Aitkin County Jail


The Aitkin County Jail, situated in the city of Aitkin, Minnesota, is a prison facility dedicated to serving Aitkin County County and its surrounding areas. Functioning as the county seat, Aitkin is located in the Minnesota region. Established in 1857, Aitkin County spans an area of 1995.293 square miles and has a population of approximately 15,829.


The Aitkin County Jail is designed to accommodate adult inmates from diverse racial backgrounds. It serves as a detention center for individuals with mental health issues, those awaiting trial, and those serving sentences. Situated at 217 Second Street Northwest, Aitkin, MN, 56431, the jail adheres to Aitkin County County Health guidelines to provide necessary health services to the inmates.

In addition to offering healthcare, the Aitkin County Jail implements various programs aimed at enhancing the overall skills of its inmates. Functioning as a correctional facility, it strives to improve the lives of inmates upon their release. The jail, which opened in its current form in 2002 as a renovation of the 1984 jail, has a capacity of 89 beds and accommodates both men and women. To ensure the safety and well-being of those in their custody, the facility is staffed by 14 Corrections Officers.


The Aitkin County Jail comprises both linear cellblocks and units employing direct supervision. It serves as a secure and humane environment for individuals who are lawfully placed under its care, including those awaiting trial and those who have been convicted of crimes.


The Aitkin County Jail offers a program known as ‘Sentenced-to-Serve’ (STS), which enables convicted individuals to lessen their sentences or decrease fines by engaging in community service. Through a range of job assignments such as yard work, construction, and other tasks, participants in the STS program contribute their services to numerous charitable initiatives, schools, and community events. This program aims to provide offenders with opportunities for restitution and rehabilitation while benefiting local organizations and enhancing the well-being of the community.


Work Release Program

Under the Huber law, non-violent offenders who have been sentenced are granted the opportunity to maintain employment while serving their jail time. This law permits eligible individuals to leave the jail facility and attend work during the day, with the condition that they promptly return to the jail at the end of their workday. To be considered for the Huber program, offenders must have this provision included in their sentence and secure employment within a 60-mile radius of the facility. Prior to reporting to jail, interested individuals are advised to contact Karla White for application details and further instructions. This program aims to facilitate the reintegration of offenders into the workforce while still fulfilling their legal obligations.


Rules of Inmate Visitation

At the Aitkin County Jail, every inmate is granted a one-hour period of free time during their visitation. Both on-site and remote visitations at the Aitkin County Jail have the same duration. To ensure a visit, visitors must schedule their visitation at the Aitkin County Jail at least 24 hours in advance. This policy allows for proper coordination and preparation to accommodate visitors while maintaining the security and operational efficiency of the facility.


Visitation Hours:

Monday — 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Tuesday — 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Wednesday — 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Thursday — 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Friday — 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Saturday — 7:30 Am to 2:30 PM

Sunday — 7:30 Am to 2:30 PM


Remote visitation at the Aitkin County Jail is limited to Wednesdays and Thursdays, and its approval is subject to the discretion of the jail staff. Visitors interested in engaging in remote visitation must adhere to these designated days and secure approval from the Aitkin County Jail staff. This arrangement ensures that remote visitation is organized and regulated efficiently, promoting a secure and orderly environment within the facility.


Guidelines For Sending Mail To An Inmate

The sender is required to include the accurate recipient identification, specifying the inmate’s name, in their correspondence addressed to the Aitkin County Jail.


  • Inmate-to-inmate mail is prohibited within the Aitkin County Jail.
  • Cash, checks, and money orders cannot be sent via mail to the Aitkin County Jail.
  • Mailed items must be appropriately labeled and will be inspected by the Aitkin County Jail staff in the presence of the inmate who receives the mail.
  • Any items that cannot be inspected without being damaged or destroyed will be returned to the sender for alternative arrangements.


Depositing Money For Inmates

Prisoners at the Aitkin County Jail possess the right to receive funds to meet their essential needs. Monetary support can be provided by sending cash or utilizing a credit bank at the kiosk located in the lobby of the Aitkin County Jail. Alternatively, individuals can deposit money into the inmate’s account through bank debit by visiting www.jailatm.com and accessing the Aitkin County Jail inmate’s account. The funds made available to the inmate can be utilized for purchasing personal clothing, socks, and underwear, which are conveniently offered at the Aitkin County Jail commissary.


Communication Options for Inmates

The Aitkin County Jail utilizes a call collection system administered by Reliance for communication purposes. Inmates at the Aitkin County Jail are unable to receive incoming calls or make outgoing calls. In the event of an emergency, incoming calls intended for an inmate will be received by the Aitkin County Jail supervisor. Subsequently, the inmate will be informed of the call and will have the opportunity to return the call to the original caller. To contact the Aitkin County Jail, individuals can use the provided phone number: 218-927-7456.


Aitkin County Sheriff Department

The Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of both residents and visitors throughout the expansive 1,828 square miles of Aitkin County. The office offers a range of essential services, including:


  • Operating as the 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point, responsible for dispatching and coordinating communication for all emergency services.
  • Maintaining a patrol division and criminal investigation unit to uphold law and order.
  • Operating a specialized boat and water unit for patrolling the vast network of over 300 lakes and rivers in Aitkin County.
  • Utilizing a dedicated canine unit for enforcing contraband-related matters.
  • Managing a civil process and criminal warrants unit to ensure legal processes are carried out effectively.
  • Providing a courtroom security unit to maintain safety during legal proceedings.
  • Collaborating with regional drug and gang task forces to combat illicit activities.
  • Operating a detention facility to house individuals in custody, both pre-trial and post-conviction.
  • Engaging in comprehensive disaster planning to prepare for large-scale emergencies within the county.

 

County Sheriff:  Dan Guida

Address:  217 2nd Street Northwest, Aitkin, Minnesota, 56431

Fax:  218-927-7359

Phone:  218-927-7456


Overview of Aitkin County

Aitkin County, located in the state of Minnesota, is a county with a population of 15,697 according to the 2020 census. The county seat is Aitkin. A portion of the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation falls within the county’s borders. Originally established in 1857 as Aiken County, the name was later changed to Aitkin County in 1872. 


The county was named after William Alexander Aitken, a fur trader who worked for the American Fur Company under John Jacob Astor. Initially comprised of 17 townships near Mille Lacs Lake, Aitkin County expanded its territory by incorporating lands from Ramsey, Itasca, and Pine Counties. The county’s formation was completed in 1871, incorporating lands from Cass and Itasca Counties while relinquishing a small portion in the southwest to form its current boundaries, which remain in place today.


Additional Resources

Aitkin County Jail mugshots

Aitkin County Jail Inmate Search


Aitkin County Jail

218 1st St NW, Aitkin, MN 56431

218-927-7456

https://www.co.aitkin.mn.us/