Jail FAQ’s

First appearances are scheduled through Court Administration. Please contact them for further information.

Once arrested, the inmate has 48 hours to be seen by or have their arrest reviewed by a judge. This is called their “First Appearance Hearing”. You may attend this hearing, which is held in the Courthouse at 11 am during normal business working days. Whether the inmate goes the day after arrest or the next day will depend on many factors. You may call prior to 11 am to see if they will be going to court that day. At this time the judge can release them, set bail/bond amount or they may be held in jail. You may also call the Jail at 218-998-8556.

Beginning July 21 2025, inmates will have access to a new communications system that incorporates wall-mounted phones and secure handheld tablets capable of a large range of functions including phone calls, video visitation, messaging, and a wide variety of educational and rehabilitative programming. The system comes at no expense to taxpayers.

To set up and fund a pre-paid account for phone calling and video visitation, friends and families of inmates can call 1-800-943-2189 or visit www.ncic.com.

No items may be brought in for inmates. We have canteen available through vending machines. The inmates receive 3 meals per day but if the inmate has money on their canteen account, they may purchase pop, candy, writing materials and additional hygiene items. If you wish to put money on their canteen account, cash may be deposited in a kiosk located in the Public Lobby of the jail. Money orders may be mailed to the inmates. Credit cards may also be used at the kiosk or online at Inmate Canteen.

Yes. Please review this mail guidelines document for information on how to write to an inmate.

Visitors must make an account at www.ncic.com to schedule a visit. All relevant information must be filled out in order to prompt a submission for approval for visiting.

On site video visitation is at no cost and will be allowed at the following times:

• Wednesday 2:00 p.m – 4:30 p.m. and 06:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Thursday 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 06:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday 09:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Off site video visitation will be allowed daily between the following times:

• 08:00 a.m. – 11:30a.m.
• 12:30 p.m. – 04:30 p.m.
• 06:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

MN Statutes 2000, section 641.12 subdivision 3 allows the county to charge a fee to an offender convicted of a crime for:

• Board
• Clothing
• Room
• Dental
• Medical
• Other correctional services

The Otter Tail County Jail charges $20 a day for Pay for Stay. An invoice will be mailed to the address provided at the time of release. The inmate will be responsible to either pay the full amount due within 90 days or arrange payments within that time. If after the 90 days no payments have been made the account will be turned over to collections.

Yes. Courtesy prints will be done by appointment only. See details on the Fingerprinting page.