North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP) is a maximum custody facility located in Bismarck, North Dakota. Established in 1885, it is the oldest prison complex in the state and houses men sentenced to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR). The mission of the DOCR, along with NDSP, is transforming lives, influencing change, and strengthening the community.
The North Dakota State Penitentiary houses maximum to minimum custody men. It is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also providing them with opportunities to develop skills and improve their lives. The James River Correctional Center, on the other hand, is a medium-security facility that was opened in 1998 on the grounds of the State Hospital in Jamestown. It is also designed to hold medium-security men.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is responsible for the management and operation of the North Dakota State Penitentiary and other correctional facilities in the state. The DOCR’s mission is to transform lives, influence change, and strengthen the community. They do this by providing inmates with education, vocational training, and other programs that help them develop the skills they need to succeed once they are released.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 779 |
| Physical Address | 3100 Railroad Avenue Bismarck, ND 58501 |
| Mailing Address | North Dakota State Penitentiary 3100 Railroad Avenue PO Box 5521 Bismarck, ND 58506-5521 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday: 8:15 am – 11:30 am, 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm Sunday: 8:15 am – 3:30 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 701-328-6100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
The North Dakota State Penitentiary is a maximum custody facility located in Bismarck, North Dakota. It is one of four prisons managed by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The mission of the DOCR, along with NDSP, is transforming lives, influencing change, and strengthening the community.
Location
The NDSP is located in Bismarck, the capital city of North Dakota. The prison is situated on a 20-acre campus that includes several buildings and a large yard. The facility is located at 3100 Railroad Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501.
History
The NDSP was established in 1885, and it is the oldest prison in North Dakota. The original prison was a log building that housed 12 inmates. Over the years, the prison has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with the growing population of inmates.
Joseph Joyce is the current warden of the NDSP. He has been with the DOCR for over 25 years and has held various positions within the department.
The Department’s mission is to enhance public safety, reduce the risk of future criminal behavior by holding individuals accountable, and provide opportunities for change. The NDSP is an integral part of achieving this mission.
The NDSP offers various career opportunities, including positions for correctional officers, food service workers, and medical staff. The Department requires a Bachelor of Science degree for all correctional officer positions.
In conclusion, the NDSP is an important part of the State of North Dakota’s criminal justice system. It is governed by the North Dakota Century Code and plays a vital role in enhancing public safety. The NDSP is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering programs and opportunities for change.
Facilities
The North Dakota State Penitentiary is a maximum custody facility that houses men sentenced to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The prison has several housing units, including the North Unit, West Unit, Segregation Unit, and State Hospital.
State Hospital
The State Hospital is a medical unit that provides medical care to inmates who require specialized medical attention. The unit has a medical staff that includes doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. The State Hospital also has a pharmacy that provides medication to inmates.
Overall, the North Dakota State Penitentiary provides a range of facilities to meet the needs of its inmate population. The prison has a strong focus on rehabilitation, with programs designed to help inmates prepare for reentry into society. The housing units are designed to provide inmates with a safe and secure environment while they serve their sentences.
Inmate Programs
The North Dakota State Penitentiary offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for life after their release. These programs are designed to help inmates transform their lives, influence change, and strengthen their communities.
Orientation
Upon arrival at the NDSP, new inmates go through a four-week orientation program. During this program, the rules and regulations of the facility are explained, and various staff members provide information on the programs available to inmates. The orientation program is designed to help inmates adjust to their new environment and prepare them for their time at the NDSP.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment
The NDSP offers a range of alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs for inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates overcome their addiction and develop the skills they need to stay sober after their release. The programs include individual counseling, group therapy, and educational classes on addiction and recovery. Inmates can also participate in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.
Vocational Training
The NDSP offers vocational training programs to help inmates develop the skills they need to find employment after their release. These programs include welding, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Inmates can also participate in educational programs to earn their GED or improve their literacy skills.
The NDSP also offers programs for inmates who have been convicted of misdemeanors. These programs are designed to help these inmates avoid future criminal behavior and successfully re-enter society.
All of these programs are in accordance with state law and are aimed at transforming the lives of inmates, influencing change, and strengthening the community.
Visitation
Visiting an inmate is an important way to maintain family connections and support during incarceration. The North Dakota State Penitentiary allows for visitation with some restrictions. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations to ensure safety and security for everyone involved.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the North Dakota State Penitentiary are held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The hours are:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:15 am – 11:30 am, 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
- Sunday: 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Saturday: 8:15 am – 11:30 am are adult-only visitation.
Visitation Application
All visitors must complete a visitation application, be pre-approved, and be placed on the resident’s visitation list prior to visiting. The application can be downloaded from the DOCR website. Visitors must provide a valid photo ID and undergo a background check.
Inmates can receive mail at the following address:
Resident Name and Number
North Dakota State Penitentiary
P.O. Box 5521
Bismarck ND 58506-5521All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and must follow the rules and regulations outlined by the North Dakota State Penitentiary.
Telephone
Inmates can make collect calls from the North Dakota State Penitentiary. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls. The cost of the call is the responsibility of the person accepting the call.
Visitors can deposit money into an inmate’s account using the kiosk located in the lobby of the North Dakota State Penitentiary on Railroad Avenue. The kiosk accepts cash and credit/debit cards.