Overview of Flathead Correctional Facility

Flathead Correctional Facility, officially known as the Flathead County Detention Center, is located in Kalispell, Montana. Originally built in 1987, it has undergone several expansions and currently has a capacity of 154 beds. The facility houses both male and female inmates, with a focus on pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings as well as sentenced prisoners serving time for lower-level offenses. The jail is frequently overcrowded, pushing the limits of its capacity as the population in Flathead County has grown. An expansion was completed in 2018 to alleviate some of these issues, but discussions are ongoing about building a larger facility in the future.

Flathead Correctional Facility provides various inmate services such as medical care, commissary, and programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) for those struggling with substance abuse. It also offers recreational opportunities and a book cart program with donations from local communities.

Flathead Correctional Facility, Montana

Contact Information – Flathead Correctional Facility

  • Address: Flathead County Detention Center, 920 South Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901
  • Phone Number: 406-758-5617
  • Email: Not publicly available, contact through Sheriff’s Department
  • Fax: 406-758-5862
  • Website: Flathead County Sheriff’s Office

Visiting Flathead Correctional Facility

Visits to Flathead Correctional Facility must be scheduled in advance. The visiting schedule is available from Monday to Saturday, but only one visit per inmate per day is allowed. Visitors must be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A maximum of two people may visit an inmate at once, and all visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility.

What to Bring:

  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Only essentials such as car keys and ID are allowed into the visitation area
  • Leave personal belongings (e.g., phones, bags) in your vehicle or the provided lockers.

Duration of Visits:
Visits typically last around 30 minutes, and the duration may vary depending on the inmate’s status or special conditions.

How to Book a Visit to Flathead Correctional Facility

To book a visit, call the facility at 406-758-5617 to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to provide the inmate’s name, your contact information, and the desired visitation time. It’s recommended to book a week in advance, especially for weekend slots, as availability can be limited. During the visit, expect a strict no-contact policy, with visits typically conducted through a glass partition.

 

Directions and Parking for Flathead Correctional Facility

Flathead Correctional Facility is located in Kalispell, Montana, easily accessible from U.S. Highway 93.

  • Parking: Free parking is available for visitors in designated lots around the facility. There is no charge for parking, and spots are generally available.

If you’re coming from the city center, head south on Main Street (Highway 93). The facility is located near the Flathead County Justice Center, with ample signage guiding visitors to the right location.

What Life is Like for Prisoners at Flathead Correctional Facility

Inmates at Flathead Correctional Facility face a variety of challenges, particularly due to overcrowding. As of recent reports, the facility is often over capacity, which puts pressure on resources like medical care, recreation, and general inmate services. However, inmates do have access to basic services like healthcare and food, along with the option to purchase commissary items twice a week. There are also limited educational and rehabilitative programs available, such as A.A. and N.A. meetings, to support recovery from addiction.

The facility’s outdoor recreation area provides inmates with opportunities for physical exercise. Despite these amenities, the overall environment reflects the tension typical of an overcrowded facility, with ongoing discussions about the need for a larger jail in the county.

Famous Prisoners at Flathead Correctional Facility

Over the years, the Flathead County Detention Center has housed a few notable inmates, including infamous criminals like David Sweat, one of the men involved in a notorious 2015 escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in New York, who was captured in the Flathead region.

 

FAQs – Flathead Correctional Facility

1. How do I contact an inmate at Flathead Correctional Facility?
Inmates can receive letters via a third-party service. Use the following address:
Flathead County Detention Center, Inmate Name, P.O. Box 591, Longview, TX 75606.

2. What are the visiting hours at Flathead Correctional Facility?
Visiting hours vary but generally occur from Monday to Saturday. Contact the facility directly to confirm times and availability.

3. How do I book a visit at Flathead Correctional Facility?
Call 406-758-5617 at least a week in advance to book a visitation slot. You’ll need to provide the inmate’s full name and your information.

4. Can I send money to an inmate at Flathead Correctional Facility?
Yes, money can be deposited through the commissary service available at the jail. Cash is the only accepted method for inmates to use during commissary orders.

5. Is parking available at Flathead Correctional Facility?
Yes, free parking is available in designated lots near the facility.

6. Are there educational programs for inmates?
Limited educational and rehabilitative programs are offered, including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous sessions.

7. How many inmates does Flathead Correctional Facility hold?
The facility has a capacity of 154 inmates, though it often operates at or near capacity.

8. Can I send photos to an inmate?
Yes, inmates can receive up to one photo per letter. All mail is processed through a third-party service.

9. How do I get to Flathead Correctional Facility?
The facility is located at 920 South Main Street in Kalispell, Montana. It’s easily accessible from U.S. Highway 93.

10. Has Flathead Correctional Facility housed any famous prisoners?
Yes, one of the most notable inmates was David Sweat, captured in the region after escaping from a New York prison.

Summary and Conclusion

Flathead Correctional Facility is a vital part of the justice system in Flathead County, Montana, with services for both male and female inmates. While facing challenges like overcrowding, it continues to offer programs aimed at rehabilitation. With ongoing discussions about expanding the jail, Flathead County aims to better manage its growing inmate population.

For more details, visit the official Flathead County Detention Center page or explore additional resources.

Visit Ferguson Correctional Facility