Otter Tail Jail

Search for an Inmate in Otter Tail County

Otter Tail Jail Information

The Otter Tail Jail is a 111-bed jail located in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. For inmate information, you can call them 24/7 at 218-998-8556.

This facility processes offenders arrested for misdemeanors and felonies within the county. They are brought here for booking and processing. Depending on their charges, they may remain incarcerated until they are either bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or ordered to stay in custody until their trial is resolved.

You can use the inmate search tool to view the jail's roster and see who is currently in custody.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year will serve their time in this facility. Those with sentences longer than one year will be transferred to either the Minnesota State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

On this page, you'll find information on inmate services, including the visitation schedule, funding an inmate's account, sending mail, receiving phone calls, voicemail, emailing and texting, tablet rentals, bail bond instructions, and commissary purchases.

It's useful to note and save the inmate's jail ID or booking number, which is often needed for sending mail or other communications. If you can't find it online, you can call Otter Tail Jail at 218-998-8556 for assistance.

Phone: 218-998-8556

Physical Address:
416 S. Mill St
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Mailing Address (legal mail or subscriptions):
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the Otter Tail Jail?

To search for an inmate in the Otter Tail Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 218-998-8556 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up any offender's court case online with the Minnesota Court Records Online application.

Otter Tail Jail Inmate Search

The Otter Tail Jail maintains an average of 111 offenders in custody on any given day. The Otter Tail Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Otter Tail County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 3,820 offenders.

The following charts of Otter Tail County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Otter Tail County Corrections Department, the state of Minnesota Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Otter Tail County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Otter Tail County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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About the Otter Tail Jail

Built in 1987 with a capacity of 111, the Otter Tail Jail houses all of the offenders who are arrested in Otter Tail County on either misdemeanor or felony charges until they make bail, finish their trial, or complete their sentence. Along with those who are arrested in this county, Otter Tail Jail also houses those arrested in other counties, through the Department of Corrections, US Marshals, and Immigration.

To check the full list of inmates the online look up is available, or you can call the facility at 218-998-8556. While inmates are unable to receive incoming calls there is a service to leave a message at 218-321-0250.

Several programs are provided for the inmates during incarceration to prepare them for their release and the life they are building afterwards including adult education, bible study, chemical dependency, gym, library services, and a work release program that allows inmates to maintain their current employment during incarceration.

For those who have misdemeanor charges there is a sentencing to service program which has them work for the county, volunteer organizations or charities, in order to work off their fines and fees.

Mail for an inmate is sent to:

Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

... and each piece of mail is scanned by staff.

Phones are available during the day only and many calls are collect calls billed to the person who receives them.

Visits are scheduled directly with the staff by calling 218-998-8556, with only those who are approved to visit being provided a day and time. Each visit is one half hour long, and visitors must be pre-approved.  

The Otter Tail County Jail charges $20 a day for time spent in jail. An invoice will be mailed to the inmate's residence when released. The inmate will be responsible to either pay the full amount due within 90 days or arrange payments within that time, or it will be turned over to collections.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

How does the booking process work at Otter Tail Jail?

Once someone is arrested, they are taken to Otter Tail Jail for booking. This process involves identifying the individual, determining charges, and deciding if they will be released on their own recognizance, released on bail, or held in custody until their court date.

It’s important for the arrestee to stay silent, as anything they say can be used against them. The best advice is to avoid answering any questions about the arrest until legal counsel is present.

The booking process at Otter Tail Jail typically includes the following steps:

  • Verifying identity.
  • Taking a mugshot.
  • Answering questions regarding medical, mental health, and substance use history.
  • DNA collection, if required.
  • Conducting a thorough search.
  • Confiscating personal belongings.
  • Providing a free phone call.

Depending on circumstances, booking can take anywhere from one hour to up to 48 hours, especially during busy periods or if the individual is uncooperative. For questions about paying an arrestee’s bond or bail amount, contact the facility at 218-998-8556.

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Directions / Map to the Otter Tail Jail
Inmate Bail and Bonding

What is the process to pay bail for someone detained in Otter Tail County?

After an individual is apprehended and taken to Otter Tail Jail in Fergus Falls for booking, their release options vary based on the situation:

1. They might be released without bail, on the condition they appear in court on a scheduled date.
2. They may be detained until their court appearance.
3. They may be eligible for release after posting a bail or bond.  Call 218-998-8556 for the exact bail amount.

There are different ways to settle an individual's bail or bond.

  • Bail can be paid using cash, a money order, or a credit card.
  • A licensed bail bondsman in Otter Tail County can assist with payment.
  • Real estate located in the county can be used as bail collateral. 

For more information on the bail process in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, visit the Otter Tail Jail Bail Information Page.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Otter Tail Jail? What is the Schedule?

Otter Tail Jail ON-SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE

416 S. Mill St
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
218-998-8556

  • Visits are 30 minutes.
  • You must be on the inmate's visitor list.
  • The actual visitation times may depend on the inmate and their housing location. Call 218-998-8556 and get your inmate's times and make an appointment to visit.
  • Inmates are allowed one visit per week.
  • A maximum of 2 guests are allowed per inmate.
  • Visitors must have a government issued photo ID.
  • Dress professionally with non-revealing clothing.

ON SITE VISITATION SCHEDULE - ALWAYS CALL 218-998-8556 TO CONFIRM VISITATION SCHEDULE!

DAY TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
MONDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TUESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
THURSDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
FRIDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM
6:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY 9:00AM - 11:00AM
2:00PM - 4:00PM

Otter Tail Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones. Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls.  The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Otter Tail Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 218-998-8556 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Otter Tail Jail?

Otter Tail Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if devices are available.

  • Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. 
  • Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
  • Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls. 
  • The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Otter Tail Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 218-998-8556 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Otter Tail Jail?

Depositing Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at Otter Tail Jail

Whatever cash the inmate has on their person when booked into the facility will automatically deposited and credited to their account. When released any money left in the account will be returned to them in the form of a check from the Sheriff's Department or the Otter Tail Jail Trust Account. There may be circumstances where the inmate can give permission to have his money released to a family member or friend.

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail

  • Bring money to the jail in person. 
  • The jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment. Cash or Money Order only.

Option 2 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail

  • Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person.
  • Never send cash. Always send a Money Order or Cashier's Check from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
  • Make the Money Order out to the inmate and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.

Mail to the Jail.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Failure to do this properly will delay your inmate getting their account credited and may require you to have to resubmit a second money order.
Call 218-998-8556 to ask any questions about this.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Otter Tail Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 218-998-8556 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Otter Tail Jail?

How Do Inmates in Otter Tail Jail Make Phone Calls?

To set up your Otter Tail County inmate to make to make phone calls to you and others, follow these instructions:

For all the information you need in order to receive phone calls from your Otter Tail County inmate, or to assist them in making calls to others, including instructions, fees, cost of calls, payment methods and times that your inmate can use the phone, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when discussing sensitive information about their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Otter Tail Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 218-998-8556 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Otter Tail Jail, and what can I send them?

Otter Tail Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Otter Tail Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Otter Tail Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Otter Tail Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Otter Tail Jail standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Otter Tail Jail Inmate Mail Policies and Address - What Can You Send, and Where?

For inmates receiving mail in the Otter Tail Jail there are different addresses and policies depending on the inmate's status, as well as what type of mail they are receiving; personal mail, legal mail, subscriptions or books sent from a third-party such as Amazon.

All mail is to be shipped to the Otter Tail Jail:
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537


For complete information on mail policies, what you can send an inmate and what address to send them, check out our Inmate Mail page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Otter Tail Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 218-998-8556 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Otter Tail Jail, and what can I purchase?

Depositing Money in an Inmate's Commissary Account at Otter Tail Jail

Whatever cash the inmate has on their person when booked into the facility will automatically deposited and credited to their account. When released any money left in the account will be returned to them in the form of a check from the Sheriff's Department or the Otter Tail Jail Trust Account. There may be circumstances where the inmate can give permission to have his money released to a family member or friend.

Option 1 - Dropping Money at the Jail

  • Bring money to the jail in person. 
  • The jail personnel will process the Inmate Account payment. Cash or Money Order only.

Option 2 - Mail the Inmate Deposit to the Jail

  • Mailing a deposit takes more time to process than the other methods but can be done if you live too far away to bring it in person.
  • Never send cash. Always send a Money Order or Cashier's Check from the US Post Office, a reputable bank or Western Union.
  • Make the Money Order out to the inmate and put their Inmate ID# in memo section of the Money Order.

Mail to the Jail.
Inmate's Full Name & Inmate ID#
Otter Tail County Jail
416 S. Mill St.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Failure to do this properly will delay your inmate getting their account credited and may require you to have to resubmit a second money order.
Call 218-998-8556 to ask any questions about this.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Otter Tail Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 218-998-8556 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Otter Tail Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

Otter Tail Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for emailing/texting to inmates.

Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. 

  • Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
  • Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls.  
  • Cost of texting is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.09 per message sent or received up to 160 characters.

How Do Inmates in Otter Tail Jail Send and Receive Texts and Emails?

To set up your Otter Tail County inmate to make to send and receive texts and emails to you and others, follow these instructions:

For all the information you need in order to send and receive texts and emails from your Otter Tail County inmate, or to assist them in sending and receiving secure messages to and from others, including instructions, fees, cost of each message, tablet rentals, payment methods and times that your inmate can send messages, check out our Text/Email an Inmate Page.
NOTE: All of your communication with your inmate will be monitored and recorded. Use discretion when communicating sensitive information about their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Otter Tail Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 218-998-8556 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the Otter Tail Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Otter Tail Jail uses the services of Reliance Telephone for video (visit) phone calls and for emailing/texting to inmates.

Note: This option may not be available for your inmate. When registering, check to see if tablets are available.

  • Known as the 'Reliance Inmate Wallet', it makes funding jail communication easy. 
  • Payments made into an 'Inmate Wallet' account are linked to a dedicated telephone number for inmates who rent one of their Reliance Tablet Phones.
  • Inmate Wallet funds can be used for personal inmate text messaging, voice calls and video calls. 
  • The cost of this is $4.00 per month for rental of the Reliance Tablet Phone + $0.25 per minute for video and voice calls.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Otter Tail Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 218-998-8556 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the Otter Tail Jail? What does it look like?
Other Jails in Otter Tail County

What are the other City and County Jails in Otter Tail County?

Otter Tail County County Jails
Otter Tail County Juvenile Facilities
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Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Otter Tail County?

Otter Tail Wadena Becker Clay Wilkin Todd Douglas Grant
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Search for an Inmate in Otter Tail County

This facility, known as "Otter Tail Jail" is also known as Otter Tail Jail & Detention, Otter Tail Jail & Detention, Minnesota, Otter Tail.