Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center is a county jail facility serving Glasgow, Montana, and the surrounding Valley County region. The facility is located at 501 Court Square, Glasgow, MT 59230, and can be reached by phone at 406-228-4333. It operates under the authority of the Valley County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary detention center for individuals arrested within the county's jurisdiction.
If a family member has recently been arrested and you are unsure of their location, calling the jail directly at the number above is the fastest way to confirm placement. You can also search criminal records to find current incarceration status and booking information using public records tools. This facility is one of many county detention centers listed among Montana correctional facilities in our directory.
County jails like this one serve multiple functions within the local criminal justice system. They are typically the first place a person is taken following an arrest, holding individuals who are awaiting arraignment, bail hearings, or trial. They also house people who have been sentenced to shorter terms — generally less than one year — for misdemeanor offenses. In some cases, individuals convicted of felonies may be held at the county level while awaiting transfer to a state facility.
Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center uses Securus Technologies for inmate phone calls. Families who wish to receive calls from a detained loved one will need to set up an account and add funds through Securus. Detailed instructions are available on the Valley County Sheriff's Office jail information page. Mail policies and package rules are also outlined there, and it is strongly recommended that you review those guidelines before sending anything to an inmate.
One of the most notable characteristics of Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center is its rural, small-town setting in northeastern Montana. Glasgow sits in a remote stretch of the Hi-Line, far from the state's larger urban centers, which means the facility operates with a relatively small staff while still being responsible for a wide geographic service area. This can shape everything from staffing ratios to how quickly outside legal or medical resources can be accessed.
Because of the facility's size and county-level scope, it tends to maintain a more intimate operational environment compared to large urban jails or state prisons. Staff often have direct, consistent contact with the same detainees over time, which can allow for more individualized attention to inmate needs. The facility's close integration with the Valley County Sheriff's Office also means that law enforcement and detention functions are tightly coordinated, which can be beneficial for case management and communication with families.
The inmate population at Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center reflects the demographics and criminal justice trends of a rural Montana county. On any given day, the facility may house a mix of pre-trial detainees awaiting court appearances, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor convictions, and occasionally those awaiting transfer to a Montana state correctional institution.
Common offense categories in rural Montana county jails include driving under the influence, drug-related offenses, domestic violence, property crimes, and probation or parole violations. The population size fluctuates and is generally smaller than urban facilities, but the diversity of legal situations — from first-time offenders to those with more complex criminal histories — requires staff to manage a broad range of custody and behavioral needs. The facility coordinates with the Montana Department of Corrections when inmates require longer-term housing or specialized programming that exceeds the jail's capacity.
Living conditions at Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center are governed by Montana state standards and constitutional requirements for humane treatment of detainees. As a county-level facility, the jail provides inmates with basic necessities including housing, meals, access to medical care, and opportunities for limited recreation.
Inmates are typically housed in shared or individual cells depending on classification, behavioral history, and available space. Meals are provided multiple times daily, and detainees have access to hygiene supplies. Medical concerns are addressed by facility staff, with outside medical services arranged when needed — a process that can take longer given the facility's rural location and distance from larger healthcare centers.
Daily routines at the jail generally include structured time for meals, personal hygiene, limited recreation, and access to telephones during approved hours. Inmates may also have access to reading materials and, in some cases, educational resources. The overall environment is designed to maintain safety and order while meeting the basic rights of everyone in custody. Families are encouraged to stay informed about conditions by maintaining regular communication with their loved ones.
While county jails are not typically equipped with the full range of rehabilitation programs available at state prisons, Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center makes efforts to provide meaningful programming given its size and resources. The facility's programming approach is focused on addressing common underlying factors associated with criminal behavior in the local population.
Programs that may be available or coordinated through the facility include:
- Substance abuse education: Given the prevalence of drug and alcohol-related offenses in the region, the facility may coordinate with outside providers to offer substance abuse awareness or counseling sessions.
- Religious and spiritual services: Volunteer chaplains or religious community members often provide services at county jails, offering inmates access to spiritual support and guidance.
- GED and basic education: Educational resources or referrals may be available for inmates seeking to complete their high school equivalency credential.
- Mental health services: The facility works with county and state resources to ensure that inmates with mental health needs receive appropriate assessment and support.
- Re-entry planning: For those nearing release, staff may assist with connecting individuals to community resources, housing support, and employment guidance to reduce recidivism.
Families who want to support a loved one's participation in programs should contact the facility directly to understand current availability and eligibility requirements.
Valley County was established in 1893, carved out of Dawson County as settlers moved into northeastern Montana. Glasgow, the county seat, grew substantially during the homesteading era and later saw significant population activity during the construction of the Fort Peck Dam in the 1930s — one of the largest public works projects in American history, which drew tens of thousands of workers to the region.
As the county developed its civic infrastructure throughout the twentieth century, a dedicated jail and detention facility became a necessary component of local law enforcement. The Valley County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the jail, has been a cornerstone of public safety in this rural corner of Montana for well over a century. The current detention facility at 501 Court Square reflects ongoing efforts by the county to maintain a safe, secure, and constitutionally compliant environment for detainees.
Like many rural county jails in the American West, Valley County's facility has evolved over the decades in response to changing state standards, population shifts, and updated legal requirements governing the treatment of incarcerated individuals. Today, the jail continues to serve the law enforcement needs of a sparsely populated but geographically expansive county, working closely with the Montana Department of Corrections and other state agencies when more serious or long-term custody situations arise.
No widely documented famous former inmates are associated with Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center at this time.
Visitation at Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center is an important way for families to maintain connections with incarcerated loved ones. Visiting policies are subject to change, so it is strongly recommended that you call the facility at 406-228-4333 or check the Valley County Sheriff's Office jail information page before making a trip to confirm current visiting hours, rules, and any required pre-registration.
General visitation guidelines at facilities of this type typically include:
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all adult visitors.
- Visitors may be subject to search before entering the facility.
- Clothing must meet the facility's dress code — avoid colors or styles that resemble inmate uniforms.
- Minor children must be accompanied by an approved adult guardian.
- Individuals with outstanding warrants or certain criminal records may be denied entry.
In addition to in-person visits, families may be able to communicate through Securus Technologies' phone and video call platforms. You can also send money to an inmate's commissary account to help them purchase approved personal items during their stay.
There are several ways to stay in contact with someone housed at Valley County MT Jail & Detention Center. Phone calls are managed through Securus Technologies — family members need to create an account and fund it in order to receive calls from inmates at the facility. Visit the Securus website or call their customer service line to get started.
Written mail remains an important and personal way to stay connected. Send letters to the inmate at the facility's address: 501 Court Square, Glasgow, MT 59230. Be sure to include the inmate's full legal name and, if known, their booking number on the envelope. Review the facility's mail policies before sending packages, as restrictions on content and packaging apply.
If you are not yet sure whether someone is being held at this facility, you can look up an inmate's arrest history and current custody status using public records. For a broader overview of finding someone in custody, see our guide on how to find an inmate for step-by-step assistance.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Valley County Jail & Detention Center maintains secure facilities with comprehensive safety protocols for all visitors. The facility enforces strict visitation guidelines, including security screening, identification requirements, and prohibited items policies to ensure a safe environment. Visiting hours are monitored, and all interactions occur under supervision.
Families should be aware that the facility is a secure detention center where safety is the primary concern. Visitors are required to comply with all facility rules and procedures. It is recommended that visitors contact the jail directly before arriving to confirm current visitation policies, hours, and any special requirements that may apply.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Glasgow, Montana is located in northeast Montana with a population of approximately 3,200 residents. The town serves as the Valley County seat and offers basic amenities including restaurants, gas stations, and shopping. The surrounding area is characterized by rural prairie landscape typical of northeastern Montana, approximately 200 miles northeast of Great Falls and 150 miles south of the Canadian border.
Nearby lodging options include the Glasgow Valley Inn and other local motels within a few miles of the facility. The area is accessible via US Highway 2 and Montana State Routes. The Valley County Jail & Detention Center is located within Glasgow's city limits, making it readily accessible for family visits. The drive from Great Falls takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours via US-191 North and US-2 East.