Big Horn County Detention Center

Big Horn County Detention Center maintains a diverse inmate population including both pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and sentenced individuals serving county-level sentences. The facility houses male and female inmates in separate housing units, requiring specialized classification procedures. Typical offenses include DUI violations, domestic disturbances, drug-related crimes, property offenses, and probation violations common to rural Wyoming communities. The detention center also temporarily holds individuals arrested on state warrants pending transfer to Wyoming Department of Corrections facilities. Given Big Horn County's location near the Wind River Indian Reservation and Crow Reservation in Montana, the facility coordinates regularly with tribal and federal authorities regarding jurisdiction and inmate transfers.

Big Horn County Detention Center provides housing in direct-supervision pods designed for optimal inmate management and safety. Inmates receive three meals daily prepared according to nutritional standards, with accommodations made for medical and religious dietary requirements. The facility offers recreational opportunities including indoor and outdoor recreation time depending on weather conditions, which can be extreme in Wyoming's high-plains climate. Medical services include routine healthcare, medication management, and emergency care coordination with local Basin healthcare providers. Mental health services address crisis intervention and ongoing treatment needs. Inmates have access to a law library for legal research and case preparation. The facility maintains a formal grievance procedure allowing inmates to address concerns regarding conditions, treatment, or facility operations through written requests reviewed by detention staff and administration.

Big Horn County Detention Center offers educational programming including GED preparation for inmates seeking to complete their high school equivalency during incarceration. The facility provides access to reading materials and educational resources appropriate for short-term detention populations. Substance abuse programming addresses addiction issues common among the inmate population, with chemical dependency education and support groups available. Religious services accommodate various faith traditions with visiting clergy and spiritual counseling. Life skills classes prepare inmates for successful community reintegration upon release. Given the facility's capacity and medium-security designation, programming focuses on immediate needs and short-term interventions rather than long-term vocational training, though inmates may be referred to state programs for extended sentences requiring transfer.

Inmates at Big Horn County Detention Center participate in work assignments that maintain daily facility operations and provide structured activity. Inside work details include kitchen duty assisting with meal preparation and service, janitorial assignments maintaining cleanliness throughout housing units and common areas, and laundry operations. Trustees who demonstrate good behavior and responsibility may receive additional privileges and outdoor work assignments including facility maintenance and groundskeeping. These work programs help inmates develop work habits, reduce idleness, and contribute to facility operations while potentially reducing their housing costs through earned credit programs.

Big Horn County Detention Center was established in 2001 to replace the county's outdated jail facility that could no longer meet modern detention standards and capacity needs. Construction of the 86-bed facility reflected Big Horn County's commitment to providing secure, humane detention services for its rural population while accommodating both male and female inmates in one centralized location. The facility was designed with direct-supervision architecture, representing a shift toward modern correctional management practices. Since opening, the detention center has served as the primary incarceration facility for Big Horn County law enforcement, courts, and probation services. Under Captain Debbie Cook's leadership, the facility continues fulfilling its mission of secure detention while maintaining connections between inmates and their families across Wyoming's vast distances.

Visitation at Big Horn County Detention Center requires advance approval and adherence to facility rules designed to maintain security. All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and may be subject to background checks before approval. The facility enforces a strict dress code prohibiting revealing clothing, clothing resembling inmate uniforms, and garments with offensive imagery. Visitors should avoid wearing excessive jewelry or bringing prohibited items. Visitation schedules vary based on housing assignment and inmate classification, with specific days and times designated for different pods. Contact visits may be restricted based on security level. Families should call the facility ahead of their visit to confirm current visitation schedules, verify their approval status, and understand any recent policy changes or restrictions.

Mail sent to inmates at Big Horn County Detention Center must include the inmate's full legal name and booking number addressed to P.O. Box 47, 415 Murphy St., Basin, WY 82410. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband and must follow facility guidelines regarding acceptable content. Books and magazines must be sent directly from approved vendors or publishers rather than personal sources. Inmates can make outgoing phone calls through the facility's telephone system using prepaid calling accounts that families can fund. These calls are monitored and recorded except for privileged attorney communications. Families should contact the facility regarding available electronic messaging systems or email platforms if currently implemented.