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Life On The Inside
"Basically, mind your own business, stay focused on what you're going to do to get out, don't become part of social atmosphere, you can't start to like or dislike the guards, don't start complaining. When you lose focus on outside world and instead focus on jail that's not going to help. Take advantage of classes and programs."

That is advice from a former inmate of Dakota County Jail and is pretty sound. There is actually quite a wide range of classes and programs offered at this facility. Among these are Adult Basic Education (GED), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) , Anger Management, Expanded Life Choices, Inmate Counseling and Parenting for Fathers. In other words there are many productive ways to stay occupied while doing time. 

When the Dakota County Jail first opened its cell doors in 1983, they averaged 55 inmates a day. Today that number has bumped up to over 300 per day. There are 5 units to the jail. Within each of those units are two men cells. When overcrowding occurs, some inmates are forced to sleep on cots in the gym.

Inmates can expect 3 meals a day. However, don't expect 4 star cuisine. They are provided with a cold breakfast, a hot lunch and a bagged sandwich for dinner. They can round out their eating by using the vending machines or canteen made available to them. As for going outside, inmates are at the mercy of the Minnesota weather.

Good Behavior Policy
The baseline for good behavior in Dakota County Jail is ten days a month. Those days off can also be added back on if an inmate breaks the rules involving fighting or contraband. For instance, the official policy for photos is: "Inmates may possess no more than ten photographs (no Polaroid photos). The photographic images must be appropriate in nature." In other words, one "inappropriate" photo could have you doing your full sentence.

Visitor and Phone Policy
Visiting time for inmates is on Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays. In order to secure a visit, the inmate needs to sign up for a specific time based on when their individual housing unit is allowed visitors. It's up to the inmate to inform their visitor of the appointment. Visits will only be for 20 minutes.

As for phone calls, telephones access is provided to inmates for ten minute calls. These are collect calls. If an inmate needs to call a cell phone number they will have to set up a connection account with Correctional Billing Services in advance of making the call.

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