Dane County Jail Overview

Dane County Jail, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is the county’s primary detention center, serving both pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. It operates across two facilities: the City-County Building and the Public Safety Building. The jail holds inmates of varying security levels and has a strong focus on rehabilitation programs and mental health services. Recent plans include a massive renovation project aimed at improving conditions, reducing solitary confinement, and increasing medical and mental health services for its residents. Once complete, the jail will feature a six-story, 825-bed tower, with completion expected by 2027.

 

Dane County Jail in Madison, WI

Contact Information for Dane County Jail

  • City-County Building Jail:
    210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Madison, WI 53703
    Phone: (608) 284-6100
    Email: general inquiries

  • Public Safety Building Jail:
    115 West Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703
    Phone: (608) 284-6100
    Email: general inquiries

For more information, visit the Dane County Sheriff’s website.

Visiting Dane County Jail

Visitation at Dane County Jail is primarily conducted through video visits. Visitors must register and schedule visits online through the jail’s provider. In-person visitation is limited due to ongoing renovations. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Visitation Times:
    Monday – Friday: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
    Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

  • What to Bring:
    Valid ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
    Registration confirmation number for video visits

  • Visit Duration:
    Visits typically last 20–30 minutes, but can vary based on the inmate’s classification.

Booking a Visit at Dane County Jail

To book a visit at Dane County Jail, follow these steps:

  1. Register online with the jail’s video visitation provider.
  2. Select the inmate you wish to visit.
  3. Choose a date and time from the available slots.
  4. Confirm your booking and bring a valid photo ID to the appointment.

You will need to provide personal identification information during registration. Only two visitors per inmate are allowed per visit, and visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Directions and Parking for Dane County Jail

Dane County Jail is located in downtown Madison, with parking available nearby.

  • City-County Building Jail
    210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
    Parking is available at metered street parking or in nearby garages.

  • Public Safety Building Jail
    115 West Doty Street
    Parking is available behind the Public Safety Building.

What Life is Like Inside Dane County Jail

Dane County Jail has seen significant changes as it focuses on improving conditions for its inmates. The current jail population includes individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences with work-release privileges. Due to aging infrastructure, parts of the jail have been closed, and some inmates were temporarily relocated to other counties. Mental health and medical services are a priority in the upcoming renovation, aimed at reducing the use of solitary confinement and enhancing care for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and those with physical disabilities.

The jail also offers rehabilitative programs, including educational services, addiction recovery, and job readiness, to help inmates reintegrate into society. Sheriff Kalvin Barrett has emphasized creating a humane environment that reflects community values, focusing on both safety and rehabilitation.

Famous Prisoners at Dane County Jail

Over the years, Dane County Jail has housed several high-profile inmates, including individuals involved in notable local and national cases. However, due to privacy laws, specific details about past or current inmates are typically not disclosed unless it involves a public trial.

 

FAQs about Dane County Jail

  • What are the visiting hours at Dane County Jail?
    Visiting hours are Monday to Friday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

  • How do I contact an inmate at Dane County Jail?
    Inmates can be contacted through pre-approved mail or by phone via accounts set up through the jail’s phone provider.

  • Where is Dane County Jail located?
    Dane County Jail has two locations: the City-County Building Jail at 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and the Public Safety Building Jail at 115 West Doty Street, both in Madison, WI.

  • How do I book a visit at Dane County Jail?
    Visits are booked online through the jail’s video visitation system. You must register and schedule in advance.

  • What is Dane County Jail like for inmates?
    The jail is currently undergoing renovations to improve conditions, including mental health services, medical care, and reducing overcrowding.

  • What is the capacity of Dane County Jail?
    After renovations, the jail will have 833 beds, down from the previous 1,013.

  • Can I bring items to an inmate during a visit?
    No, items must be sent through approved channels such as mail or commissary orders.

  • How do I get to Dane County Jail?
    Both facilities are located in downtown Madison, with parking available in nearby public lots.

  • Are there any current renovations happening at Dane County Jail?
    Yes, the jail is undergoing a $207 million renovation, expected to be completed by 2027.

  • Has anyone famous been held at Dane County Jail?
    While the jail has held high-profile inmates, specific names are not typically disclosed due to privacy laws.

Summary and Conclusion

Dane County Jail plays a crucial role in the local justice system, providing secure detention for inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences. With a focus on rehabilitation and mental health services, the facility is undergoing major renovations to improve conditions for its inmates. Visitors can easily schedule video visits, and the jail remains committed to humane and safe incarceration practices. Stay informed about the latest updates as the facility evolves to meet modern correctional standards.

For more information, visit the Dane County Sheriff’s Office website.


Sources:

  1. Dane County Sheriff’s Office
  2. Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin

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