Bent County Jail Roster

Bent County jail roster is maintained at the Bent County Correctional Facility in Las Animas. This medium-security prison holds 1,400 inmates and is Colorado's first privately-run jail, operated by Corrections Corporation of America since 1996.

Bent County Correctional Facility

The Bent County Correctional Facility sits at 11560 County Road FF 75 in Las Animas. Built in 1993, this medium-security jail holds 1,400 inmates. It was the first privately-run jail in Colorado and has been operated by Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) since 1996. The facility handles inmates from Bent County and also houses overflow inmates from other jurisdictions under contracts with CCA.

Business hours at the facility are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for administrative matters. Jail operations run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call (719) 456-2610 to ask about inmates or bail procedures at any time. The main fax line is (719) 456-2515 if you need to send documents to the facility in Bent County.

The facility does not have an online inmate database. You must call directly to search for someone in custody. Staff can check the roster by name and provide booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. This is a large facility, so searches may take a few minutes. Have the person's full name and date of birth ready when you call to speed up the process in Bent County.

How to Search Bent County Jail Roster

No online inmate search is available for the Bent County Correctional Facility. Call (719) 456-2610 to locate an inmate. Staff can search by name and tell you if the person is in custody. They can also provide charges, bond amounts, and booking dates. Because this is a large facility with 1,400 beds, searches may take a few minutes. Be patient while staff look up the information.

The state VINE system at vinelink.com is another option. VINE tracks inmates across Colorado and tells you if they are in custody or released. It does not show charges or bail, but it gives you a location. Sign up for alerts to get updates when the person moves or gets out. VINE works for large facilities like Bent County, though records may take a day or two to update after a booking.

Court dockets are available online through the Colorado Judicial Department at coloradojudicial.gov/dockets. You can search for cases by name or case number. Dockets show upcoming hearings, past cases, and case outcomes for Bent County. This helps if you need to know about court dates or case status in addition to jail information.

Programs and Services at Bent County Jail

The Bent County Correctional Facility offers several programs for inmates. GED courses are available for inmates who want to earn their high school equivalency. College correspondence courses are also offered, letting inmates work toward a degree while in custody. These programs help inmates prepare for life after release and reduce the chances they will return to jail.

Substance abuse treatment is available for inmates battling addiction. Counselors work with inmates to address drug and alcohol problems. Treatment programs include group sessions and individual counseling. Inmates who complete treatment have better outcomes after release. The facility takes rehabilitation seriously, which sets it apart from many other jails in Colorado.

A library is available for inmates, though access to the legal section is by appointment only. Inmates can request legal materials through the library system. The facility also has a gym, kitchen access for inmate workers, and a music program. These programs keep inmates busy and give them something positive to focus on while serving time in Bent County.

The commissary operates weekly, letting inmates buy toiletries, snacks, and other items. You can deposit money into an inmate's account by calling the facility or mailing a money order. Personal checks are not accepted. Deposits usually post within a few days. Inmates order from the commissary once a week, and items are delivered to their housing units.

Visiting Inmates at Bent County Jail

Visitation at the Bent County Correctional Facility happens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, including holidays. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Processing begins at 9:30 a.m., so arrive early if you want to visit. No visitors are admitted after 3:00 p.m., so plan to get there with time to spare. If the facility overcrowds during a visit, officials may ask for volunteers to terminate visits early to make space for others.

Visitor rules are strict at this facility. Only a wedding ring, religious necklace, or medical alert badge are allowed as jewelry. Hair extensions must be disclosed in advance, and no clip or comb attachments are allowed. Do not wear inappropriate clothing, open-toed shoes, or hats. Dress modestly and follow all rules to avoid being turned away at the door in Bent County.

All visits are monitored and recorded. Do not discuss the case or anything illegal during visits. Prosecutors can review visit recordings if they think evidence is being discussed. Keep conversations focused on personal matters and stay away from legal topics. If you need to discuss the case, meet with the inmate's lawyer instead.

Bail Options in Bent County

There are three main ways to post bail in Bent County. A cash bond requires paying the full amount upfront. You get the money back after the case ends, minus any fines or fees the court imposes. A property bond uses real estate as collateral. The property value must equal or exceed the bail amount. A bondsman charges a fee of 10 to 15 percent to post bail on your behalf. That fee is not refundable.

Call (719) 456-2610 to ask about a specific bail amount. Staff can tell you what is owed and how to pay it. Cash, certified checks, and money orders are accepted. Personal checks are not. Bondsmen work in the area and can post bail quickly once you hire them. Some bondsmen require collateral if the bail amount is high in Bent County.

Not everyone gets bail. Serious charges or a history of failing to appear in court can lead a judge to deny bail. Repeat offenders may face higher bail amounts. The court looks at many factors when deciding bail, including the nature of the crime and the person's ties to the community. A lawyer can ask the judge to reduce bail if it is too high.

Mail and Phone Services for Inmates

Mail is accepted for inmates at the Bent County Correctional Facility. Address letters to the inmate's name and ID number at 11560 Road FF 75, Las Animas, Colorado 81054. All mail is searched and read by staff before it reaches inmates. Do not write anything incriminating, as prosecutors can use mail contents as evidence in court. Only letters and approved photos are allowed. Do not send cash, nude photos, or prohibited items.

Phone calls are available for inmates to contact family and lawyers. All calls are recorded except those with attorneys. Inmates pay for calls using funds in their accounts. Rates depend on the phone provider the jail uses. Family members can set up prepaid accounts to receive calls, which is often cheaper than accepting collect calls. Do not say anything incriminating during calls, as prosecutors can use recordings as evidence.

Colorado Jail Records Law

Colorado law requires sheriffs and jail operators to keep detailed jail records. C.R.S. § 17-26-118 sets the standards for what must be recorded and who can access it. Facilities must log all inmates, including names, booking dates, charges, and release dates. These records are public, which means anyone can request access to them in Bent County.

You do not need a reason to request jail records. Submit a written request to the facility or contact the Sheriff's Office. Some records may be withheld if releasing them would harm an ongoing investigation or violate privacy rights. But most booking information is open to the public. Fees may apply for copies, especially if the request covers many pages.

Inmates have rights under Colorado law as well. They must be given access to medical care, legal counsel, and a process to challenge their detention. Colorado Revised Statutes protect these rights, and inmates can file complaints if the facility violates them. Advocacy groups monitor conditions in privately-run jails like Bent County to make sure rules are followed.

Cities in Bent County

Bent County includes the town of Las Animas and smaller communities like McClave and Hasty. All arrests in these areas lead to bookings at the correctional facility in Las Animas. The facility also houses inmates from other counties under contracts with CCA.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bent County. If you are searching for someone, check these jails as well.