Understanding the North Dakota Department of Corrections

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (NDDOCR) operates three primary correctional facilities under a $215 million annual budget. Led by a governor-appointed Director, the department manages maximum, medium, and minimum-security institutions through three main divisions: Adult Services, Juvenile Services, and Administration. The system follows strict regulatory standards, including specific staff-to-inmate ratios and infrastructure requirements. NDDOCR provides comprehensive inmate services encompassing medical care, rehabilitation programs, education, and family support resources. The department’s evidence-based approach to corrections and rehabilitation offers valuable insights into modern correctional management practices.

Powers & Authority

The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment,” has been a cornerstone in shaping the authority and operations of the North Dakota Department of Corrections. Landmark decisions such as Estelle v. Gamble (1976) and Brown v. Plata (2011) have further reinforced inmates’ constitutional right to adequate medical care and humane living conditions.

As of 2021, North Dakota’s correctional system housed 1,896 adult offenders, a 3.7% decrease from the previous year, with women comprising 10.5% of the population. The department oversees five major facilities, including the State Penitentiary, with a capacity of 718, and the Youth Correctional Center, which can house up to 120 juvenile offenders.

The department’s annual budget of $215 million allocates $37 million to rehabilitative programs, such as substance abuse treatment and vocational training, to facilitate successful reentry and reduce recidivism. Through this comprehensive approach grounded in constitutional principles, the North Dakota Department of Corrections strives to maintain public safety while upholding the rights and dignity of those under its care.

How Does the NDDOCR Run Its Prison System?

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (NDDOCR) operates a hierarchical correctional system. At the top, the Governor of North Dakota serves as the executive authority, appointing the Department Director to a four-year term. Statutory laws grant the Director broad powers to manage the state’s adult and juvenile offender populations.

The Director oversees three divisions – Adult Services, Juvenile Services, and Administration. Each division is led by an Assistant Director appointed by the Director. The department employs over 800 staff across its facilities.

Beneath them, the system comprises three male adult facilities – the North Dakota State Penitentiary (maximum security), James River Correctional Center (medium security), and Missouri River Correctional Center (minimum security) – along with one women’s facility.

Facility Wardens, appointed by the Director, serve as chief administrators at each prison. They are responsible for daily operations, security protocols, and rehabilitation programming. The department prioritizes admission for violent felony offenders when space becomes limited. Wardens must comply with administrative rules set by the Director’s office. Population management strategies, including the assignment of inmates to appropriate security levels, are governed by the NDDOCR’s classification system. Periodic audits and inspections by the Director’s staff ensure facilities meet operational standards.

When prison capacity exceeds the department’s 1,624 male and 262 female bed limits, the NDDOCR collaborates with county jails through overflow agreements to house additional offenders. The department has faced significant growth challenges, responding with rehabilitative initiatives and alternative sentencing approaches to enhance public safety and operational efficiency.

What are the Regulatory Standards of the NDDOCR?

The North Dakota Correctional Facility Standards, codified in N.D.C.C. § 12-44.1-24, mandate specific security classifications for state correctional facilities. These range from minimum-security facilities housing low-risk offenders to maximum-security prisons for dangerous, violent inmates.

Minimum-security facilities require at least one security staff member per 75 inmates, while maximum-security prisons must maintain a ratio of one security officer per 25 inmates. The standards also set physical infrastructure requirements, stipulating that maximum-security facilities feature 24-hour surveillance, secure perimeter fencing, and reinforced cell blocks.

Facilities must adhere to these security level designations in their daily operations. Inmate movements are restricted based on classification, with minimum-security offenders afforded more freedom of movement than maximum-security prisoners. Institutions must implement robust security protocols, including mandatory pat-downs, cell searches, and mealtimes in highly monitored dining halls.

Administrators must regularly review inmate classifications, with annual reclassification assessments required by state statute.

Recent legislative mandates, such as the 2019 update to N.D.C.C. § 12-44.1-24, have further strengthened operational standards. Facilities must maintain systems allowing inmates to directly contact the NDDOCR Office of Facility Inspections, enabling greater transparency and accountability. Additionally, the 2021 passage of N.D.C.C. § 12-44.1-26.1 requires institutions to develop comprehensive population management plans, ensuring they do not exceed designated capacity limits.

NDDOCR Programs & Inmate Services

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (NDDOCR) maintains a comprehensive medical and mental health services infrastructure to address the diverse needs of inmates across its facilities. Qualified healthcare professionals provide on-site medical care, with specialized treatment and rehabilitation services available. The department’s approach emphasizes holistic well-being, ensuring that inmates have access to:

• Primary care and chronic disease management
• Mental health counseling and psychiatric services
• Physical therapy and occupational rehabilitation
• Dental care and oral health services

Substance abuse treatment is a critical component of the NDDOCR’s rehabilitation efforts. The department’s evidence-based programs employ a range of modalities, including individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and cognitive-behavioral interventions. These targeted interventions have demonstrated success in reducing substance use disorders and decreasing the likelihood of recidivism among participants.

• Intensive inpatient treatment programs
• Outpatient treatment and aftercare services
• Peer support and recovery coaching

Nutritional services are also a key aspect of the NDDOCR’s holistic approach to inmate well-being:

• Balanced, nutritious meals tailored to individual dietary needs
• Specialized diets for medical conditions or religious/cultural requirements
• Nutrition education and counseling

The NDDOCR’s rehabilitation services are designed to address the diverse needs of inmates and prepare them for successful reintegration into their communities. Educational and vocational training programs provide inmates with marketable skills and certifications, enhancing their employment prospects upon release. The department’s transitional facilities program offers a structured environment for gradual community reintegration, with comprehensive pre-release planning and connections to community-based support services.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy and life skills training
• Parenting and family reunification programs
• Community service and restorative justice initiatives

What Resources Does the NDDOCR Offer Inmate Families?

The NDDOCR offers a comprehensive visitor support infrastructure to facilitate family connections. Visitation protocols are clearly defined, with specific scheduling and processing procedures. At the James River Correctional Center, visitors can schedule in-person visits on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Visitors must present a valid government-issued ID and undergo screening, including metal detectors, before being processed and allowed entry. The facility utilizes Evidence Based Practices to promote positive behavioral changes during these family interactions.

Visitor processing centers provide private meeting rooms, children’s play areas, and accommodations for elderly or disabled visitors. An independent family liaison is available at each facility to assist visitors with questions and concerns regarding their incarcerated loved ones. The inmate location system allows families to track their loved ones using an online platform, with real-time updates on inmate transfers and notifications.

Communication services include a prepaid phone system, with rates of $0.25 per minute for local calls and $0.50 per minute for long-distance calls. Video visitation is available through the VisitNow platform, offering face-to-face interactions with enhanced privacy and security features. Mail is screened and processed within 3-5 business days, and electronic messaging is available through a secure messaging platform.

These comprehensive services work harmoniously to maintain family connections throughout an individual’s incarceration and support successful reentry.

How Do North Dakota Prisons Operate?

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) employs a comprehensive classification and assessment system to determine appropriate inmate placement within its correctional facilities. Each inmate undergoes an initial assessment at intake, which utilizes the Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS) risk and needs assessment tool. This validated instrument evaluates factors such as criminal history, education, employment, family/social connections, substance abuse, and mental health, assigning a numeric score that corresponds to an inmate’s risk of recidivism. A dedicated focus on restorative justice programs emphasizes personal growth and rehabilitation opportunities for all inmates.

Based on the COMPAS score and other objective criteria, inmates are assigned a security level ranging from minimal (1) to maximum (5). Minimal-security inmates score 0-29 points, low-security 30-44 points, medium-security 45-59 points, high-security 60-74 points, and maximum-security 75 points or above. Mandatory override criteria, including active gang affiliation, severe mental illness, or history of institutional violence, can elevate an inmate’s security level regardless of their COMPAS score.

The initial classification process also involves a psychological evaluation by a licensed mental health professional, who assesses the inmate’s mental state, treatment needs, and potential for institutional adjustment. This information and the COMPAS assessment determine the inmate’s assigned security level and corresponding facility placement.

Reclassification reviews are conducted every 12 months or more frequently if the inmate’s behavior or program participation warrants it. Factors considered include disciplinary history, program completion, and positive institutional adjustment, all of which can reduce security levels. Conversely, any major disciplinary infractions or documented threats to safety and security may increase an inmate’s classification.

The DOCR maintains detailed records of its classification processes and outcomes. Approximately 60% of the total male inmate population is classified as minimum or low-security, while 40% are medium or high-security. The female population’s distribution is roughly 70% minimum/low-security and 30% medium/high-security. These statistics reflect the DOCR’s efforts to ensure appropriate placement and effective management of its inmate population.

What Jobs Does the NDDOCR Offer?

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation offers a comprehensive training academy program for correctional officers. Trainees undergo a rigorous 8-week course covering topics such as use of force, firearms handling, and crisis intervention. Physical fitness standards mandate candidates meet specific metrics for cardiovascular endurance, strength, and agility. Upon completion, officers must obtain certifications in areas like first aid and emergency response.

New officers then undergo a field training program consisting of 4 phases, with each phase evaluating their performance in areas like inmate supervision, report writing, and institutional policies. Trainees must demonstrate proficiency to advance through the phases and earn final certification.

Ongoing annual training requires 40 hours of coursework, including mandatory classes in topics like mental health, de-escalation techniques, and cultural diversity. Officers can also pursue specialized certifications, such as instructor development or hostage negotiation, to enhance their skills and qualify for career advancement opportunities.

The Department emphasizes continuous professional development, providing access to advanced training programs for experienced staff. Candidates seeking supervisory roles must complete leadership courses and demonstrate qualifications in areas like budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Inmates in North Dakota Prisons?

Based on data showing a 20% increase from 2004-2014 and factors like Truth-in-Sentencing laws requiring 85% completion, average prison stays in North Dakota span approximately 13 years.

How Many Inmates Are Currently Incarcerated in North Dakota Correctional Facilities?

As of January 2024, North Dakota correctional facilities house 1,766 total inmates, with 1,540 male and 226 female prisoners, exceeding the system’s operational capacity of 1,624 beds.

What Percentage of North Dakota Inmates Successfully Complete Rehabilitation Programs?

Based on available data, specific completion rates for rehabilitation programs aren’t directly stated. Nonetheless, the 13% recidivism rate in 2018 suggests successful program participation among North Dakota inmates.

How Often Are Random Drug Tests Conducted in North Dakota Prisons?

Random drug tests in North Dakota prisons are conducted regularly through electronically generated lists, with additional monthly testing for inmates in substance abuse programs and for-cause testing when reasonable suspicion exists.

What Is the Rate of Repeat Offenders in the North Dakota Prison System?

North Dakota’s recidivism rate dropped from 22.8% in 2015 to 13% in 2018, though federal data suggests a higher rate of 35%. The state maintains lower rates than national averages.