Dawson County Regional Prison is a medium-security correctional facility located at 440 Colorado Boulevard in Glendive, Montana. Operated by the Montana Department of Corrections, this facility houses male inmates serving sentences under state jurisdiction. Situated in eastern Montana along the Yellowstone River, the prison serves as part of Montana's broader correctional system, providing custody and rehabilitation services for medium-security offenders.
Families seeking information about loved ones at Dawson County Regional Prison can conduct inmate searches through the Montana Department of Corrections website. The facility accepts funds for inmate accounts, facilitates scheduled visitation, and maintains records accessible to family members. Understanding facility procedures helps families stay connected with incarcerated individuals throughout their sentences.
Dawson County Regional Prison's location in Glendive places it in one of Montana's most remote eastern regions, serving a geographically vast area of the state. The facility's position in this rural community creates unique opportunities for the prison to integrate with local resources while maintaining security protocols appropriate for medium-security housing. Its role within the Montana correctional system involves housing inmates who have progressed beyond maximum security classification or who require medium-security placement. The Glendive location, while isolated, allows the facility to serve as a regional hub for eastern Montana's correctional needs.
Dawson County Regional Prison houses male offenders classified as medium-security within the Montana Department of Corrections system. The population includes individuals convicted of various felony offenses who have been assessed as appropriate for medium-custody housing based on their criminal history, behavior, and security risk level. Inmates may include those serving sentences for property crimes, drug offenses, and other non-violent felonies, as well as some individuals convicted of more serious crimes who have earned reduced custody levels through good behavior. The facility's classification system ensures appropriate housing assignments based on each inmate's risk assessment, sentence length, and programming needs to maintain institutional safety and order.
Inmates at Dawson County Regional Prison are housed in medium-security dormitory or cell-based units designed to balance security requirements with rehabilitation opportunities. Housing assignments depend on classification level, behavior, and program participation. The facility provides three daily meals prepared according to Montana Department of Corrections nutritional standards, accommodating medical and religious dietary needs when documented. Recreational opportunities include indoor and outdoor activities appropriate for medium-security settings, allowing inmates structured time for physical exercise and leisure.
Medical services are available through healthcare staff who address routine and urgent medical needs, with serious cases referred to outside facilities. Mental health services provide counseling and treatment for inmates with psychological needs. The facility maintains a formal grievance process allowing inmates to address concerns about conditions, treatment, or policy matters through established administrative channels, ensuring accountability and proper resolution of complaints.
Dawson County Regional Prison offers programming designed to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society. Educational opportunities may include GED preparation and completion for inmates lacking high school diplomas, along with basic literacy instruction. Vocational training programs provide skill development in areas relevant to employment upon release. Substance abuse treatment addresses addiction issues through counseling and education, recognizing the significant role of chemical dependency in criminal behavior. Religious services and faith-based programming offer spiritual support through chaplaincy services and volunteer organizations. Re-entry planning helps inmates prepare for release by addressing employment readiness, housing needs, and community resources, though specific program availability may vary based on facility resources and inmate classification levels.
Inmates at Dawson County Regional Prison participate in work assignments that maintain facility operations and develop employment skills. Inside work details include food service preparation and dining hall operations, janitorial and sanitation duties, laundry services, and facility maintenance tasks. These assignments teach workplace responsibility, time management, and practical skills applicable to post-release employment. Some inmates may qualify for outside work crews depending on security classification and behavior records, performing community service or agricultural work under supervision. Work programs benefit both the facility's operational needs and inmates' personal development.
While specific founding details for Dawson County Regional Prison are not widely documented in public records, the facility has served as part of Montana's regional correctional system for housing medium-security male offenders. The prison's establishment in Glendive addressed the need for additional correctional capacity in eastern Montana, providing a facility capable of housing inmates closer to this geographically remote region of the state. Over its operational history, the facility has adapted to changing correctional practices and population management needs within the Montana Department of Corrections system. Today, Dawson County Regional Prison continues its mission of secure custody and rehabilitation programming for medium-security inmates, contributing to public safety while preparing offenders for eventual community reintegration.
Visitation at Dawson County Regional Prison allows families to maintain important connections with incarcerated loved ones. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and complete an approval process before their first visit. Appropriate dress code requirements prohibit clothing that resembles inmate uniforms or contains offensive material. Visitors should expect security screening procedures including metal detectors and possible searches. Visitation schedules vary based on housing assignments and facility operations, so families should contact the facility directly before planning visits to confirm current schedules, any COVID-19 related restrictions, and specific visitation procedures. Advance planning ensures visits proceed smoothly and maximizes quality time with inmates.
Mail sent to inmates at Dawson County Regional Prison should include the inmate's full legal name, inmate identification number, and the facility address: 440 Colorado Boulevard, Glendive, MT 59330. All incoming mail undergoes inspection for security purposes, and items not meeting facility guidelines will be rejected. Books and magazines typically must be sent directly from approved vendors or publishers. Inmates can make outgoing phone calls through the facility's telephone system using prepaid accounts established by family members through approved vendors. Families should verify current policies regarding electronic messaging or email systems, as availability varies across Montana Department of Corrections facilities.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Dawson County Regional Prison maintains a medium-security classification with zero staff assaults on record, indicating a relatively stable facility environment. While specific occupancy data is unavailable, the zero assault rate suggests effective security management and inmate behavior protocols. Visitors should expect standard security procedures including ID verification, pat-downs, and property restrictions; plan visits during designated hours and follow all facility rules to ensure safe visitation experiences.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Glendive is located in northeastern Montana along the Yellowstone River, approximately 140 miles east of Billings and 200 miles west of the North Dakota border. The town serves as a regional hub with basic commercial services, hotels near Highway 2, and access to wide-open prairie landscape. Visitors typically drive through central Montana; the nearest major airport is Billings Logan International, about 2.5 hours away. Local accommodations and dining options are available along the main highway corridor.