Montana State Prisons

Overview of the Montana Prison System

This summary provides an overview of the Montana state prison system, including key facts, policies, and programs, and includes links to relevant services and resources.

Montana has a relatively low incarceration rate compared to the national average. Montana’s incarceration rate was 356 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 419 per 100,000

Montana has five state prisons

• Montana State Prison (MSP) in Deer Lodge
• Montana Women’s Prison (MWP) in Billings
• Dawson County Correctional Facility in Glendive
• Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby
• Cascade County Regional Prison in Great Falls

Management Structure

The Montana Department of Corrections (MDOC) oversees the state prison system. The MDOC is led by a Director, whom the Governor appoints.

Prison Security Levels

Montana state prisons have different security levels, ranging from minimum to maximum.

Locating a Prisoner

To locate a prisoner in the Montana prison system, you can use the MDOC’s online Offender Search tool

Family Visitation Rules

Visitation rules vary by facility, but generally, visitors must be approved in advance and adhere to specific guidelines regarding:

• Dress code
• Behavior
• Allowed items

Parole and Factors Considered By Parol Board

The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole makes parole decisions based on factors such as the offender’s:

• Criminal history
• Types of convicted crimes
• Behavior in prison
• Risk to public safety if released early

Educational and Vocational Programs

Montana state prisons offer various educational and vocational programs, including GED classes, college courses, and job training in areas like welding, automotive repair, and culinary arts.

Staying In Contact with Friends and Family

 The Montana Department of Corrections recognizes the important role staying in contact with friends and family plays in the overall wellness of offenders while incarcerated, and their successful return to their communities. As such, several options are available to allow offenders to maintain these connections.

Communication options include:

• • Messaging
  • Mail 
  • Phone calls 
  • Video visitation 
  • In-person visitation

Rehabilitative Programs

Montana state prisons provide several rehabilitative programs, such as:

• Substance abuse treatment
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Anger management
• Sex offender treatment

Pros and Cons of Montana Stane Prison System

PROS

• Lower incarceration rate compared to the national average
• Variety of educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs
• Online tool for locating prisoners

CONS

• Overcrowding in some facilities
• Limited funding for programs and services
• High recidivism rates

Montana Prison News (NBC Montana)

Montana State Prison announced a routine, random search of staff entering the prison resulting in drug charges being filed against a correctional officer. Deer Lodge County Attorney Ben Krakowka charged Scott Patrick Elliot with two counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, for marijuana and psilocybin, and money laundering.

Online Sources and References

Montana Department of Corrections -Probation and Parole

The Sentencing Project. (2021). State-by-State Data.

Montana Department of Correction Friends and Family

Montana Department of Corrections – Secure Facilities

Montana Department of Corrections – Offender Search

Montana Department of Corrections – Data and Statistics

Montana Department of Corrections – Visitation

MONTANA STATE PRISONS:

Alpha House Men’s Pre-release Center

3109 1st Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101

Passages Women’s Center

1001 South 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101

Telephone:

(406) 259-9695 (Men’s Alpha House)
(406) 294-9609 (Women’s Passages)

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number

Alpha House Men’s Pre-release Center

3109 1st Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101

Inmate Name, ID Number
Passages Women’s Center
1001 South 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101

Cascade County Regional Prison

Cascade County Regional Prison
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404

Telephone:

(406)-454-6823

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Cascade County Regional Prison
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404

Crossroads Correctional Center

Crossroads Correctional Center
50 Crossroads Drive
Shelby, MT 59474

Telephone: (406)-434-7055

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Crossroads Correctional Center
50 Crossroads Drive
Shelby, MT 59474

Dawson County Correctional Facility

Dawson County Correctional Facility
440 Colorado Blvd
Glendive, MT 59330

Telephone: (406)-377-7600

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Dawson County Correctional Facility
440 Colorado Blvd
Glendive, MT 59330

Montana State Prison

Montana State Prison
400 Conley Lake Road
Deer Lodge, MT 59722

Telephone: (406)-846-1320

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Montana State Prison
400 Conley Lake Road
Deer Lodge, MT 59722

Montana Women’s Prison

Montana Women’s Prison
701 S. 27th St.
Billings, MT 59101

Telephone: (406)-247-5100

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Montana Women’s Prison
701 S. 27th St.
Billings, MT 59101

Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility

Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility
4 North Haynes Ave.
Miles City, MT 59301

Telephone: (406)-232-1377

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility
4 North Haynes Ave.
Miles City, MT 59301

Riverside Youth Correctional Facility

Riverside Youth Correctional Facility
2 Riverside Road
Boulder, MT 59632-0088

Telephone: (406)-225-4500

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Riverside Youth Correctional Facility
P.O. BOX 88
Boulder, MT 59632-0088

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