The prison system in North Dakota has been a topic of discussion and debate for many years. As with many other states in the US, the prison population in North Dakota has increased significantly over the past few decades.
This has led to issues such as overcrowding, understaffing, and high recidivism rates. Additionally, there have been concerns raised about the conditions within the prisons, including the quality of healthcare and the use of solitary confinement.
In this article, we will explore the current state of the prison system in North Dakota, the challenges it faces, and some of the efforts being made to address these issues.
North Dakota Prison Map
Use the North Dakota prison map below to locate any facility. Click on the map markers to read our detailed guide of that facility.
State Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Level | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State Penitentiary | Bismarck, ND | 1,550 | Maximum | Male | North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation |
| James River Correctional Center | Jamestown, ND | 628 | Medium | Male | North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation |
| Missouri River Correctional Center | Bismarck, ND | 191 | Minimum | Male | North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation |
| Heart River Correctional Center | Mandan, ND | 680 | Medium | Male | North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation |
| Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center | New England, ND | 125 | Medium | Female | North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation |
North Dakota State Penitentiary
The North Dakota State Penitentiary is a correctional facility located in Bismarck, North Dakota. It is a part of the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and houses a record number of inmates, currently standing at 1,550 as of January 2013.
The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for those who have been convicted of crimes and are serving sentences.
It offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates improve their lives and prepare for reentry into society, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
The staff at the North Dakota State Penitentiary is committed to maintaining a professional and respectful environment that ensures the safety and well-being of all inmates, staff, and visitors.
James River Correctional Center
The James River Correctional Center (JRCC) is a medium-security prison located in Jamestown, North Dakota. The facility is designed to house male inmates and is operated by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
As a medium security facility, JRCC provides a higher level of security than a minimum security prison, but less than that of a maximum security facility.
The prison is responsible for the care, custody, and control of its inmates, and provides a range of programs and services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
The facility is staffed by trained professionals who work to maintain a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff. Overall, the James River Correctional Center plays an important role in the criminal justice system of North Dakota and is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and rehabilitation.
Missouri River Correctional Center
Missouri River Correctional Center (MRCC) is a 13-dorm, 191-bed housing unit located south of Bismarck and along the Missouri River. The current facility opened on December 14, 1992, and it primarily houses men with a custody level of minimum.
A range of program services is provided to residents at the MRCC, including treatment, education, employment, medical, religious, personal wellness, and work release. These programs aim to help residents reintegrate into society and lead productive lives upon release.
The facility has a team of trained professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that residents receive the support they need. The MRCC plays a vital role in North Dakota’s criminal justice system, and it is committed to promoting public safety and reducing recidivism.
Heart River Correctional Center
Heart River Correctional Center is a medium-security state prison located in Mandan, North Dakota. It was opened in 2005 and has a capacity of 680 inmates.
The prison houses male inmates and provides a range of programs and services, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling.
The facility has a staff of approximately 200 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
Heart River Correctional Center is operated by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and is accredited by the American Correctional Association.
Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center
The Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (SWMCCC) in North Dakota is a facility that values the safety, care, and respect of its inmates. Its primary responsibility is to ensure public safety and supervise individuals under its care.
SWMCCC is committed to providing high-quality services and products within its available resources. The facility’s greatest asset is its employees, and SWMCCC is dedicated to helping them reach their full potential.
The administration believes in open communication and invites employees to share their ideas and concerns to ensure that facility goals and policies reflect the needs of its employees.
Working together as a team is highly valued, and SWMCCC expects loyalty and commitment from its employees to achieve agreed-upon facility goals and objectives.
Sources:
https://www.docr.nd.gov/adult-facilities/north-dakota-state-penitentiary
https://www.docr.nd.gov/adult-facilities/james-river-correctional-center
https://www.docr.nd.gov/adult-facilities/missouri-river-correctional-center
https://www.docr.nd.gov/adult-facilities/heart-river-correctional-center