Williams County Correctional Center: Williston, ND Jail Roster & Inmate Search Guide (2026)

Disambiguation Note: The City of Williston does not operate an independent municipal jail. All individuals arrested within Williston city limits by local police, or throughout the broader county by the Williams County Sheriff's Office, are housed at the Williams County Correctional Center (WCCC) located in Williston, North Dakota.

Locating an individual who has been arrested and detained in Williston, North Dakota, requires navigating the regional public safety database managed by the Williams County Sheriff's Office. As the primary correctional facility for the region, the Williams County Correctional Center (WCCC) processes all local arrests, holds pre-trial detainees, and houses individuals sentenced for misdemeanor and select felony violations under North Dakota state law.

Maintaining up-to-date access to these records is critical for families, legal counsel, and bail bondsmen. This guide provides comprehensive, real-time administrative procedures for accessing the Williston, ND jail roster, executing inmate searches, arranging visitation, posting bail, and sending inmate funds during the 2026 calendar year.

Accessing the Williston ND Jail Roster: Official Methods

The Williams County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public safety booking portal that lists individuals currently detained at the correctional facility. This roster is updated periodically throughout the day as bookings, releases, and transfers occur.

To perform a search, individuals can access the active roster through three primary avenues:

• Online Inmate Portal: The official Williams County Sheriff’s Office website hosts a digital intake roster. Users can filter searches by first name, last name, booking date, or specific charges.
• Direct Telephonic Inquiry: For individuals who do not have internet access or require immediate confirmation of an arrestee's status, the WCCC control room can be contacted directly. Staff can verify whether an individual is currently processed, though they cannot provide detailed legal advice or court dates over the phone.
• In-Person Public Terminals: The Law Enforcement Center lobby in Williston provides a public-use terminal where the active roster and public police logs can be viewed.

The information displayed on the active roster constitutes public records under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18. However, a booking record is not an assumption of guilt; it merely indicates an administrative detention.

Williams County Correctional Center Directory & Contact Information

The table below contains the verified operational details, physical address, and communication channels for the Williams County Correctional Center in Williston, ND, updated for 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Locate an Inmate in Williams County

Executing a search for an individual suspected of being in custody involves a systematic verification process to ensure you obtain accurate custody status, bond values, and scheduled court appearances.

Step 1: Gather Identifying Information

Before initiating a search, obtain the individual's full legal spelling of their first and last name, along with their date of birth if available. Common names may return multiple results, and having a middle initial or date of birth helps isolate the correct record.

Step 2: Access the Official County Roster

Navigate to the active booking portal hosted by Williams County.

• Review the alphabetical listing of active bookings.
• Note the "Booking Number" and "Mugshot" to confirm identity.
• Identify the listed "Charges" and the corresponding "Court Jurisdiction" (e.g., Williams County District Court or Williston Municipal Court).

Step 3: Verify Custody and Bond Status

If the individual’s name appears on the active roster, click on the record to view details:

• Status: Confirm if they are eligible for immediate release on bond or if they are held on a "No Bond" warrant (common in domestic violence or felony probation violation arrests pending a judicial hearing).
• Bond Amount: Look for the specific dollar amount required for release. This may be categorized as Cash Only, Cash/Surety, or Personal Recognizance.

Step 4: Contact the Facility for Confirmation

If the arrest occurred within the last two to three hours, the individual may still be in the intake and booking phase. During intake, names may not immediately appear on the public online roster. Call the correctional center dispatch line at (701) 577-7700 to verify booking status if the online search yields no results.

Posting Bail and Bond at the Williams County Jail

Securing the release of an inmate prior to their court trial is typically accomplished by posting bail. The Williams County Correctional Center accepts several forms of bond, subject to the conditions set forth by the presiding judge of the Northwest Judicial District.

Types of Bonds Accepted

• Cash Bond: The full amount of the bail must be paid in cash directly to the facility. This money is held by the court clerk to guarantee the defendant's appearance at all scheduled court dates. Provided the defendant adheres to all court orders and misses no hearings, this money is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus administrative court fees.
• Surety Bond: If the bail amount is too high to pay in cash, families may utilize a licensed North Dakota bail bondsman. The bondsman charges a non-refundable premium (typically 10% of the total bail amount) and posts a surety bond with the court guaranteeing the full amount if the defendant fails to appear.
• Property Bond: In specific high-value bond situations, the court may allow real estate property within North Dakota to be pledged as collateral. This requires a formal hearing before a judge and real estate appraisal documentation.

Rules on Cash Bond Processing

Identification RequirementAny individual posting a cash bond in person at the Williams County Law Enforcement Center must present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification card (driver's license, state ID, or passport).

Administrative Processing TimesWhile WCCC accepts bail payments 24/7, the actual administrative release of an inmate can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on staffing, ongoing intake procedures, and shift changes. Cash payments are processed through the self-service kiosk located in the main lobby or directly via deputy clerks during regular business hours.

Rules and Protocols for Inmate Communications, Visitation, and Funds

The Williams County Correctional Center maintains strict operational standards to protect the safety of staff, visitors, and inmates. Violations of these rules can result in the loss of privileges or criminal prosecution.

Mail and Correspondence Guidelines

Inmates may receive written correspondence through the U.S. Postal Service.

• Addressing Format: Address all mail clearly with the inmate's full legal name, booking number, and the correct PO Box destination (PO Box 2047, Williston, ND 58802).
• Contraband Restrictions: No packages, polaroid photos, perfume-scented letters, or correspondence containing glitter, glue, or metal are permitted.
• Legal Mail: Correspondence from legal counsel or court officials must be clearly marked as "Legal Mail" and will be opened only in the presence of the inmate to verify the absence of contraband.

Video Visitation Regulations

In-person social visits are largely restricted, with the facility utilizing remote video visitation platforms.

• Scheduling: Visitors must register and pre-schedule all sessions through the county’s approved communications vendor portal.
• Conduct: All remote and onsite video visits are monitored and recorded. Inappropriate conduct, displays of nudity, or discussions concerning illegal activities will result in immediate termination of the session and a permanent ban on the account.

Depositing Funds to Inmate Trust Accounts

Inmates use trust accounts (commissary accounts) to purchase personal hygiene items, snacks, writing materials, and telephone credits.

1. Lobby Kiosk: A secure payment kiosk in the Law Enforcement Center lobby accepts cash and credit/debit cards.
2. Online Services: Funds can be deposited remotely through the designated third-party inmate service website using the inmate's official booking ID.
3. Telephone Deposits: Depositors can call the automated toll-free payment system authorized by Williams County to make deposits using a debit or credit card.

Legal Considerations: Understanding Charges, Custody Status, and Rights

Navigating the criminal justice system in Williston requires a baseline understanding of North Dakota legal frameworks. Detainees held at the Williams County Correctional Center fall into several distinct legal categories:

• Pre-Trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested but not yet convicted of the current charges. They remain in custody because they cannot afford the set bail, are held on a non-bailable offense, or are awaiting their initial appearance before a magistrate.
• Sentenced Inmates: Individuals convicted of local misdemeanors or short-term felonies who have been sentenced to serve time (usually less than one year) directly at the county level instead of a North Dakota state prison.
• Hold Status: WCCC regularly holds individuals on behalf of federal agencies (such as the U.S. Marshals Service), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or adjacent counties lacking sufficient bed space.

Under North Dakota law, arrested individuals must be brought before a judge for an initial appearance within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 36 to 48 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and state holidays. During this initial hearing, the judge formally reads the charges, informs the defendant of their constitutional rights, establishes the conditions of release, and determines bail.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Williston ND Jail Roster

How often is the Williston ND jail roster updated?

The online active roster for the Williams County Correctional Center is updated multiple times throughout the day, automatically reflecting real-time bookings, transfers, and releases. However, delays may occur during high-volume periods or system maintenance windows, so direct phone verification is recommended for immediate accuracy.

Can I view mugshots online for Williams County inmates?

Yes, public mugshots are generally accessible directly on the Williams County active jail roster portal unless restricted by specific privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or judicial orders. These photos are taken during the administrative intake process.

What should I do if a family member is arrested in Williston?

First, verify their booking and active custody status using the Williams County jail roster online or by calling (701) 577-7700. Next, note the charge and bail amount, then contact a licensed local bail bondsman or legal counsel to assist in securing their release and representing them at their initial court appearance.

How do I send money to an inmate in the Williams County Correctional Center?

You can deposit funds into an inmate’s trust account online via the county's designated third-party payment vendor, over the phone, or in person using the secure electronic kiosk located in the lobby of the Law Enforcement Center at 223 E Broadway, Williston, ND.

Are public records of arrests expungable in North Dakota?

North Dakota law allows for the sealing or expungement of criminal records under specific conditions, such as cases resulting in an acquittal, dismissed charges, or after the completion of deferred imposition of sentence programs. You must petition the court of jurisdiction to initiate this legal process.

Legal Representation and Defense Advocacy

An arrest in Williams County can carry profound consequences for employment, housing, and personal liberty. Securing experienced, localized legal counsel immediately following a booking is a critical step in preserving your constitutional rights.

If you or a loved one is currently listed on the Williams County jail roster, consider contacting a qualified criminal defense attorney licensed in North Dakota to represent your interests at the preliminary hearing. Experienced counsel can argue for reduced bail, advocate for personal recognizance release, and begin building a rigorous defense against municipal, county, or state charges.