BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) has initiated its inmate admission prioritization plan, as outlined by state statute NDCC 54-23.3-11, in response to a continued rise in the incarcerated population. Since July 1, 2023, the number of incarcerated men has surpassed the DOCR’s operational capacity of 1,624, reaching a total of 1,779 as of Monday.

To manage the overflow, the DOCR has relied on county jail partners, including the Heart of America Correction and Treatment Center, Southwest Multi-County Correction Center, and McKenzie County facilities, to provide additional bed space. However, these partner facilities are now at full capacity, resulting in a waiting list for new admissions into the DOCR system. Consequently, the DOCR has activated its prioritization plan, which allows for a temporary halt in admissions when capacity limits are exceeded.

The admission prioritization plan enables the DOCR to refuse inmates sentenced to its custody if their intake would surpass available space and funding allocations for housing inmates in external facilities. As required by law, the DOCR has developed a prison population management plan that prioritizes the admission of individuals convicted of violent Class AA, A, and B felony offenses to ensure public safety.

“Our top priority continues to be public safety as we enter this prioritization phase,” DOCR Director Colby Braun said.

The maximum operational capacity across DOCR facilities, including the North Dakota State Penitentiary, James River Correctional Center, and other contracted facilities, is currently set at 1,624 for men and 262 for women. Should the average daily inmate population exceed these limits in any given month, the DOCR will continue to implement the admission prioritization plan the following month.