The Red Lake Detention Center is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs which governs the day-to-day operations of the facility. The facility is subject to federal laws and mandates. Inspections are conducted annually to insure that the facility is compliant within the areas of: population density, staffing, training, safety and other areas.

All staff must complete a six-week training course in Artesia, New Mexico within a year of employment. Additionally, onsite training in the use of force, restraints and other pertinent areas is required by law to insure the safety of both staff and inmates.

The Red Lake Detention Center uses a pod-design for the majority of cells; however, a secure area is designated for those inmates who warrant. Adults and juveniles are housed in separate sections of the facility, and the Detention Center is capable of housing up to 65 prisoners. Both pre-trial and sentenced individuals are housed onsite.

Construction on the present jail began in 2002 to replace out-dated facility that was in use. The first inmates arrived in 2005. The facility features two indoor gymnasiums (one for adults and one for juveniles), a programs area and classrooms. Since juveniles are housed within the facility, licensed teachers provide lessons through out the school year.

In addition, programming for adults provides instruction in traditional activities, as well as counseling. During the spring of 2013, media centers for both the adults and juveniles will be established. Adult inmates will be given the opportunity to prep for their GED tests.

The facility is intended to house inmates serving sentences of one year or less. Others are held on a temporary basis while awaiting transport to another jurisdiction by U.S. Marshals.