North Dakota's state correctional facilities use Securus Technologies for most facilities, with one exception: the Dakota Women's Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (DWCRC) uses a separate telephone application process. Before anyone can receive calls from a North Dakota DOCR resident, a completed and signed Telephone Application must be on file.
North Dakota's 53 counties each operate their own jails with independent phone contracts.
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (ND DOCR) uses "residents" throughout its official materials.
PART 1 - ND DOCR STATE FACILITIES
Phone vendor:
- Securus Technologies: used at Heart River Correctional Center (HRCC), James River Correctional Center (JRCC), Missouri River Correctional Center (MRCC), and North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP)
- Dakota Women's Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (DWCRC): uses a separate telephone application mailed directly to the facility - NOT through Securus
Securus setup: securustech.net or 1-800-844-6591
STEP 1 - Complete a Telephone Application (REQUIRED)
A completed and signed Telephone Application is required before you can be added to a resident's calling list. No calls can be received until this is complete.
Two options for submitting:
Option A - Electronic application (all facilities): Complete and submit online at forms.nd.gov/242906124943861. Available in English and Spanish.
Option B - Fillable/printable PDF: Download from docr.nd.gov/telephone-calls. Must be printed and mailed. Send to the correct address based on facility:
For Securus facilities (HRCC, JRCC, MRCC, NDSP): Mail completed application to Securus (see address example on the official DOCR telephone page; envelope must follow the instructions shown).
For DWCRC only: Mail completed application directly to DWCRC (not to Securus; separate address shown on the official DOCR telephone page).
If downloading the PDF: download it to your computer or device first - web browsers may not save entered information.
STEP 2 - How calls work after approval
When a new resident arrives at NDSP for orientation:
- They receive two initial 5-minute telephone calls upon arriving.
- After those two calls, all subsequent calls must be paid for by either the resident or the approved caller.
Residents place outgoing calls only. Residents cannot receive incoming calls. Calls are monitored and recorded.
There is no resident messaging line. Staff will not take messages to pass along to residents.
STEP 3 - Paying for calls
Two payment options:
Resident pays: The resident purchases telephone time from their commissary account. No action required by the family member.
Approved caller pays (collect account): Set up a collect call account through Securus at securustech.net or call 1-800-844-6591. When the resident calls, charges are applied to your Securus account.
Rate: $0.079 per minute (7.9 cents per minute) for all calls.
Blocking unwanted calls
If you receive a call from a DOCR facility and want to block future calls:
Option A - Press "6" when the call comes in: This permanently blocks your telephone number from receiving ALL telephone calls from that facility - including calls from other residents at that facility. If that individual transfers to another facility, your number will not be blocked at the new facility.
Option B - Call the facility directly: Ask the facility to remove that specific individual's number. This allows you to continue receiving calls from other residents at the same facility. If that individual transfers to another facility, they will still be blocked at the new facility as well.
Crime victims: Contact the Victim Services Program at 701-328-6183 for additional assistance.
Attorney calls
For information on attorney telephone calls, visit docr.nd.gov/access-courts.
ND DOCR adult facilities
North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP) - Bismarck (main penitentiary; all new residents begin orientation here)
James River Correctional Center (JRCC) - Jamestown (includes James River Minimum Unit)
Missouri River Correctional Center (MRCC) - Bismarck
Heart River Correctional Center (HRCC) - Mandan
Dakota Women's Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (DWCRC) - New England (operated by Southwest Multi-County Correctional Center; separate phone process)
Bismarck Transition Center - transitional facility
Centre Inc. - transitional facility
Resident lookup: docr.nd.gov/resident-lookup
Facility handbook (English): available at docr.nd.gov under Family & Friends
Facility handbook (Spanish): available at docr.nd.gov under Family & Friends
ND DOCR Central Office:
3100 Railroad Avenue, P.O. Box 1898, Bismarck, ND 58502-1898
Phone: 701-328-6390
PART 2 - NORTH DAKOTA COUNTY JAILS (53 counties)
North Dakota has 53 counties, each operating its own jail. County jails contract phone services independently from ND DOCR. With North Dakota's small and dispersed population, most county jails are small facilities. Common vendors include Securus Technologies, ViaPath/ConnectNetwork, and ICSolutions.
How to find the current vendor for a county jail: Go to the county's official website or the county sheriff's website and look for "Inmate Telephone" or "Jail Services." Call the facility directly if not posted online.
What to do before the first call
For an ND DOCR state facility:
1. Find the resident's information at docr.nd.gov/resident-lookup
2. Complete the Telephone Application - either online at forms.nd.gov/242906124943861 or via PDF mailed to the correct address (Securus for most facilities; DWCRC directly for women's facility)
3. Wait for the application to be processed and your number approved
4. Set up a Securus collect account at securustech.net or 1-800-844-6591 if you will pay for calls (or the resident can pay from commissary)
5. Wait for the resident to initiate the call
For a North Dakota county jail:
1. Find the individual through the county jail's website
2. Identify the current phone vendor
3. Create an account with that vendor
4. Add funds
5. Wait for the individual to call
Frequently asked questions
Who provides phone calls at North Dakota state prisons?
Securus Technologies for NDSP, JRCC, MRCC, and HRCC. DWCRC uses a separate telephone application process mailed directly to the facility. Setup at securustech.net or 1-800-844-6591.
What is the rate?
$0.079 per minute (7.9 cents per minute) for all calls.
What is the Telephone Application?
A required signed form that must be on file before you can be added to a resident's calling list. Submit online at forms.nd.gov/242906124943861 or print and mail the PDF.
What does a new resident get when they arrive?
Two initial 5-minute calls upon arriving at NDSP for orientation. All calls after that must be paid for.
If I press "6" to block calls, does that block everyone from that facility?
Yes. Pressing "6" blocks ALL calls from that facility. To block only a specific individual while still receiving calls from others, call the facility directly.
What is DWCRC and why is it different?
The Dakota Women's Correctional and Rehabilitation Center is operated by the Southwest Multi-County Correctional Center in New England, ND. Its telephone application must be mailed directly to the facility rather than to Securus. The process is otherwise similar.
Can I leave a voicemail for a resident?
No. There is no resident messaging line and staff will not take messages. ====================================================================
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