Stutsman County

Stutsman County is located in the south-central region of North Dakota, acting as a vital agricultural and transportation hub in the state. Stutsman County Seat is Jamestown, the largest city in Stutsman County and home to approximately 15,000 residents. Stutsman County spans 2,298 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in North Dakota by land area. As of the 2020 Census, Stutsman County population was approximately 21,500 residents. Stutsman County was established in 1873 and named after Enos Stutsman, a prominent Dakota Territory politician and journalist.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Stutsman County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Stutsman County. It oversees Stutsman County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in various community programs meant to enhancing public safety and supporting the community relations.

Police Departments

In addition to Stutsman County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Stutsman County is also provided by the Jamestown Police Department. The Jamestown Police Department is responsible for maintaining public safety within the city limits of Jamestown, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives. These agencies work collaboratively on major crimes and incidents that require a coordinated response, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Stutsman County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Law enforcement in Stutsman County is primarily provided by Stutsman County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 511 2nd Avenue SE in Jamestown, North Dakota. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates Stutsman County Correctional Center, Stutsman County's jail facility.

• Booking photos and mugshots are generally available as part of arrest records, though Stutsman County may charge fees for copies.
• Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
• North Dakota law requires agencies to respond to open records requests within a reasonable time, typically within a few business days.
• Processing fees may apply for extensive searches or document copying.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Stutsman County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Bureau, which offers a statewide perspective on an individual's criminal history.

• The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Stutsman County.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Stutsman County are maintained by Stutsman County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Stutsman County, including the charges and personal information of the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the North Dakota Open Records Statute. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency, providing a summary of the individual's interactions with law enforcement.

Jail & Inmate Records

Stutsman County Correctional Center is the primary detention facility in Stutsman County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Stutsman County, where they are processed and held pending court appearances. The facility provides an inmate lookup service through its website, allowing the public to access information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and guidelines that must be adhered to.

• The bond and bail process in North Dakota allows for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through the facility or a bail bondsman.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Stutsman County are taken and retained by Stutsman County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from public access may need to pursue legal avenues depending on the circumstances.

The judicial system in Stutsman County operates under the North Dakota Unified Court System. The Southeast Judicial District Court serves Stutsman County with a courthouse located at 511 2nd Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Stutsman County Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family law, probate, and juvenile matters arising in Stutsman County. North Dakota does not have separate county-level courts; the District Court handles all trial-level proceedings.

• The state provides online access to court records through the North Dakota Court Records portal at www.ndcourts.gov, though some case types may be restricted.
• Remote access requires registration and may involve fees for document retrieval.
• Certified copies of court documents cost $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, plus postage if mailing is requested.
• The Clerk of Court can provide information on case filing procedures, fee schedules, and record access protocols.

Property and land records for Stutsman County are maintained by Stutsman County Recorder's Office, located in Stutsman County Courthouse at 511 2nd Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. The Recorder's Office can be contacted for This office maintains an extensive collection of documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, plat maps, and right-of-way documents dating back to Stutsman County's establishment.

• Some recent records may be available for free public viewing, while historical document retrieval may require fees.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
• Rush services may be available for an additional fee.

Vital records for Stutsman County are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Stutsman County can be requested through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vital Records, located at 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505 The state office maintains statewide records dating back to July 1893. Birth certificates cost $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $5 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy.

• Expedited service is available for an additional $25 fee.
• Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for regular requests and 3-5 business days for expedited service.
• Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply.
• Couples must apply in person, pay a $65 fee, and observe a waiting period.

Business registration and licensing in Stutsman County involves multiple levels of government. Stutsman County Recorder's Office at handles the filing of trade names, fictitious business names (DBAs), and assumed business names for businesses operating in Stutsman County. These filings are public records and can be searched at the courthouse. State-level business entity registration is managed by the North Dakota Secretary of State's office, which maintains a full online Business Information Filing System at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov.

• This free searchable database includes corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in North Dakota.
• Users can search by business name, registered agent, or business ID number.

Elections in Stutsman County are administered by Stutsman County Auditor's Office, which serves as Stutsman County's election authority. The office is located at 511 2nd Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in North Dakota operates differently than most states: North Dakota does not require voter registration. Residents may vote by providing valid identification and proof of residency at their polling place on Election Day, pursuant to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 16.1-01.

• North Dakota provides online tools to verify polling locations by entering your address.
• Stutsman County residents may request absentee ballots from the County Auditor's Office by submitting an application in writing or in person, available up to 40 days before an election.
• Transparency in elections is ensured through public access to voting records, post-election canvass reports, and the ability to observe election processes.
• Citizens can request copies of election results and related documents under North Dakota's Open Records Law, Chapter 44-04.

Stutsman County's economy is anchored by agriculture, with extensive wheat, corn, soybean, and sunflower production dominating the scene. Cattle ranching and dairy operations also contribute significantly to agricultural output. Stutsman County's agricultural economy supports numerous grain elevators, equipment dealers, and agricultural service providers.

• Census data, the median household income in Stutsman County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the national average but consistent with rural North Dakota counties.
• Jamestown Regional Airport provides general aviation services supporting business travel.
• The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities at the University of Jamestown contributes to the local economy and provides specialized services.

Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Online Subscription | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Available | Overall Score: 7/10, Stutsman County provides good access to property and court records online, though some services require in-person requests or involve fees.

Explore public records for 12 cities and communities in Stutsman County, North Dakota.