Yellow Medicine County Jail maintains a public inmate roster updated daily to reflect current bookings, releases, and custody status changes. Located at 930 4th Street, Suite 1, Granite Falls, MN 56241, this facility serves as the central detention center for Yellow Medicine County under the supervision of Sheriff Bill Flaten and Jail Administrator Kathy Busak. The roster includes full names, booking numbers, dates of birth, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled court appearances. Families, attorneys, and law enforcement use this information to track inmate status in real time. The jail operates with 19 staff members—14 full-time correctional officers and 5 part-time support personnel—ensuring 24-hour security and compliance with Minnesota Department of Corrections standards.
How to Access the Yellow Medicine County Jail Roster
Residents can obtain the latest inmate roster by calling the Records Division at 320-564-5901 or the secondary line at 320-564-2130. Calls are answered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For after-hours inquiries, the jail provides an inmate voicemail system at 320-313-2515, allowing callers to leave messages for specific detainees. Alternatively, the public may use VINELink, Minnesota’s statewide victim notification and inmate search portal. To search online, users must enter the offender’s first and last name, middle initial (if known), or booking number. VINELink delivers real-time updates and offers free email or text alerts when an inmate’s status changes—such as release, transfer, or court date.
Understanding Inmate Classification and Housing
Inmates at Yellow Medicine County Jail are assigned to housing units based on security level, medical needs, and behavioral risk. Each detainee undergoes a risk assessment within 48 hours of arrival, determining eligibility for mental health evaluation, substance abuse treatment, or protective custody. High-risk individuals—such as those charged with violent crimes or identified gang affiliates—are placed in segregation with limited movement. Medical inmates with chronic conditions like diabetes or mobility impairments wear dark brown jumpsuits for easy identification by nursing staff. Those undergoing psychiatric evaluation wear yellow tops with blue pants, signaling close monitoring for behavioral changes.
Visitation Rules and Procedures
All visitors must schedule appointments through the front desk at least 24 hours in advance. Upon arrival, guests must present a government-issued photo ID and submit to a non-invasive search for weapons or contraband. Visits occur in a supervised common area, and physical contact is restricted to brief greetings at the start and end of the session. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The jail prohibits cell phones, bags, and outside food. Violations may result in permanent visitation bans. Current policies align with Minnesota Department of Public Safety guidelines to ensure safety for staff, inmates, and visitors.
Active Warrants and Court Processes
The Minnesota County Court maintains a searchable Active Warrant Listing for Yellow Medicine County. Each entry includes the warrant number, full legal name, date of birth, issuance date, offense level, and issuing agency. For example, warrant 87CR123401 was issued on August 29, 2012, for Abdifatah Hassan Abi, born October 23, 1991, classified as a Gross Misdemeanor for providing a false name during a traffic stop. Bond amounts and court locations are listed when applicable. Updates occur weekly to reflect new warrants, cancellations, or bond postings. Law enforcement and the public rely on this database for accurate, timely information.
Sheriff’s Office and Administrative Contacts
Sheriff Bill Flaten leads the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office, located at 415 9th Avenue, Suite 103, Granite Falls, MN 56241. The main phone number is 320-564-2130, and the fax line is 320-313-3087. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The department handles civil processes, emergency response, traffic enforcement, and community outreach across the county’s 763-square-mile area. Jail Administrator Kathy Busak can be reached directly at 320-313-3049 for policy questions. The 24-hour dispatch center coordinates with the Minnesota State Patrol and local fire departments during emergencies.
Family Services and Community Resources
The Yellow Medicine County Family Services Department, located at 415 9th Avenue, Suite 202, Granite Falls, MN 56241, supports residents with social service programs. The main line is 320-564-2211, and fax is 320-564-4165. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A satellite office in the Hentges Building at 112 St. Olaf Avenue South operates by appointment. The department administers the 2020 Social Services Block Grant, funding child welfare, emergency aid, and preventive health services. Caseworkers assist with SNAP, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance applications. Annual reports are submitted to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Legal Framework and Custody Guidelines
Minnesota statutes govern inmate processing and custody procedures at Yellow Medicine County Jail. Section F-A and D Order-152.025.2(1) classifies possession of Schedule I-IV drugs as a Fifth-Degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. G-Hold for Court-169A.26.1(a) requires secure holding for individuals awaiting trial on serious charges, with access to legal counsel documented in docket 87-CR-18-13. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Custody Division oversees compliance, publishing quarterly reports on average hold times, demographic data, and case processing rates. These protocols ensure constitutional rights and public safety.
Online Inmate Search Tools and Third-Party Services
Several online platforms provide inmate search services for Yellow Medicine County. Jailexchange.com offers a detailed roster with mugshots, arrest reports, and bail bond information. Prisonroster.com allows users to search by name or booking number. VINELink remains the official state portal, offering free alerts and real-time updates. Private services like Federal Inmate Search in Los Angeles claim access to federal databases but are not affiliated with Minnesota county jails. Always verify information through official channels to avoid scams or outdated data.
Common Misconceptions About Jail Rosters
Many believe jail rosters include conviction status, but they only reflect current custody—not guilt or sentencing. Others assume all inmates are listed online, but some records may be withheld due to ongoing investigations or juvenile status. Jumpsuit colors are often misunderstood: orange indicates high-risk inmates, not necessarily violent offenders; yellow and blue denote psychiatric monitoring, not mental illness diagnosis. Dark brown uniforms help medical staff quickly locate inmates with health conditions. These classifications protect both inmates and staff.
Data Accuracy and Update Frequency
The Yellow Medicine County Jail updates its roster hourly during business days and twice daily on weekends. Discrepancies may occur due to delayed court filings or transfer logistics. The sheriff’s office recommends calling 320-564-5901 to confirm details before visiting or posting bail. VINELink syncs with county systems every 15 minutes, ensuring near real-time accuracy. Third-party sites may lag by several hours or days, so official sources are most reliable.
Bail and Bond Information
Bail amounts are set by judges during initial court appearances and appear on the inmate roster. Payment can be made at the sheriff’s office or through licensed bail bond agents. Cash bonds require full payment, while surety bonds typically cost 10% of the total. Refunds for cash bonds are processed after case resolution, minus administrative fees. Contact the sheriff’s office at 320-564-2130 for current bond schedules and accepted payment methods.
Mental Health and Medical Care
Inmates receive medical screenings upon intake. Those with chronic conditions are assigned to specialized housing and monitored by nursing staff. Mental health evaluations are conducted within 48 hours for at-risk individuals. Prescription medications are administered under supervision. Emergency care is provided through Granite Falls Health, the local hospital. The jail partners with community health providers to ensure continuity of care.
Reentry and Support Programs
Yellow Medicine County offers reentry planning for inmates nearing release. Services include job training referrals, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. The jail collaborates with the University of Minnesota Extension and local nonprofits to provide literacy classes and life skills workshops. Veterans receive support through the county’s Veteran’s Services office. These programs aim to reduce recidivism and support successful community reintegration.
Public Records and Transparency
The jail complies with Minnesota’s Data Practices Act, allowing public access to non-confidential records. Requests for arrest reports, incident logs, or policy documents can be submitted in writing to the sheriff’s office. Some information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations. Annual reports detail staffing, budget, and program outcomes, promoting accountability and community trust.
Emergency Procedures and Safety Protocols
The facility conducts regular drills for fires, medical emergencies, and security breaches. Staff are trained in de-escalation techniques and first aid. Inmates are instructed on emergency procedures during orientation. The 24-hour dispatch center coordinates with local responders. Security cameras monitor all common areas, and access is restricted to authorized personnel.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Yellow Medicine County Jail 930 4th Street, Suite 1 Granite Falls, MN 56241 Main Phone: 320-564-5901 Jail Administrator: 320-313-3049 Inmate Voicemail: 320-313-2515 Sheriff’s Office: 320-564-2130 Fax: 320-313-3087 Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Visitation by appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about the Yellow Medicine County Jail roster, visitation, and inmate status. Each answer provides clear, actionable information based on official policies and Minnesota state law.
How often is the Yellow Medicine County jail roster updated?
The jail roster is updated hourly during business days and twice daily on weekends and holidays. Changes include new bookings, releases, transfers, and court date adjustments. For the most accurate information, call 320-564-5901 or use VINELink, which syncs with county systems every 15 minutes. Third-party websites may not reflect real-time changes and should not be relied upon for urgent decisions. Always verify details directly with the sheriff’s office before visiting or posting bail.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment?
No. All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through the front desk. Walk-in visits are not permitted. To book, call 320-564-5901 during office hours. Visitors must present a valid government-issued ID and pass a security screening. Children under 18 require a parent or legal guardian. Failure to follow rules may result in denied entry or permanent bans. Appointments help manage space and ensure safety for all.
What does it mean if an inmate wears a yellow and blue jumpsuit?
A yellow top with blue pants indicates the inmate is under psychiatric evaluation or receiving psychotropic medication. Staff monitor these individuals closely for behavioral changes. This uniform helps medical and correctional officers quickly identify at-risk detainees. It does not confirm a mental illness diagnosis but signals the need for observation. Inmates in this category may have limited access to common areas and require frequent check-ins.
How do I find out if someone has an active warrant in Yellow Medicine County?
Search the Minnesota County Court’s Active Warrant Listing online or call the sheriff’s office at 320-564-2130. Each entry includes the warrant number, full name, date of birth, offense level, and issuing agency. Updates occur weekly. If a warrant exists, contact the court or a bail bond agent immediately. Do not attempt to turn yourself in at the jail without legal advice. Warrants for minor offenses may be resolved by paying fines or appearing in court.
Are mugshots and arrest photos publicly available?
Yes, mugshots of booked inmates are released to the public unless restricted by court order or ongoing investigation. They appear on the jail’s official roster and third-party sites like Jailexchange. However, photos of juveniles or victims are withheld to protect privacy. Once released, mugshots remain online indefinitely, even if charges are dropped. This practice is standard in Minnesota and most U.S. counties.
What happens if an inmate needs medical care?
All inmates receive a medical screening within hours of booking. Those with chronic conditions are placed in medical housing and monitored by nursing staff. Prescriptions are administered under supervision. Emergency care is provided at Granite Falls Health. The jail partners with local clinics for specialty services. Inmates can request medical attention at any time through staff. Delays in care are rare and documented in compliance reports.
How can I get notified when an inmate is released?
Sign up for free alerts through VINELink using the inmate’s name or booking number. You’ll receive email or text notifications for releases, transfers, or court dates. The service is funded by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and available 24/7. Notifications are typically sent within 30 minutes of status changes. For urgent matters, call the jail directly, but avoid calling repeatedly, as it may delay response times.