Otter Tail County Jail Roster & Inmate Search

Otter Tail County Jail: Facility Overview

The Otter Tail County Jail in Fergus Falls was built in 1987 and has a designed capacity of 111 inmates.

The jail is a multi-jurisdictional facility. In addition to Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office bookings, it holds individuals on behalf of the Fergus Falls, Battle Lake, Parker's Prairie, Pelican Rapids, and Perham police departments, as well as federal detainees for the U.S. Marshals Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The facility is currently under the authority of Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons, who announced in February 2026 that he will not seek re-election. His term ends in January 2027. Chief Deputy Reed Reinbold has declared his candidacy for Sheriff in the November 2026 election. Day-to-day jail operations are managed by Jail Administrator Beth Carlson (218-998-8556) and Operations Lieutenant Greg Seim (218-998-8528).

Visiting an Inmate at Otter Tail County Jail

As of mid-2025, all visitation at the Otter Tail County Jail is conducted through the NCIC Video Visitation platform - there are no traditional contact visits. The jail offers two types of sessions: free on-site video visits at terminals in the facility's public lobby, and paid remote visits that you can join from a phone or computer at home.

To schedule either type of visit, create an account at www.ncic.com and request a session in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted. All visitors 18 and older must present a current government-issued photo ID. Children of any age may visit a parent or guardian as long as they are accompanied and supervised by a parent or legal guardian for the full session.

The Minnesota DOC minimum for a visit session is 20 minutes. Dress code is enforced: midriffs, cleavage, and backs must be covered; shorts, skirts, and dresses must reach at least mid-thigh; sheer or see-through fabrics are not permitted; hats, scarves, and bandanas are prohibited (religious head coverings are allowed).

Calling an Inmate at Otter Tail County Jail

On July 21, 2025, the jail completed a full communications overhaul through NCIC Inmate Communications, replacing wall-mounted phones with a system of secure kiosks and handheld tablets. Inmates can make outgoing audio and video calls, send electronic messages, and access canteen and grievance services through the same devices.

Call rates are regulated under the FCC's Incarcerated People's Communications Services (IPCS) rules, which took full effect on April 6, 2026. With an average daily population of 33 to 39 inmates, the Otter Tail County Jail is classified under the Extremely Small Jail tier (0-49 ADP).

*Electronic messaging rate is based on user-reported 2026 figures; facility contract terms are not publicly itemized.

A standard 15-minute phone call costs $2.85 at current rates. To fund an inmate's calling account, register at www.ncic.com or call NCIC customer service at 1-800-943-2189.

Sending Money to an Inmate

The Otter Tail County Jail uses the Inmate Canteen platform for all inmate account deposits. Funds cover commissary purchases, communication costs, and applicable fees.

Online deposits through Inmate Canteen carry a convenience fee (approximately 2.95%-5% depending on transaction type). Money orders should be made out to the inmate by name and booking number and mailed directly to the facility.

Inmates with funded accounts can purchase snacks, hygiene products, writing materials, books, games, and puzzles through the canteen system.

Convicted offenders are billed $20.00 per day for room and board under Minnesota Statute 641.12. Invoices are mailed to the address provided at release.

Posting Bail at Otter Tail County Jail

After arrest, inmates must appear before a judge for a First Appearance Hearing within 48 hours. Hearings are held at 11:00 AM on normal business days - typically via Zoom from a secure terminal at the jail. Once a judge sets bail, release is processed after funds are verified, which can take several hours.

To post bail during business hours, contact the Otter Tail County Court Administration at 218-998-8420 to verify the bail amount. Business hours at the courthouse (121 West Junius Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56537) are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The fastest method for posting bail is to confirm the amount with Court Administration, then deposit funds through www.inmatecanteen.com or the physical kiosk in the jail's public lobby. Surety bonds are accepted - private bail bondsmen regularly coordinate with both Court Administration and the jail directly.

For after-hours bail, go directly to the detention facility at 416 South Mill Street to initiate the release process once a bail amount has been set.

Court Dates and Case Information

Criminal cases involving Otter Tail County inmates are heard by the Otter Tail County District Court, which is part of Minnesota's Seventh Judicial District.

Remote hearings are conducted via Zoom. Individuals without reliable home internet can access public Zoom terminals ("Smart Rooms") at the Pelican Rapids Public Library and the Perham Public Library.

Courthouse

121 West Junius Avenue, Floor A2, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Court Administration Phone

218-560-7045

Court Administrator

Trisha Mernitz

Emergency Contact for Families

If you have a verified family emergency - such as a death in the family or a critical medical situation - and need to reach an incarcerated person, contact the jail directly. The facility requires third-party verification (e.g., from a hospital or funeral home) before relaying emergency information to an inmate.