considered public records under North Dakota law. North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18 establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records, and booking and custody records are not categorically exempt from disclosure. Members of the public may access a range of inmate information without demonstrating a specific legal interest or purpose.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held at the Cass County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and circumstances of intake
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the arrest or detention
- Mugshots — photographs taken at the time of booking
- Bond and bail amounts — the financial conditions set for release
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit where the individual is held
Certain categories of information may be withheld where disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger a third party, or where a court has issued a sealing order. Juvenile records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under North Dakota Century Code § 27-20.4 and are not publicly accessible in the same manner as adult records.
What's Included Inmate Records in Cass County
Inmate records maintained by the Cass County Jail and Sheriff's Office contain a comprehensive set of data fields that are created at booking and updated throughout the period of custody.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Current custody status (in custody, released, transferred)
- Housing unit or cell assignment
- Facility name
Charge Information:
- All charges at the time of booking
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Statute cited for each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date
- Presiding court and case number
- Attorney of record (where available)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Projected release date
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond posted, sentence served, transferred, dismissed)
- Conditions of release or supervision requirements
Cass County Prison System
Cass County operates a local jail system designed to house individuals who are awaiting trial, serving short-term sentences, or being held on detainers from other jurisdictions. The Cass County Jail functions as the primary pre-trial detention facility for the county and typically houses individuals serving sentences of up to one year, consistent with the standard distinction between county jails and state prisons. Individuals convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding one year are generally transferred to facilities operated by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The Cass County Sheriff's Office administers the jail and is responsible for the intake, housing, supervision, and release of all detainees. Persons arrested within the City of Fargo by the Fargo Police Department are transferred to the custody of the Cass County Sheriff's Department and housed at the Cass County Jail, as the city does not operate a separate detention facility.
Cass County Sheriff's Office / Cass County Jail 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 241-5800 Cass County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Cass County
Cass County's correctional infrastructure consists of the following facilities:
Cass County Jail The primary detention facility for the county, the Cass County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and persons held on federal or state detainers. The facility is operated by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and is located in Fargo, the county seat.
211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 241-5800 Cass County Sheriff's Office
North Dakota State Penitentiary (State-Level) Individuals from Cass County who are convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to state correctional facilities administered by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The state penitentiary is located in Bismarck and serves as the primary maximum-security facility for the state.
3100 Railroad Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 328-6100 North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Who's in Prison In Cass County
The Cass County Jail houses several distinct categories of individuals at any given time. Understanding who is held in the county facility, as opposed to a state prison, is important for locating a specific individual.
- Pre-trial detainees — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted; they are held because they were unable to post bond or were denied bail
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of up to one year
- Individuals awaiting transfer — persons convicted of felonies who are awaiting transfer to a North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facility
- Federal detainees — individuals held on behalf of federal agencies under intergovernmental agreements
- Probation and parole violators — individuals detained for alleged violations of supervision conditions
- Civil detainees — persons held pursuant to civil court orders in limited circumstances
Individuals who have been transferred to state custody will not appear on the Cass County Jail roster and must be located through the North Dakota DOCR resident lookup tool.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Cass County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Cass County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Online Search:
- Visit the Cass County Sheriff's Office official website to access any available online inmate roster or jail population list
- For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, use the North Dakota DOCR resident lookup tool, which provides current incarceration status for individuals held in state facilities
By Telephone:
- Members of the public may call the Cass County Jail directly at (701) 241-5800 to inquire about a specific individual's custody status
- Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody, the charges on file, and bond information
In Person:
- Requests may be submitted in person at the Cass County Sheriff's Office, located at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103
- Public counter hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though individuals should confirm current hours by telephone prior to visiting
Written Public Records Request:
- Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, members of the public may submit a written request for inmate records to the Cass County Sheriff's Office
- Requests should include the full name of the individual, approximate date of birth, and the specific records sought
- Fees for copying records may apply in accordance with the county's established fee schedule
How To Find an Inmate in Cass County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an inmate held in Cass County or transferred to state custody.
- Cass County Sheriff's Office website — The official website may provide a publicly accessible inmate roster at no charge. Members of the public may visit Cass County Sheriff's Office to check for available search tools.
- Telephone inquiry — Calling the Cass County Jail at (701) 241-5800 to request custody status information is free of charge.
- North Dakota DOCR Resident Lookup — The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides a free online search tool for individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities. This tool is accessible at no cost and does not require account registration.
- Fargo Police Department FAQ — The City of Fargo provides publicly available guidance on jail and custody of arrested persons, including information on how to determine whether someone has been booked into the Cass County Jail following an arrest by Fargo Police.
- North Dakota District Court records — Court case information, which may reflect custody status, is accessible through the North Dakota Courts public access portal at no charge for basic case lookups.
How To Visit an Inmate In Cass County
Visitation at the Cass County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Cass County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list; inmates are responsible for submitting visitor requests to facility staff
- Visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit
- All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the facility
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation schedules are set by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and are subject to change; members of the public should contact the facility at (701) 241-5800 to confirm current visitation days and times
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, alcohol, or any contraband
- Cell phones, cameras, or electronic recording devices
- Food, beverages, or packages not authorized in advance by facility staff
Dress Code:
- Visitors must dress appropriately; clothing that resembles inmate uniforms or law enforcement attire is prohibited
- Revealing or offensive clothing may result in denial of entry
Visit Types:
- The Cass County Jail may offer in-person contact visits, non-contact visits through a partition, and video visitation depending on the inmate's classification and facility capacity
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitation may be suspended or restricted as a disciplinary measure or during facility lockdowns
- Individuals with certain criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges at the discretion of facility administration
How To Send Money to a Cass County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Cass County Jail through approved methods. These funds allow inmates to purchase items from the commissary, make telephone calls, and cover other authorized expenses.
Approved Methods:
- Online deposits — The Cass County Jail may utilize a third-party service provider for online deposits; members of the public should contact the facility at (701) 241-5800 or visit the Sheriff's Office website for the current approved platform
- Kiosk deposits — Deposit kiosks may be available at the facility lobby for cash or card transactions
- Money order — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be accepted by mail
Amount Limits:
- Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply; the facility establishes these limits and they are subject to change
Fees:
- Third-party service providers typically charge a transaction fee for online or kiosk deposits; the fee amount varies by provider and transaction method
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted
- Personal checks are generally not accepted
- Funds from unverified or anonymous sources may be rejected
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:
- Funds may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and certain approved services
- Funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly from the inmate trust account without a court order
How To Send Jail Mail In Cass County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Cass County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by facility staff in accordance with jail policy and applicable law.
Mailing Address: All mail should be addressed to the inmate using their full legal name and booking number, sent to:
Cass County Jail 211 9th Street South Fargo, ND 58103
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All letters must be written on plain white paper; cards and letters with glitter, stickers, or embedded materials are typically rejected
- Envelopes must be standard white; padded envelopes and packages are not accepted unless specifically authorized
- The return address of the sender must appear on the envelope; anonymous mail is not delivered
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; polaroid-style photos and photos with dark or black backgrounds are commonly prohibited
- All mail is opened and inspected for contraband before delivery to the inmate
- Mail containing threatening, obscene, or otherwise prohibited content will not be delivered and may be reported to law enforcement
- Publications such as books and magazines must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved retailer; inmate-received copies sent from private individuals are generally not accepted
Legal Mail:
- Correspondence from attorneys and courts is classified as legal mail and is handled under separate procedures; legal mail is typically opened only in the presence of the inmate to protect attorney-client privilege