Dane County Jail is a secure detention facility in Madison, Wisconsin, run by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. It holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The jail offers medical care, mental health services, education, and job training to help inmates return to the community. Families can visit, send mail, and add money to inmate accounts. This page gives clear, up-to-date details on how to find an inmate, visit, post bail, and access support services. All information comes from official sources and is updated regularly.
How to Search for an Inmate at Dane County Jail
Finding someone in Dane County Jail is fast and free. The jail provides an online inmate search tool on its official website. You can look up inmates by name or ID number. The search shows current status, charges, bond amount, court dates, and release information. The roster updates daily to ensure accuracy.
Steps to Use the Online Inmate Search
- Go to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office website.
- Click “Inmate Roster” under the Jail Services section.
- Type the full name or inmate ID in the search box.
- Review the results for booking date, charges, and next court date.
If you don’t find a name, try different spellings or use a nickname. The system only shows people currently in custody. For help, call the jail at (608) 284-5700 during business hours.
Offline Search Options
You can also search in person or by phone. Visit the jail at 115 W Doty St, Madison, WI 53703, and ask at the front desk. Bring a photo ID. Or call (608) 284-5700 and give the inmate’s full name and date of birth. Staff will confirm if they are in custody and share basic details.
Dane County Jail Address, Phone, and Contact Info
The main jail is located at 115 W Doty St, Madison, WI 53703. The phone number is (608) 284-5700. The website is danepublicsafety.com/jail. For emergencies, dial 911. The jail is open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Visitation hours are weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM, but appointments are required.
Emergency and Non-Emergency Contacts
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Main Jail Line | (608) 284-5700 |
| Booking Office | (608) 284-6100 |
| Commissary & Money | (608) 284-5700 ext. 3 |
| Medical Requests | (608) 284-5700 ext. 4 |
Always call ahead to confirm hours or policies. Staff are available to answer questions about inmates, visitation, or payments.
Inmate Services and Programs at Dane County Jail
Dane County Jail focuses on safety, health, and rehabilitation. Inmates get medical care, mental health support, education, and job training. These services help reduce repeat offenses and prepare people for life after jail.
Medical and Mental Health Care
All inmates receive a health screening when booked. Doctors and nurses treat illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions. Prescription medications are provided. Mental health staff offer counseling, therapy groups, and substance abuse programs. Detox services are available for those with addiction issues.
Education and Vocational Training
Inmates can earn a GED or high school diploma. Classes are held on-site with certified teachers. Vocational programs teach carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and computer skills. These programs partner with local colleges and trade unions. Completing training improves job chances after release.
Reentry and Support Programs
The jail runs reentry planning for soon-to-be-released inmates. Staff help with ID cards, housing, and job applications. Community partners offer mentoring and life skills workshops. Inmates can also join faith-based groups, anger management classes, and parenting courses.
Visitation Rules and How to Schedule a Visit
Visits help inmates stay connected with family and friends. Dane County Jail offers in-person and video visits. All visits must be scheduled in advance. Walk-ins are not allowed.
In-Person Visitation Guidelines
- Schedule online or call (608) 284-5700.
- Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
- Dress modestly: no hats, sunglasses, tank tops, shorts, or revealing clothes.
- No phones, bags, or personal items allowed in the visiting room.
- Visits last 30 minutes and are monitored for safety.
Children under 18 must be with an adult. Only approved visitors can enter. The jail may deny visits for safety or rule violations.
Video Visitation Option
Families can use secure video calls from home. Sign up through the jail’s online portal. Video visits cost $9.99 for 20 minutes. They are available daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Both in-person and video visits require pre-approval.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Inmates can receive money for commissary, phone calls, and medical co-pays. Funds go into a secure account managed by the jail. There are three ways to send money.
Online Deposits
Use the jail’s official payment site. Enter the inmate’s name and ID. Pay with a credit or debit card. Funds are available within minutes. A small fee applies.
Kiosk Payments
A kiosk is in the jail lobby. Pay with cash, credit, or debit card. Follow the screen prompts. Receipts are printed for your records.
Mail a Money Order
Send a money order to Dane County Jail, 115 W Doty St, Madison, WI 53703. Write the inmate’s full name and ID on the memo line. Do not send cash or personal checks. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
Commissary and What Inmates Can Buy
The commissary lets inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and clothing. Orders are placed weekly. Items are delivered to cells. Popular products include chips, coffee, soap, toothpaste, paper, and pens. Prices are low and set by the jail. Funds come from the inmate’s account.
How to Add Money for Commissary
Family can add funds online, at the kiosk, or by mail. Once money is in the account, inmates can shop. Balances carry over each week. Unused funds stay in the account until release.
Phone Calls and Communication Rules
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers. Calls are limited to 15 minutes. They cost $0.23 per minute. Families can prepay for calls online or at the kiosk. All calls are recorded and monitored.
Setting Up Approved Contacts
Only people on the inmate’s approved list can receive calls. To add a number, contact the jail or use the online system. Minors must have a parent or guardian approve the contact.
Mail and Email Policies
Inmates can send and receive letters. Use plain paper and standard envelopes. No stickers, glitter, or Polaroids. Books must come from Amazon or approved publishers. The jail also offers email through a secure platform. Messages are screened before delivery.
Bail and Release Information
Bail lets inmates leave jail before trial. The amount is set by a judge. To post bail, call the Booking Office at (608) 284-6100. Pay with cash, credit card, or through a bail bondsman. Once paid, the inmate is released after paperwork is complete.
Release Process
Released inmates get a copy of their court papers and personal items. If sentenced, they may serve time in county jail or state prison. Release dates depend on charges, court orders, and behavior in jail.
Inmate Rights and Safety Measures
Dane County Jail follows strict rules to protect inmate rights. Everyone has the right to medical care, legal access, and protection from harm. The jail uses cameras, staff training, and classification systems to keep people safe.
Security Protocols
- 24/7 video monitoring
- Regular staff patrols
- Inmate classification by risk level
- Emergency response plans for fires or medical crises
- Zero tolerance for violence or abuse
Inmates can report problems to staff or use the grievance system. Complaints are reviewed promptly.
Community Partnerships and Public Resources
The jail works with local police, courts, and nonprofits. Programs include victim support, public tours, and crime prevention education. These efforts build trust and improve public safety.
How the Public Can Get Involved
Residents can attend jail tours, volunteer with reentry programs, or donate to inmate support groups. The Sheriff’s Office shares updates on its website and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Dane County Jail. Below are clear answers based on official policies and recent updates.
How do I find out if someone is in Dane County Jail?
Use the online inmate search tool on the Dane County Sheriff’s website. Enter the person’s full name or ID. The system shows current inmates, charges, and court dates. If you can’t find them, call (608) 284-5700. The jail only lists people currently in custody. Names are removed upon release. Always double-check spelling when searching.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment?
No. All visits must be scheduled in advance. Walk-ins are not allowed. You can book online or by phone. Bring a valid ID and follow the dress code. Visits last 30 minutes and are monitored. Children must be with an adult. Failure to follow rules may result in denial of future visits.
How much does it cost to add money to an inmate’s account?
Online deposits have a small processing fee, usually 3–5%. Kiosk payments also charge a fee. Money orders by mail have no fee but take longer to process. Funds can be used for commissary, phone calls, or medical co-pays. Balances remain in the account until release.
Are mugshots public record in Dane County?
Yes. Mugshots taken during booking are public records. You can request them through the Sheriff’s Office. Some states allow mugshot removal if charges are dropped, but Wisconsin does not have a formal expungement process for mugshots. Requests may require a fee and written form.
What happens if an inmate needs medical care?
All inmates get a health screening upon arrival. Doctors and nurses treat illnesses and injuries. Prescription medications are provided. Mental health staff offer counseling and therapy. In emergencies, inmates are taken to a hospital. Families can call (608) 284-5700 ext. 4 to ask about medical needs.
Can inmates attend court hearings from jail?
Yes. Inmates appear in court via video link or are transported by deputies. Court dates are listed on the inmate roster. Families can check the schedule online or call the jail. If bail is posted, the inmate may be released before the hearing.
Does Dane County Jail offer work release programs?
Yes. Eligible inmates can join work release programs. They work during the day and return to jail at night. Jobs are with approved employers. Participants must follow strict rules. The program helps build job skills and prepare for life after jail. Not all inmates qualify.
For more information, visit the official Dane County Jail website or call (608) 284-5700. Visitation hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. The jail is located at 115 W Doty St, Madison, WI 53703.