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Broadwater County, Montana • Townsend Jail Information
Broadwater County Jail Roster: Current Inmates, Bookings & Mugshots
Looking for someone in the Broadwater County Jail? The Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office publishes an official inmate roster for the Broadwater County Detention Center in Townsend, Montana. You can search for people currently held in custody, review booking information, check available mugshots, and look for recent releases.
This guide explains how to use the official jail roster, understand charges and bond information, find release records, contact the detention center, arrange visitation, and send inmate funds.
Official source: Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office. This page is an independent informational guide, not a government website or a live inmate database.
Quick Answer: How to Find a Broadwater County Jail Inmate
The online roster does not guarantee an individual’s exact custody status at the moment you view it. For an urgent or time-sensitive question, contact the detention center directly.
How to Search the Broadwater County Jail Roster by Name
The Sheriff’s Office offers a public name-search feature. You do not need to pay a third-party inmate-search website to access the county’s official roster.
- Open the official inmate roster.
Visit broadwatercountysheriff.org/roster.php. The page displays the current inmates list. - Locate the name-search box.
Find the field labeled “Search By Name.” The site accepts a first or last name. - Enter the inmate’s name.
Start with the person’s last name. If you are uncertain about the spelling, try a shorter name or another known spelling. - Review matching results.
Compare the listed name, booking date, booking number, and other available information. Avoid assuming that two people with similar names are the same person. - Open the booking profile.
Select “View Profile” beside a matching entry. Check the available photograph, booking information, charges, and bond details. - Verify information when necessary.
If the information appears outdated or the custody status matters urgently, call the detention center at 406-266-3441.
Broadwater County Jail Roster Today: Current Inmates
The current roster is maintained by the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office for the Broadwater County Detention Center. It provides a public view of people shown as being in county custody.
The roster has sorting, pagination, and name-search functions. Because people are booked, transferred, and released throughout the day, the number of inmates changes and should not be treated as a fixed figure.
| Roster information | What it means |
|---|---|
| Inmate name | The name recorded for the person in the booking system. |
| Booking number | An identifier used to distinguish booking records. |
| Booking date and time | When the booking was recorded by the detention center. |
| Mugshot | A booking photograph, if published and available. |
| Charges | Offense descriptions, holds, or other custody reasons recorded for the booking. |
| Bond | A listed bond amount or an indication that the amount is unavailable. |
| Release information | Information displayed for a person listed in the released-inmate section. |
Check the official current-inmate roster for the latest published entries rather than relying on screenshots or copied jail lists.
Broadwater County Recent Arrests and Booking Records
For recent Broadwater County jail bookings, the online roster is a useful starting point. It lists available booking dates, allowing readers to identify recent entries. The roster should not be confused with a complete historical arrest database.
How to Check Recent Bookings
- Open the official inmate list.
- Select the option to sort from newest to oldest.
- Review the booking date shown for each entry.
- Open the individual’s profile for more information.
- Contact the Sheriff’s Office if you require an older or more complete booking record.
Understanding Common Booking Terms
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Booking | The administrative process of recording someone into custody. |
| Pretrial detainee | A person held while a criminal case is pending. |
| Probation violation | A detention or allegation involving conditions of probation. |
| Warrant | A judicial order that may authorize an arrest or detention. |
| Detainer / hold | A request or legal basis for custody involving another agency or proceeding. |
| Bond | An amount or condition associated with release from custody when permitted. |
| Released | The person is recorded as having left that detention facility’s custody. |
Broadwater County Detention Center can house people awaiting trial, individuals serving county sentences, those held for probation or parole matters, and people detained for other agencies. As a result, not every person listed was arrested for a new offense in Broadwater County.
Broadwater County Jail Mugshots: Where to Find Booking Photos
The official Broadwater County roster displays booking photographs with many inmate entries. These photographs are commonly referred to as jail mugshots.
- Open the current Broadwater County inmate roster.
- Search for a person using their first or last name.
- Locate the matching inmate entry and accompanying photograph, if available.
- Select “View Profile” to inspect the additional booking information.
- Confirm the person’s identity using more than the photograph alone.
If a mugshot is missing, the image may not be available for public display, the record may have changed, or the person may not be listed in the current roster.
A booking photo is not proof of criminal guilt, and the existence of a mugshot does not establish the eventual outcome of a court case.
Broadwater County Jail 48-Hour Release Records
In addition to the current roster, the Sheriff’s Office provides a specific option labeled “48 Hour Release.” This is intended to show people released from the Broadwater County Detention Center during the preceding 48 hours.
How to Check Recent Releases
- Visit the official inmate roster selection page.
- Choose “48 Hour Release.”
- Search or review the entries shown on the released-inmate roster.
- Check the booking and release dates provided.
- For a release outside this period, contact the detention center and ask how to request the relevant record.
A release record confirms a departure from the listed detention facility, not necessarily that the person is free from all custody or legal restrictions. A person may have been transferred to another facility or agency.
What If an Inmate Is Not on the Broadwater County Jail Roster?
An unsuccessful name search does not always mean the person was never arrested or is no longer detained. Several explanations are possible.
- Booking has not been posted: Processing or publication may not yet be complete.
- The person was released: Check the 48-hour release roster.
- Another facility has custody: The person may be detained in a different county, state facility, or federal facility.
- Name mismatch: A record may use a legal name, middle name, alias, or a different spelling.
- Transfer: The person may have moved to another correctional facility.
- Record restrictions: Certain records may not be publicly displayed.
What to Do Next
- Search the last name only.
- Review the current and recent-release rosters.
- Call the jail at 406-266-3441.
- If the person may be under state correctional supervision, use the Montana Department of Corrections Offender Search.
- For court-related questions, check the appropriate Montana court or contact the clerk.
Broadwater County Jail Bond and Bail Information
The inmate roster may show a bond amount, but a displayed amount is not a guarantee that immediate release is authorized. Bond conditions, other warrants, and additional agency holds may affect eligibility.
How to Find an Inmate’s Bond
- Search the official jail roster.
- Open the person’s booking entry.
- Look for the field labeled “Bond.”
- Record the booking number and any available case details.
- Call the detention center to confirm the current bond amount, eligibility, acceptable payment methods, and payment location before sending money or traveling.
If the roster says “Bond amount unavailable,” this does not necessarily establish that the person is being held without bond. The detention center or court can clarify the applicable status.
Bond decisions are made through the relevant legal process. The jail roster is informational and is not a substitute for an official court order.
Broadwater County Detention Center Visitation Hours and Rules
According to the Sheriff’s Office detention-center page, visitation schedules depend on the inmate’s assigned housing pod.
| Housing Pod | Visitation Days | Published Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A Pod | Monday and Thursday | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| A Pod | Saturday | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| B Pod | Monday and Thursday | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| B Pod | Saturday | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| C, D and E Pods | Tuesday and Friday | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| C, D and E Pods | Sunday | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
All times are local Townsend, Montana time. These are the published schedules, not a confirmation that a particular inmate is available for a visit. Check the official visitation page and call ahead for changes, restrictions, or scheduling requirements.
Identification Requirements
Visitors must bring valid government-issued photo identification. The Sheriff’s Office specifically lists driver’s licenses, government identification cards, and passports as acceptable examples. Employment identification and photocopies are not accepted.
Visitor Dress Code
The detention center’s published dress rules prohibit:
- Visible undergarments or bathing suits.
- Tank tops.
- Low-cut, see-through, or otherwise revealing clothing.
- High-cut shorts or skirts.
- Clothing resembling inmate clothing.
- Hats or caps.
- Clothing displaying offensive, suggestive, or controversial messages.
Staff may deny a visit for rule violations. Visitors who are intoxicated, disruptive, or disrespectful may also be refused entry.
Before You Visit
- Locate the inmate and confirm current custody.
- Call 406-266-3441 to ask which housing pod the inmate is assigned to.
- Confirm the current visitation schedule and whether reservations are required.
- Ask about visitor eligibility, minors, and permitted personal items.
- Bring approved photo ID and comply with the facility dress code.
How to Send Money to a Broadwater County Jail Inmate
Broadwater County’s official detention-center page identifies Inmate Canteen as its commissary account service.
Inmate Canteen — Commissary Account Service
Use the provider’s current instructions to determine whether and how a deposit may be made for an eligible inmate at Broadwater County Detention Center.
Steps to Deposit Inmate Funds
- Find the inmate’s correct name and booking details using the county roster.
- Open the Inmate Canteen website.
- Follow the provider’s account registration or sign-in process.
- Select the appropriate facility and inmate if the system offers them.
- Review deposit eligibility, transaction charges, and accepted payment methods.
- Complete the transaction only after confirming that the recipient is correct.
Deposit minimums, maximums, processing times, fees, and available payment methods may change. Confirm the current terms on the provider’s website or with the detention center.
Broadwater County Inmate Phone Calls, Messages and Video Visits
The Sheriff’s Office identifies NCIC as the provider for inmate communications, including video chats and messages.
How to Arrange Inmate Communication
- Confirm that the person is still housed at Broadwater County Detention Center.
- Visit the official NCIC website.
- Review account setup and available correctional-facility services.
- Locate the correct inmate or facility if prompted.
- Review calling, messaging, video-chat availability, pricing, and account-funding instructions.
- Contact the jail if a service is unavailable or the inmate cannot be located.
Calls and electronic communications may be monitored or recorded, subject to applicable rules and exceptions. Ask the facility about attorney-client communications and any procedures for privileged contact.
Communication charges, schedules, and technical requirements should be checked directly with NCIC and the detention center.
Broadwater County Jail Inmate Mail and Approved Items
Before mailing a letter, package, photograph, or other material to someone in custody, verify the current mailing instructions with the detention center.
The official detention-center page states that only glasses or medication, with prior approval, are accepted at the lobby window. It does not establish that all other items are permitted through the mail.
Before Sending Inmate Mail
- Call 406-266-3441 and request the current inmate mailing address and policy.
- Ask whether mail must be addressed through a processing provider rather than directly to the jail.
- Confirm the inmate’s complete name and any required identification number.
- Ask which letters, photographs, books, and other materials are accepted.
- Follow the facility’s instructions for addressing and packaging the correspondence.
Do not assume that the Sheriff’s Office street address is also the correct inmate mail-processing address. Confirm any required routing before mailing anything.
Broadwater County Jail Address, Phone Number and Office Hours
Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office / Detention Center
Physical address:
519 Broadway Street
Townsend, MT 59644
Phone: (406) 266-3441
Telephone availability: Published as a 24-hour number.
Administrative office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Official website: broadwatercountysheriff.org
Official detention-center information: Detention Center Page
Broadwater County Detention Center Location Map
Open directions in Google Maps
The Detention Center is located in Townsend, the county seat of Broadwater County, Montana. Call ahead before arriving to post bond, drop off approved items, or visit an inmate.
The Sheriff’s Office administrative hours are not the same as scheduled inmate visitation hours.
Other Official Montana Inmate and Court Record Searches
If a person does not appear in the Broadwater County roster, or you need legal case information rather than custody information, use the appropriate state resource.
Use this service to look for people in the state’s felony offender supervision system. Search by available name or Department of Corrections identification details. It is not a substitute for the county’s current pretrial jail roster.
Search available public district court information, including certain criminal case records, court events, and case status information. Records depend on court participation and access rules.
Limited Jurisdiction Court Search
Look for available records from participating courts of limited jurisdiction, which may include certain local criminal and misdemeanor proceedings.
The Montana Department of Justice provides information about public criminal history searches. Its published public name-based search fee is $20 per search, subject to current terms and applicable disclosure restrictions.
Montana DOC Victim Notification Information
Montana provides information about the VINE custody-status notification service. The state lists 800-456-3076 as its 24-hour VINE telephone number. Confirm the relevant agency and available notification coverage when registering.
Jail Roster vs. Court Records vs. Criminal History
| Record type | Best use |
|---|---|
| County jail roster | Check current county custody, booking dates, listed charges and mugshots. |
| Recent-release roster | Check people listed as released from the county detention center in the preceding 48 hours. |
| Court case search | Look for case filings, hearings, proceedings, and available court status information. |
| Montana DOC search | Search for individuals within the state felony corrections and supervision system. |
| Criminal history search | Request available criminal history information under Montana disclosure rules. |
A person may appear in one database without appearing in another. These services serve different purposes and have different coverage limits.
How to Request Older Broadwater County Jail Records
The public current-inmate roster and 48-hour release list should not be treated as a complete permanent archive. For older booking documents, incident reports, or custody records, contact the appropriate records custodian.
- Identify the record you need, such as an arrest report, booking record, mugshot, or detention history.
- Gather the person’s name, approximate booking date, and booking number if available.
- Visit the Sheriff’s Office website or call the office to ask where the request should be submitted.
- Ask what identification, written request details, or fees are required.
- Follow the agency’s official request process and retain any request reference information.
Not every record is available for public disclosure. Restrictions may apply to confidential information, juvenile records, protected personal details, ongoing investigations, or records withheld under applicable law.
Important Information About Jail Records and Privacy
Broadwater County’s roster is provided for public information. The Sheriff’s Office warns that its detention center cannot certify the accuracy or authenticity of all information shown.
- A booking entry does not establish guilt.
- A listed charge is not the same as a criminal conviction.
- An older record may not reflect a later dismissal, acquittal, or other case outcome.
- Custody information may change before a website updates.
- A published bond amount may not reflect every release condition or agency hold.
- Identity should be verified carefully before relying on a record about someone with a common name.
For decisions involving court obligations, employment screening, housing, legal rights, or a person’s immediate safety, verify information through the appropriate official source rather than relying exclusively on a jail listing.
Broadwater County Jail Roster: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find out if someone is in Broadwater County Jail?
Visit the official Broadwater County inmate roster and search by first or last name. If you cannot locate the person or need immediate confirmation, call the detention center at 406-266-3441.
2. Is the Broadwater County inmate roster free?
Yes. The Sheriff’s Office provides public online access to its current-inmate and recent-release roster pages without requiring a paid third-party search subscription.
3. Does the Broadwater County jail roster show mugshots?
The official current-inmate roster displays booking photographs for available entries. Search for the inmate by name and open the profile to see the photograph and other published information.
4. How do I find recent Broadwater County jail bookings?
Open the official roster and choose the newest-to-oldest booking-date sort option. Review the displayed booking dates and select a profile for available details. This is not a complete list of every historical arrest.
5. Can I see who was released from Broadwater County Jail?
Yes. The Sheriff’s Office offers a “48 Hour Release” option through its inmate roster page. For older releases or confirmation of a transfer, contact the detention center.
6. What is the Broadwater County Detention Center phone number?
The published telephone number is 406-266-3441. The Sheriff’s Office identifies this as a 24-hour number. Administrative office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
7. Where is Broadwater County Jail located?
The Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center are located at 519 Broadway Street, Townsend, Montana 59644. Confirm visitation or other access arrangements before arriving.
8. How can I visit an inmate at Broadwater County Jail?
Visitation hours are assigned by housing pod. A and B Pods have published visitation on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while C, D, and E Pods have published visitation on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Contact the jail to confirm the inmate’s pod, current hours, and visitor requirements.
9. How do I send money or communicate with an inmate?
The Sheriff’s Office lists Inmate Canteen for commissary services and NCIC for communications such as messaging and video chats. Check the service’s current instructions, eligibility, and fees before making a payment.
10. Why is an inmate missing from the Broadwater County roster?
The person might have been released, transferred, booked recently, listed under another name, or excluded from public display. Check the recent-release list, try alternative name spellings, and contact the detention center for clarification.
Official Broadwater County Jail Resources
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Current Inmate Roster | Search Current Inmates |
| Current and 48-Hour Release Options | Roster Selection Page |
| Detention Center and Visitation | Detention Center Information |
| Sheriff’s Office | Official Sheriff’s Website |
| Montana State Offender Search | Montana DOC Lookup |
| Montana Court Records | Court Public Access Portals |
| Montana Criminal History Checks | Montana DOJ Records |
Where to Go Next
If your goal is to find a person currently detained in Townsend, start with the official Broadwater County Jail Roster. For someone who may have recently left custody, use the 48-hour release list. If you need information about a criminal case, use the Montana court portals or contact the appropriate court clerk.
For visitation, bond verification, inmate communication questions, or an inmate who does not appear online, the most direct contact is the Broadwater County Detention Center at 406-266-3441.