Inmate Capacity
The current Walsh County Jail has a maximum capacity of 16 inmates, and it averages 37 inmates a month in custody. Due to these limitations, multiple inmates must frequently be transferred/housed in other county facilities because Walsh County lacks the ability to properly classify and accommodate them. Additionally, all female inmates are transferred to jails in other counties due to lack of facilities or resources to house female inmates.​
2024 Jail Totals and Averages
Jail booking is the process of recording an arrested person's information, taking fingerprints and photos, checking for warrants, storing personal belongings, conducting a health screening, and placing them in a holding area. This ensures proper tracking and determines the next steps, such as bail or a court appearance.
Inmates housed in a jail are individuals who are either awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving short-term sentences, typically for misdemeanors or lesser offenses. Jails provide basic housing, meals, and medical care while ensuring security. Unlike prisons, which hold long-term offenders, jails serve as temporary detention facilities managed by local authorities.
Note: The inmate housing numbers may be higher than bookings because many individuals are already serving time in the jail. While new bookings add to the total, the overall population remains higher since inmates don’t leave immediately and may be serving longer sentences.