Facility Overview
Forest County Jail sits right in Crandon, Wisconsin, handling the basics for folks picked up in this rural northern county. It’s a county-level lockup, not some big state prison, so we’re talking medium-security vibes mostly. They hold their own locals plus some overflow from Oconto County. Capacity’s around 80 beds, built back in 1997, and it stays pretty full with pretrial detainees, short-term sentences, and work-release types.
Most people in here are waiting on court dates or serving under a year. You’ll see a mix: DUIs, domestics, drug charges, petty theft. No death row or lifers. Guards run it tight but fair—small facility means they know everyone by name after a week. We hear from families it’s cleaner than some city jails, less chaos.
Location and Contact Information
Address is 100 South Park Avenue, Crandon, WI 54520. Phone the main line at 715-478-3331 for general questions. Jail-specific calls go to the same number; ask for corrections. Email corrections officer A. Herman at [email protected]—she handles a lot of family inquiries.
Sheriff’s office website is forestcountysheriff.org/jail.html. They push the NIXLE alert system for emergencies, but no public online roster. Facebook page at facebook.com/ForestCountySheriffsOfficeWI posts updates sometimes. Call during business hours; after-hours, leave a voicemail—they get back quick.
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Sheriff John Dennee | 715-478-3331 |
| Jail/Corrections | 715-478-3331 |
| Fax | Not listed—call first |
| [email protected] |
How to Access the Forest County Jail Roster
No fancy online inmate search here like in bigger counties. That’s the first thing families ask: “Where’s the roster?” You call the jail at 715-478-3331 and give the inmate’s full name and date of birth. Officer on duty pulls it up right then—takes 30 seconds if they’re not swamped. They confirm if person’s there, booking date, charges if public.
Why no website? Small staff, budget tight. We’ve seen it in other northwoods counties. Some third-party sites claim rosters, but they’re outdated or charge fees—don’t waste money. Stick to direct call. Early morning or mid-afternoon best; weekends slow too. If no answer, try sheriff’s non-emergency line.
And if your person’s transferred? They tell you where. Happens with state charges. Note booking fees hit inmates: $20 upfront, $20 daily room/board. Huber work-release adds $15 plus board.
Visiting Information
Visiting’s in-person only, no video setup yet. Hours are typically weekends, like Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m., but call to confirm—schedules shift. Non-contact for high-risk, but most get glass-free tables. Max 2 visitors per slot, 30 minutes max.
Dress simple: no tank tops, shorts, hoodies, or anything sheer. They’ll turn you away—no exceptions, even for kids. Bring ID, leave bags in car or lockers if available. Schedule? Just show up on list day, but check inmate’s privileges first by phone. Kids under 18 need birth cert or note from parent.
Visiting room’s basic: plastic chairs, vending machines hum in corner. Officers watch close but don’t hover. Smiles help—build rapport. One guy we knew got extra time ’cause he chatted polite with the desk sarge.
Inmate Communication
Phone calls through Securus or similar—rates standard, about $0.21/minute collect. Inmates call out; you accept charges. Sign up online at SecurusTech.net for prepaid to save cash. No cell phones inside, obviously.
Mail’s old-school: stamped envelopes, no padded or scented. Address to inmate at 100 S Park Ave, Crandon WI 54520. They scan for contraband—letters OK, photos if PG. No video visits listed, but ask. Emails? Not yet, but some counties add it.
Pro tip: Inmates get 15-minute blocks daily if behaved. Weekends busier. Families, set up account day one—first call’s heartbreaker without it.
Sending Money to Inmates
Commissary via Access Corrections or sheriff-approved kiosk. Drop cash or card at window, or online at their vendor site—call for exact link. No Western Union. Funds for hygiene, snacks, stamps. Inmates start with zero; you load $20-50 to get ’em ramen, soap.
Fees sting: 5-10% transaction cut. Track balance by phone. Work-release folks use it for bus passes. We’ve told hundreds: send small amounts weekly—keeps ’em steady without overdraft drama.
Daily Life at This Facility
Wake-up 6 a.m., breakfast slop—oatmeal, bread. Lockdown till 8, then rec yard if weather good. Pods hold 20-30, bunk beds, steel toilets. Meals three times: lunch best, hot tray. Showers daily, 10 minutes.
Programs? AA meetings, GED classes if eligible. Chaplain visits weekly. Quiet nights—rural, no bang-bang like Milwaukee County. Fights rare but happen over cards. Guards rotate shifts; night crew chill if you stay low-key.
Health care basic: nurse Mondays, Wednesdays. Meds from outside OK with doc note. Mental health? Counselor once a week. Expect boredom—books from library cart. Families mailing novels helps sanity.
History and Background
Opened 1997 after old jail overflowed. Forest County formed 1885, sheriff’s office same vintage. Sheriff Dennee’s current—solid rep, pushes community alerts via NIXLE. Housed Oconto inmates since early 2000s to cut costs.
Notable? Quiet history—no big riots. 2020s staffing shortages hit like everywhere, but they manage. Renovations? None recent, but clean per reviews. Ties to nearby Nicolet for transfers.
How to Get There
Crandon’s off Highway 55, 2 hours north of Green Bay. From Madison, I-39 north to 51, then 55. GPS “Forest County Law Enforcement Center.” Parking free, front lot.
No public transit direct—Greyhound to Rhinelander, then cab 45 minutes. Hotels: AmericInn Crandon, Super 8 nearby. Gas up in town; nearest Walmart 30 miles. Winter? Chains if snow—roads clear quick.
Families drive up from Milwaukee—plan 4 hours. Stop at Culver’s en route; keeps kids happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find someone on the Forest County Jail roster?
Call 715-478-3331 with the inmate’s name and DOB. No public online list, but staff check instantly. Best times: weekdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Can I visit inmates at Forest County Jail in Crandon?
Yes, weekends usually 1-4 p.m. Call for your inmate’s slot and rules. Dress code strict—no shorts or hoodies.
How do inmates make phone calls from Forest County Jail?
Collect calls via Securus; set up prepaid account at SecurusTech.net. Rates around $0.21/minute. They call you—no incoming.
What are the fees for Forest County Jail inmates?
$20 booking, $20 daily room/board. Work-release adds $15. Send money via kiosk or online vendor.
Does Forest County Jail have an inmate email system?
Not listed—stick to mail or phone. Check their site or call for updates. Policies change fast.