Jail

General Information

Inmate Mail

All mail coming into or going out of the Renville County Jail is subject to search and inspection.

To send mail to an inmate, it should be addressed as follows:

(Inmate’s Full Name)
C/O Renville County Jail
104 4th Street S.
Olivia, MN 56277

Privileged mail is incoming inmate mail from attorneys or other officers of the court, the MN Department of Corrections, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons or elected officials. While still subject to search, this type of mail will be opened in the presence of the inmate to whom it is addressed.

General Mail Restrictions

All mail, incoming or outgoing, not classified as “privileged”, will be searched for materials disallowed by jail policy and inspected for content prior to delivery. Examples of mail that will not be delivered include, but are not limited to:

• Mail intended for a person with an Order for Protection, Harassment Restraining Order or other no contact order against the inmate.
• Sexually explicit materials, photographs, writings, or drawings.
• Gang-related materials or reference.
• Suggestions or plans to commit criminal activity.
• Letters containing foreign materials such as stickers (including stamps), perfume, etc.
• Mail containing or written in code.
• Mail encouraging or suggesting violence.

PLEASE DO NOT MAIL CASH TO AN INMATE.

Inmate Phone / Voicemail / Text Messaging

Inmates in the Renville County Jail who have had their initial appearance in court generally have access to E-mail, phone and voicemail. Under some circumstances, inmates under discipline are not allowed general access, but may still have contact with their attorney of record.

Phone

Inmate telephone calls are limited to outgoing calls only. You may not place a telephone call to an inmate in the jail. Inmates are charged for all calls, using a telephone calling card, which they are able to purchase through the jail’s canteen services. Money may be deposited on an inmate’s communications account by accessing Reliance Telephone.

Inmate Voicemail

Although inmates may not receive incoming telephone calls, voicemails may be left for individual inmates. To leave a telephone message for an inmate, you may do so by calling 320-400-3018. Prompts will guide you through leaving a message that an inmate can check later.

Inmate Text Messaging

Inmates are allowed to send a limited number of text messages in order to secure funds for additional text messaging. Money may be deposited on an inmate’s text messaging account by accessing Reliance Telephone.

Corrections officers will NOT deliver phone messages to inmates. Only messages of dire emergency (family death or health emergencies, etc) may be delivered. The proper number to request a dire emergency message delivery is 320-523-3600.

Commissary / Canteen

To deposit money on an inmate’s account, please use one of the following options:

• Drop money off at the public entrance to the jail.
• Send, via US Mail, a money order, made payable to the inmate, to:
  • Renville County Jail
    C/O (Inmate’s Name)
    104 4th Street S.
    Olivia, MN  56277

Inmate Information

Arranging Your Jail Stay

If you have been sentenced to serve a jail term, but not ordered into the custody of Sheriff’s deputies to begin your sentence immediately, there are several steps needed to arrange your jail stay.

• If the sentencing judge did not require you to make jail stay arrangements immediately following sentencing, an appointment with the jail is necessary. This may be accomplished by contacting the jail’s program department at 320-523-3808.
• Review the Inmate Handbook (PDF).
• If the sentencing judge has allowed you to apply for Huber (work release) privileges or education-related release, you should download, print and complete a Work Release Application (PDF). Please note that not all applicants qualify.
• If the sentencing judge has allowed you Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM), you should download, print and review the EHM Handbook (PDF).

What to Expect While Serving Your Sentence in Jail

Upon entry into the jail, you will undergo a booking process. During this process, you will be required to provide several details about your identity and your medical and mental health. You will be required to submit your fingerprints and will also be photographed. In some cases, you will be required to have a sample of your DNA taken.

You will be issued jail clothing and bed linens, along with simple hygiene products. The clothing that you come into the jail with will be securely stored until your release. Any money brought into the jail will be deposited on your inmate trust account.

Following the booking process, you will be assigned to a housing unit, which you will likely share with other inmates. Each housing unit contains several jail cells. You will be assigned to your own bed in a cell. Each cell has its own shower and you will be required to bathe. During the night and at certain times throughout the day, you will be confined to your cell, but at other times you will be allowed into the common portion of the housing unit.

During the course of the day, you will be offered time in the library and recreation time. Additionally, the Renville County Jail has several programs offered, which you may apply to participate in. Program participation is managed by the jail’s program director. Learn more about our Programs.

You will be provided three meals per day. In addition, you may purchase other food and beverage items through the jail’s commissary/canteen.

Inmate health services are provided by on-site nurses and/or on and off-site physicians. Mental health services are also provided as needed for inmates.

All inmates serving a sentence are subject to a booking fee and a “Pay-To-Stay” fee per Minnesota statute. In addition, Huber (work release) inmates are required to submit a urine sample at their own expense. Fees are set forth in the Renville County fee schedule.

What You Can and Cannot Bring to Jail

What to Bring to Jail:

• Photo Identification
• Medical insurance information
• All medications currently prescribed and appropriately taken
• All fees associated with your stay (Booking, Huber, Pay-To-Stay, etc.)

What NOT to Bring to Jail:

• Weapons of any sort
• Cell phone 
• Tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs
• Any paper or documents; except legal documents
• Over-the-counter medications

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) is a federal law that prohibits sexual misconduct in correctional settings such as prisons, jails, lockups, juvenile facilities, and Immigration Services ⁄ ICE detention facilities.

Sexual misconduct under this law includes:

• Offender–on–offender sexual assault and abuse
• Staff–on–offender sexual misconduct (sexual or other inappropriate relationships with offenders)
• Offender–on–offender and staff–on–offender sexual harassment
• False allegations of sexual assault may result in criminal charges being filed against the reporter.

The Renville County Sheriff’s Office has a zero tolerance policy toward all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in our facility, under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) 2003. We will enforce all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to inmate sexual misconduct. All reports will be fully investigated, which includes both allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment, by the Renville County Jail and the Renville County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division.

Under PREA, we have established uniform methods for prompt reporting and investigation of allegations of sex-related offenses or threats, identification of predators, protection of victims, and prescribing sanctions for substantiated sexual offenses, as well as false allegations. This standard is directed to all sexual acts relating to: inmate to inmate, inmate to staff and staff to inmate.

Inmates who are currently or have been sexually assaulted are encouraged to talk to a staff member. This will allow for the quickest response.

If you suspect that an inmate is the victim of sexual assault/harassment, it can be reported in one of the following ways:

• Contact the Renville County Jail Administration Office during regular business hours at 320-523-3600 and you will be directed to someone who can take the information.
• Call the Renville County Jail and request to speak with a shift supervisor to make a report at 320-523-3600.
• Call Sexual Assault Advocate at 320-235-0962 with the option to remain anonymous.

PREA Complaints Since 2017:

	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Inmate on Inmate Complaints – Sexual Abuse
Unfounded Allegations	2	2			2
Unsubstantiated Allegations
Substantiated Allegations
Inmate on Inmate Complaints – Sexual Harassment
Unfounded Allegations				2	2
Unsubstantiated Allegations			1		2
Substantiated Allegations
Staff on Inmate Complaints – Sexual Abuse
Unfounded Allegations		1		1
Unsubstantiated Allegations
Substantiated Allegations
Staff on Inmate Complaints – Sexual Harassment
Unfounded Allegations					2	1
Unsubstantiated Allegations
Substantiated Allegations
Total Complaints	2	3	1	3	7	1

**All personal identifying information and all details are redacted from this report**

Programs

Renville County Jail offers a wide variety of programs to both male and female inmates. These programs are funded and offered primarily by volunteers and are designed to address the needs of the inmates. It is our goal during incarceration to rehabilitate each inmate and assist them in recognizing the gifts and talents that they have been given. The following is a current list and summary of the programs offered:

• Chemical Dependency Treatment – staffed by New Beginnings Treatment Center. Understanding and solving addiction issues is the main focus of this class. This is a first rate treatment program, giving inmates their best chance at a drug and alcohol-free life.
• Anger Management – anger issues are prevalent with many inmates. Helping inmates overcome anger issues is important in preparing them for life after jail.
• Bible Study is offered on multiple evenings and daily as well. Individual study is also encouraged.
• Worship Service – on a weekly basis, there is a praise and worship service with live music, a short sermon, singing and communion, followed by a prayer time individually and in small groups.
• Parenting Class – this program offers advice and encouragement to the parents who are in custody, as many have trouble coping with the inability to be with their children. This class offers inmates the skills needed to be good parents and raise their children in a positive, nourishing environment.
• Library – the library is available each day for checking out books and reading newspapers.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – volunteers assist with this ongoing chemical dependency programming to encourage sobriety. This program is mandatory for the chemical dependency program inmates, but is also open to any inmate to attend if they wish.
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – volunteers also assist with narcotics anonymous meetings, oftentimes conducted by former inmates who are drug and alcohol free.
• General Education Development (GED) – Adult Basic Education (southwest Minnesota) provides an instructor to assist inmates in acquiring their GED certificate. The Renville County Jail is one of only a few correctional facilities that is licensed to provide GED testing to students in a jail setting.
• Individualized Help – the Renville County jail staff is always willing to spend some time with an inmate when needed. This is part of the philosophy that the Renville County jail operations under. It is our goal to see to it that inmates leave our jail better than when they arrived.
• Safe Avenues – when inmates have the need to speak with someone on a one-to-one basis or in a group session about very personal matters, we have a qualified person that truly cares about each and every inmate. This individual is available as a victim advocate and can offer emotional support.
• Art Class –there are many talented artists in custody; some of which offer to teach this class. Art class is typically held one day per week.
• One-on-One – oftentimes inmates (especially first time inmates) are scared, shocked, confused, and even angry at themselves. Correctional officers arrange time for these inmates to see a staff member to guide them through the process.

We are currently working on new programs in the areas of personal development, basic household finance and successful re-entry.

Public Fingerprints

To have your fingerprints taken on an “Applicant” print card (sometimes referred to as a “FD-258”, often required for various employment, adoptions, foster care, etc.), an appointment with the Sheriff’s Office is required.

To make the appointment, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 320-523-1161. If you have been supplied with a fingerprint card(s), DO NOT FILL IN ANY INFORMATION ON THE CARD(S) PRIOR TO BEING FINGERPRINTED.

Fingerprints are generally taken between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. When arriving at your appointment to be fingerprinted, please use the Sheriff’s Office main entrance, which is located at:

Renville County Sheriff’s Office
105 5th Street S., Suite 210
Olivia, MN 56277

Government-issued identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.) is required for all fingerprints.

There is a $20.00 fee for fingerprinting for Renville County residents or a $30 fee for non-residents, which must be paid at the time the fingerprints are taken.

Visitor Information

Currently there is no on-site visitation.

All inmate visits are video visitation unless pre-approved by the Jail CRS or Jail Administration.

Video Visitation Hours:

• Saturday through Thursday
  • 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

THE DISPATCH CENTER INITIATES VISITS. DURING TIMES OF EXTREME LAW ENFORCEMENT
TRAFFIC OR 911 CALLS, THERE MAY BE SOME DELAY. PLEASE BE PATIENT!

Visitation Rules:

• No visitation on Friday evening.
• Visits are 20 minutes long. If no one is waiting, an extension may be requested.
• Inmates are allowed one 20 minute visit/or extension. Additional visitors for the same inmate will be allowed if no one else is waiting.
• One visitor per station unless accompanying a minor.
• Children under 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. If the adult is not the child’s guardian, permission from the guardian must be granted with a signed form.
• No visitation for pre-arraigned inmates except for immediate family at the next regularly scheduled visitation time.
• Visitor must provide picture ID with name and current address.
• Visitor’s must provide their relationship to the inmate.
• Visitors must be dressed appropriately and refrain from yelling or using extreme profanity.
• All visits may be monitored and will be terminated if violations of the rules occur.

Victim Information

Victim Information and Notification Everyday (V.I.N.E)

VINELink is a free, anonymous, computer-based service that provides victims of crimes two important services: Information and Notification. VINE will tell you if an offender is in the custody of the Minnesota Department of Corrections or a county jail and will give you important custody information. VINELink will also let you leave a phone number where you want to be called automatically when the offender is released, transferred, or escapes. Call 1-877-MN-4-VINE (1-877-664-8463) toll free.

Visit VINELink, click on MN, and then search for an offender within your county. Once you have found an offender, click on the offender’s name for detailed offender information. From this screen, you may register for notification by either email, phone or phone at the bottom of the page.

Do not depend solely on the VINE service for your protection. If you feel that you may be at risk, take precautions as if the offender has already been released.