North Dakota Prisons Tackle Overcrowding Crisis

Addressing Prison Overcrowding in North Dakota

North Dakota is taking significant steps to address the growing issue of prison overcrowding. The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) has been working on several initiatives aimed at managing the increasing number of inmates, including the development of four “mini prisons.” These facilities are designed to alleviate the pressure on existing correctional institutions and provide additional capacity for incarcerated individuals.

During a recent meeting of the Budget Section – Human Resources Division, legislators discussed the ongoing challenge of overcrowding in the state’s prisons. According to budget documents presented during the session, the state’s prisons had an average of 224 more inmates than initially predicted during the 2024-25 biennium. While the original estimate projected around 1,558 men and 238 women to be incarcerated, the actual numbers reached 1,871 men and 272 women at one point. For the upcoming 2026-27 biennium, the projected numbers are expected to rise even further, with up to 2,040 men and 302 women anticipated to be incarcerated.

To manage this growing population, the state has begun building and expanding several facilities. One of the most notable projects is the Heart River Correctional Center (HRCC), which is specifically designed for women. Additionally, a 25-bed re-entry center is being developed in the northwest region of the state. Other expansion efforts include the Grand Forks Jail, the Missouri River Correctional Center (MRCC), and the Burleigh Morton Detention Center.

DOCR Director Colby Braun highlighted the importance of these projects during the meeting. He mentioned that the Mancamp, along with the Burleigh/Morton Jail and the Grand Forks Jail, would play key roles in addressing the overflow. He also emphasized that these facilities will function as “little mini-prisons” and require significant work over the next year to bring them up to standard.

Funding and Expansion Plans

The legislature has approved more than $37 million to address the overcrowding crisis. This funding is being allocated to various aspects of the correctional system, including facility expansions and programming needs. Key allocations include:

• $27.4 million to county and regional jails for overflow housing and programming.
• $35.6 million to complete construction on the HRCC.
• More than $8 million to create a temporary housing unit at the MRCC.
• $20 million for planning and design of a new MRCC minimum security facility for men.
• $2.45 million to continue funding for the contract with the Dakota Women’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center.
• $1.6 million for a 25-bed re-entry center in the northwest part of the state.

The new MRCC facility is expected to open in the summer or fall of 2026 and will house between 72 and 96 inmates. The HRCC is set to open in October 2027. Meanwhile, the DOCR plans to begin work on an expansion of the Grand Forks Jail this fall, which could accommodate 60 to 72 inmates. A similar agreement with the Burleigh Morton Detention Center is also under consideration, potentially adding a housing unit with up to 120 beds.

Financial Challenges and Solutions

Legislators also addressed the financial implications of the overcrowding. Michele Zander, the chief financial officer for the DOCR, noted that the increased inmate population has placed a strain on the prison system’s budgets. Medical, pharmacy, and jail contract expenses have all been affected, leading to a deficit. Much of the cost comes from contracting with regional and county jails to house excess inmates.

To help offset these costs, House Bill 1024 allocated $11.5 million from the general fund to the DOCR. This funding aims to support the department in managing the financial burden caused by the overcrowding.

As North Dakota continues to implement these measures, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to ensure the correctional system can effectively manage its growing population while maintaining safety and efficiency.