Winona County Jail Phone Number 507‑457‑6390 connects callers directly to the Winona County Detention Center (WCDC), the primary correctional facility serving Winona, Minnesota. This number is the main contact line for inmate information, visitation scheduling, and general inquiries. The jail operates under the authority of the Winona County Sheriff’s Office and follows strict state and county regulations for safety, communication, and public access. All calls to this number are handled by trained administrative staff during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Outside these hours, callers may leave a message or access recorded updates on visitation rules, inmate status, and facility operations.
How to Use the Winona County Jail Phone Number
The phone number 507‑457‑6390 is designed for quick access to essential jail services. Callers can request inmate location details, verify booking status, or get help with visitation applications. Staff will ask for the inmate’s full name and date of birth to protect privacy. For security reasons, inmates cannot receive incoming calls. All communication must go through approved channels like prepaid phone accounts or scheduled video visits. Callers should have a valid reason for contacting the jail, such as arranging a visit or sending money. Emergency calls are prioritized, and non-urgent messages may take up to 24 hours for a response.
Visitation Rules and Requirements
Visitors must present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, before entering the facility. Each visitor must pay $10 in exact cash for a visitation card. Cards are non-refundable and valid only for the scheduled visit. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All visitors go through a health screening, including temperature checks and symptom questions. Masks are required for everyone inside the jail. Visits last 30 minutes and occur in a supervised setting. No physical contact is allowed between inmates and visitors. Food, gifts, or personal items cannot be brought into the visitation area.
Winona County Jail Location and Address
The Winona County Jail is located at 201 West Third Street, Winona, MN 55987. It sits near the Mississippi River, close to downtown Winona. The building is part of the larger Sheriff’s Office complex, which includes dispatch, K-9 units, and administrative offices. Parking is available on the street and in a small lot behind the building. Public transportation options include local bus routes that stop within two blocks. The facility is wheelchair accessible and has designated entry points for visitors with disabilities. GPS directions may list the address as “Winona County Sheriff’s Office” since the jail shares the same building.
How to Find an Inmate in Winona County Jail
To locate someone held at the Winona County Jail, use the official online inmate search tool. This database updates every four hours and shows current inmates only. Search by full name or booking number. Results include a photo, age, gender, MNI number, intake date, and charges. For example, charges may list “Second-Degree Assault” or “Possession of a Controlled Substance.” The roster also shows bail amounts and court dates if available. If the person was recently arrested, wait 2–4 hours for processing. For help, call 507‑457‑6503 during business hours. The statewide Minnesota inmate search portal also includes Winona County records.
Sending Mail to an Inmate
All mail must include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and the jail’s complete address: Winona County Jail, 201 W 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987. Use standard envelopes only. Do not send cash, stamps, stickers, or Polaroid photos. Letters are opened and inspected for contraband. Inmates may receive postcards, plain letters, and approved books. Books must be new and sent directly from a publisher or bookstore. Magazines are not allowed. Return addresses are required on all mail. Mail delivery takes 1–3 business days. Inmates receive their mail during scheduled times. Suspicious or prohibited items will be confiscated.
Depositing Money to an Inmate Account
Family and friends can add funds to an inmate’s account using cash, money order, or online payment. Cash deposits can be made in person at the jail’s front desk during business hours. Money orders must be made payable to “Winona County Jail” and include the inmate’s name and booking number. Online deposits are processed through the jail’s approved vendor. Funds appear in the account within 24 hours. Inmates can use this money to buy snacks, hygiene items, or phone minutes. There is a $2.50 fee per transaction for online deposits. Refunds are not allowed once money is added. All deposits are logged and monitored.
Inmate Phone Calls and Communication
Inmates can make outgoing calls using prepaid phone accounts. Calls are recorded and monitored for safety. They cannot receive incoming calls. Phone time is purchased by family members through the jail’s telecom provider. Rates vary by location, with domestic calls costing around $0.25 per minute. International calls cost more. Calls are blocked during meals (7:30–8:30 AM and 12:00–1:00 PM) and nightly lockdown (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM). Each call lasts up to 15 minutes. If the line is busy, the system will try again later. Disputes about charges or service can be reported by calling 507‑457‑6503.
Visiting Hours and Scheduling
Visitation occurs on weekends only: Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Each inmate is allowed one 30-minute visit per week. Visitors must schedule in advance by calling 507‑457‑6503. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Late arrivals may lose their slot. Only two visitors are allowed per session. Children count as visitors. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. No cell phones, bags, or food are permitted in the visitation room. All visits are supervised by jail staff.
Health and Safety Protocols
Since March 13, 2020, the Winona County Jail has enforced strict health measures. All visitors undergo temperature checks and symptom screening. Masks are required for staff and inmates at all times. Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the facility. Intake processing is limited to emergency cases only. Inmates with symptoms are isolated and tested. Public tours are canceled indefinitely. Religious and recovery programs like Bible study, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous are suspended. These rules may change based on county health guidelines. For updates, call the main number or check the official website.
Sheriff’s Office and Jail Staff
The Winona County Sheriff’s Office manages the jail with 76 full-time employees and 56 volunteers. Sheriff Ron Ganrude leads the department, supported by Chief Deputy Jeff Mueller. The team handles inmate processing, security, medical care, and community outreach. The K-9 unit, including dog Cleo, assists in searches and drug detection. The office also runs the Youth Mentorship Initiative to support at-risk teens. Dispatch operates 24/7 to coordinate with fire, medical, and law enforcement agencies. The main contact number for the Sheriff’s Office is 507‑457‑6350.
Official Resources and Links
For accurate and up-to-date information, use only official sources. The Winona County website hosts the jail roster, visitation forms, and policy updates. The Minnesota statewide inmate search portal includes Winona County data. Third-party sites may have outdated or incorrect details. Always verify information by calling 507‑457‑6390 or visiting the jail in person. The facility does not respond to emails for inmate requests. All official documents, including the annual report and care package guidelines, are available as PDFs on the county site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Winona County Jail include how to visit, send money, or find an inmate. Most can be answered by calling 507‑457‑6390. The jail does not allow same-day visits or walk-in appointments. Inmates cannot receive phone calls from the public. All mail is inspected. Health rules may delay processing. For court dates, use the Minnesota Court Records Online system. The jail does not handle bail directly—contact a bondsman or the court clerk.
Contact Information Summary
Winona County Jail Phone Number: 507‑457‑6390
Main Administrative Line: 507‑457‑6503
Sheriff’s Office: 507‑457‑6350
Address: 201 West Third Street, Winona, MN 55987
Visiting Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Official Website: co.winona.mn.us
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if someone is in the Winona County Jail?
You can search the online inmate roster using the person’s full name or booking number. The database updates every four hours and shows current inmates only. Results include a photo, charges, intake date, and bail amount. If the person was arrested recently, wait a few hours for processing. For help, call 507‑457‑6503 during business hours. The statewide Minnesota inmate search also includes Winona County records.
Can I visit an inmate today?
No, visits must be scheduled in advance. Walk-ins are not allowed. Call 507‑457‑6503 to book a slot. Visits occur only on weekends from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Each inmate gets one 30-minute visit per week. You must arrive 15 minutes early with a photo ID and $10 in exact cash for a visitation card. Late arrivals may lose their appointment.
How do I send money to an inmate?
You can deposit money in person at the jail’s front desk using cash or a money order. Online deposits are available through the jail’s approved vendor. Include the inmate’s name and booking number on all payments. There is a small fee for online transactions. Funds appear in the account within 24 hours. Inmates can use this money for commissary items or phone time.
Are phone calls allowed at the jail?
Yes, inmates can make outgoing calls using prepaid accounts. They cannot receive incoming calls. Calls are recorded and blocked during meals and lockdown hours. Family members must purchase phone time through the jail’s telecom provider. Rates vary by location. For help, call 507‑457‑6503.
What items can I send in the mail?
Only plain letters, postcards, and approved books are allowed. Books must be new and sent directly from a publisher. Do not send cash, stamps, stickers, or Polaroid photos. All mail is opened and inspected. Include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and return address. Mail takes 1–3 days to arrive.
Is the jail open for public tours?
No, public tours have been canceled since March 13, 2020, and are not expected to resume soon. This includes all group visits and educational programs. The decision is based on health and safety guidelines. For updates, call the main number or check the official website.
Who do I contact for court information?
The jail does not handle court dates or legal matters. For court records, use the Minnesota Court Records Online system. Contact the Winona County Court Clerk for bail, hearings, or sentencing details. The jail only provides inmate location and visitation support.