INTRO
North Dakota's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) operates a small but well-documented prison system - approximately 1,800 people across five adult facilities in the state. The DOCR's statewide visitation page (docr.nd.gov/visitation) publishes both electronic and printed application options, visitor clothing rules, and general visiting rules, with each facility adding its own facility-specific requirements on top.
Two things distinguish North Dakota from nearby states. First, the background check is conducted through FBI criminal history records - not just state records. Most states run state-level background checks; North Dakota uses FBI identification records, which cover all federal and interstate criminal history. Second, the dress code includes a neckline standard not published in any other state in this directory: necklines must be within two inches of the notch of the neck.
North Dakota uses commercial bail bonds - bail_banned = false.
VISITOR APPLICATION - ELECTRONIC OR PRINTED
Two application options are available:
ELECTRONIC: forms.nd.gov/240994032330854 (also available in Spanish)
PRINTED: download from docr.nd.gov/visitation, complete, sign, and mail to the facility where the resident is located. Mailing information is on page 4 of the application.
Critical rules from the application:
- Complete ALL fields - incomplete applications will not be processed
- Sign the application - unsigned applications will not be processed
- DO NOT attempt to visit until notified by the resident that your application has been approved
- If you are bringing minor children, complete the Minor Visitor Details section starting on page 3 of the application
Minor visitors: no one under the age of 18 will be permitted to visit unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must be listed on the application.
Prescription medication / medical devices: the application asks whether you have prescriptions or medical devices you must keep with you. Disclose on the application - do not wait until you arrive at the facility.
Former employees, volunteers, and contractors of DOCR: the application specifically asks about prior DOCR employment or volunteer status. Disclose accurately.
THE FBI BACKGROUND CHECK
North Dakota is one of the few states in this directory that explicitly discloses that the background check conducted on prospective visitors uses FBI criminal history records - not just state records.
From the visitor application (SFN 7598, June 2024):
"The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) will use the information provided to check criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This information may be used to deny or restrict your visitation privileges with the DOCR. It is voluntary for you to provide this information; however, if you do not provide the requested information, visitation may be denied."
The FBI identification record check covers criminal history from all states and federal jurisdictions - not just North Dakota. Prior convictions from any state will appear. You have the right to review and challenge the accuracy of FBI identification records under 28 CFR 16.34.
Providing false information on the visitor application or providing alcohol, controlled substances, or contraband to an inmate violates North Dakota Century Code Section 12-47-21. Violations may be charged as a class B or class C felony.
4-WEEK ORIENTATION - NO VISITS UNTIL COMPLETE
All men sentenced to the DOCR are received at the North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP) in Bismarck. New arrivals go through an orientation program of approximately four weeks. During orientation, rules are explained and programming options are identified. Upon completion, the Classification Committee assigns the resident a custody level, housing unit, and programming recommendations.
The resident is then placed in general population at NDSP, the James River Correctional Center (JRCC) in Jamestown, or the Missouri River Correctional Center (MRCC) in Bismarck.
All women go through a similar orientation process at the Dakota Women's Correctional Rehabilitation Center (DWCRC) in New England, ND.
No visits until orientation is complete. Do not apply or attempt to visit until the resident has finished orientation and been assigned permanent housing. The application you submit before orientation is complete will be processed - but you cannot visit until the resident notifies you of approval and completion of orientation.
FACILITIES AND CONTACT INFORMATION
NORTH DAKOTA STATE PENITENTIARY (NDSP) - Bismarck:
3100 Railroad Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 / (701) 328-6100
Maximum and medium security men's facility. Hub for all male intakes.
At NDSP: leave hats, gloves, scarves, outer garments, cell phones, and personal items in lockers in the front lobby. Keys stored in locker. Remove shoes and all metal before walking through the metal detector.
JAMES RIVER CORRECTIONAL CENTER (JRCC) - Jamestown:
PO Box 5521, Jamestown, ND 58402 / (701) 253-3660
At JRCC: leave all personal items and cell phones in your vehicle. Keys are left with the front gate officer. Remove shoes and all metal before the metal detector.
MISSOURI RIVER CORRECTIONAL CENTER (MRCC) - Bismarck:
Minimum security men's facility.
HEART RIVER CORRECTIONAL CENTER (HRCC) - Mandan:
Contact facility directly for visiting schedule.
DAKOTA WOMEN'S CORRECTIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER (DWCRC) - New England, ND:
Operated under contract. All women receive orientation here.
Contact: docr.nd.gov/adult-facilities
BISMARCK TRANSITION CENTER and CENTRE INC.:
Transitional facilities - contact directly for visiting rules.
All facility addresses and visiting schedules are at docr.nd.gov/adult-facilities. Schedules vary by facility and custody level.
DRESS CODE - THE NECKLINE STANDARD
North Dakota's visitor clothing rules are published on docr.nd.gov/visitation and in the NDSP Volunteer Handbook (which mirrors the visitor rules). The dress code applies statewide with each facility adding facility-specific requirements.
THE NECKLINE RULE - UNIQUE IN THE DIRECTORY:
Necklines on clothing must be within two inches of the notch of the neck. The notch of the neck is the small hollow at the base of the throat where the collar bones meet. Any neckline that dips more than two inches below this point is prohibited. This is the only state in the 50-state directory that publishes a specific geometric neckline standard in inches.
Full dress code prohibitions:
- Any garment exposing cleavage, shoulders, back, stomach, midriff, or underarm
- Sweatpants and pajamas - explicitly named and prohibited
- Clothing designed or intended to be tightly worn to excessively accent the body: spandex, tights, yoga pants, tank tops
- Sheer, transparent, or net/mesh materials
- Clothing with metallic ornamentation or decoration not directly related to the functionality of the clothing
- Obscene language, gang references, drug/alcohol references, or other objectionable messages on clothing
- Military uniforms, medical/nursing scrubs, or other professional uniforms
- Shorts more than 2 inches above the kneecap when standing
- Dresses and skirts shorter than mid-calf length; slits above the permitted length
- Hats, gloves, scarves, or outer garments inside the secure area (stored in lobby/vehicle)
No specific color prohibition is published for North Dakota (no blue/orange/white equivalent).
The sweatpants and pajamas prohibition is explicitly named - not just implied. Bring clean, modest, street clothing.
ID REQUIREMENTS
Valid photo ID required for all adult visitors. The application asks you to confirm agreement to provide an acceptable form of identification. Verify specific ID requirements with the facility.
MINOR VISITOR RULES
Children under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. The accompanying adult must be on the approved visitor list. Complete the Minor Visitor Details section (beginning on page 3) of the visitor application for any child who may accompany you.
CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS (COIP)
North Dakota DOCR operates a dedicated Children of Incarcerated Parents (COIP) program - one of the few formally named programs in this directory specifically focused on supporting the children of incarcerated people. Information at docr.nd.gov/children-incarcerated-parents-coip.
The COIP program provides resources, support, and programming for children whose parents are in DOCR custody. This is a meaningful support structure that most state prison systems don't publish or name explicitly.
CARE PACKAGES - ACCESS SECUREPAK
Care packages can be sent after the resident has completed the orientation program. North Dakota uses Access Securepak for the care package program. Visit the Access Securepak website (accesscatalog.com or through docr.nd.gov) to browse, create an account, and order. No care packages may be sent during the orientation period.
CONTRABAND - CRIMINAL PENALTIES
North Dakota Century Code Section 12-47-21 governs contraband in correctional facilities:
Providing alcohol or controlled substances to an inmate: class B felony
Using official position to provide controlled substances to an inmate: class C felony
All items are subject to search. DOCR is not responsible for lost or stolen property at any DOCR facility.
VIDEO VISITATION
Video visitation is available at some DOCR facilities. Contact the specific facility for current video visitation platform and scheduling information. docr.nd.gov/visitation lists video options where available.
FEDERAL BOP IN NORTH DAKOTA
Federal inmates from North Dakota fall under BOP Residential Reentry Management Denver. There are no major federal BOP prisons physically located within North Dakota. Federal defendants from North Dakota are typically housed at FCI Sandstone (Minnesota), FPC Duluth (Minnesota), or FCI Englewood (Colorado). Pull current placement from bop.gov/inmateloc/ or contact the U.S. Probation Office for the District of North Dakota.
BOP RRM Denver: 1961 Stout Street, Suite 1-4212, Denver, CO 80294
REENTRY CONNECTION
North Dakota DOCR operates the Bismarck Transition Center and Centre Inc. as transitional facilities. See our North Dakota halfway houses page at inmateaid.com/halfway-houses/north-dakota/ for statewide reentry resources.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Does North Dakota use an FBI background check for prison visitors?
A: Yes - DOCR explicitly uses FBI criminal history records for visitor background checks, covering criminal history from all states and federal jurisdictions. You may voluntarily decline to provide information, but refusal may result in denial. Prior out-of-state convictions will appear.
Q: How long before I can visit someone new to a North Dakota prison?
A: Approximately 4 weeks - new residents go through an orientation program before being assigned permanent housing and becoming eligible for visits. Do not attempt to visit until the resident notifies you that your application has been approved and orientation is complete.
Q: What is the neckline rule at North Dakota state prisons?
A: Necklines must be within two inches of the notch of the neck - the hollow at the base of the throat. Any neckline dipping more than two inches below that point is prohibited. This is the only state in the directory with a published geometric neckline standard.
Q: Are sweatpants or pajamas allowed at North Dakota prison visits?
A: No - sweatpants and pajamas are explicitly prohibited by name in DOCR's dress code. Wear clean street clothing.
Q: What happens if my clothing has metallic ornamentation?
A: Metallic ornamentation not directly related to the functionality of clothing is prohibited and will trigger metal detectors. Wear simple clothing with no unnecessary metal - no decorative metal buttons, studs, zippers, or ornaments.
Q: What is the Children of Incarcerated Parents (COIP) program?
A: A DOCR program dedicated to supporting children whose parents are in state custody. Resources and information at docr.nd.gov/children-incarcerated-parents-coip.
Q: Where do I leave my phone and personal items during a visit?
A: At NDSP: in lockers in the front lobby. At JRCC: in your vehicle (keys left with the front gate officer). At all facilities: remove shoes and all metal before the metal detector. TruthFinder WIDGET Search North Dakota inmate and arrest records COUNTY GRID All 53 North Dakota counties - pills linking to county visitation pages DATA SOURCES DOCR Visitation: docr.nd.gov/visitation DOCR Visitor Application SFN 7598 (June 2024): docr.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/friends_family/SFN%207598%20VISITOR%20APPLICATION%20202406.pdf DOCR Electronic Application: forms.nd.gov/240994032330854 DOCR Facility Handbook 2024 (English): docr.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/friends_family/Facility_Handbook_2024_English.pdf DOCR Volunteer Handbook (NDSP - dress code source): docr.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/Volunteers/Volunteer_Handbook.pdf DOCR Children of Incarcerated Parents: docr.nd.gov/children-incarcerated-parents-coip DOCR Family Resources: docr.nd.gov/family-resources Access Securepak care packages: through docr.nd.gov ND Century Code Section 12-47-21 (contraband): ndlegis.gov Dress code (neckline rule, sweatpants/pajamas prohibition): confirmed from DOCR visitation page and volunteer handbook NDSP: 3100 Railroad Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 / (701) 328-6100 JRCC: PO Box 5521, Jamestown, ND 58402 / (701) 253-3660 DWCRC: New England, ND DOCR HQ: 3100 Railroad Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 / (701) 328-6390 BOP RRM Denver: 1961 Stout Street, Suite 1-4212, Denver, CO 80294
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