Based on documented findings, the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) has ordered the Beltrami County Jail to submit a capacity reduction plan to the DOC by close of business today and to reduce its capacity by Wednesday. 

“As the licensing authority, out of immediate concern for the safety of both staff and the people in custody, I’ve ordered the Beltrami County Jail to reduce the licensed capacity of the facility,” DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell said. “When life safety is an issue, we must take swift and decisive action,” Schnell added. 

The action occurred after the DOC received a complaint stemming from a January 24, 2023, incident where emergency medical care was delayed after a suicide attempt. 

While investigating the complaint, the DOC discovered multiple violations of minimum staffing levels, attempts to prevent medical transport for emergency care and delay of medical transport for emergency care — despite direction from medical staff that the care was clinically indicated. These violations are in direct violation of the state’s jail standards. 

Additionally, the DOC's ongoing investigation has identified multiple instances in which the Beltrami County Jail staff failed to conduct timely well-being checks and that those well-being checks were not in compliance immediately preceding the suicide attempt that occurred on January 24, 2023. 

Full details of the DOC’s order can be found on the DOC’s public website, here.