Search Minnesota Inmate Records Online
Are Minnesota Inmate Records Open to the Public?
Yes, under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, inmate records are open to the public. These records can be accessed through official channels and third-party websites. However, information obtained from non-governmental sites may differ from official sources. To access these records, requesters typically need to provide the inmate's name and the location of the record, including the state, county, and city.
Minnesota Inmate Search
Minnesota inmate records contain vital information such as the inmate's full name, date of birth, physical description, mugshot, offense details, date of incarceration, and expected release date. These records are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MN DOC) and other local correctional facilities. To obtain these records, requesters must provide specific details, including the inmate's name and location.
The records also include sentencing information, such as the type and class of offense, the county where the case was tried, and the facility holding the inmate. This information is publicly accessible, ensuring transparency and accountability within the correctional system.
How to Conduct a Minnesota Jail Inmate Search
To search for inmates in Minnesota jails, individuals can use the Minnesota DOC Offender Locator. This tool requires the full name and place of incarceration of the inmate. Alternatively, contacting the jail directly can provide information about the inmate's offense and custody status. Many county jails also offer online inmate lookup services, allowing for easy access to inmate records.
Differences Between Minnesota State Prisons and County Jails
Minnesota operates two types of correctional facilities: state prisons and county jails. State prisons, managed by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, house individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to more than one year. These facilities offer various security levels, from minimum to maximum.
County jails, operated by local Sheriff's offices, detain individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences for misdemeanors. While state prisons focus on long-term rehabilitation and vocational programs, county jails provide basic detention services and may offer work opportunities through inmate work crews.
Sending Money to an Inmate in Minnesota Prisons or Jails
Funds can be sent to inmates in Minnesota via electronic funds transfer or by mailing a money order or cashier's check. The MN DOC allows electronic transfers through services like JPay or MoneyGram. To send funds, the sender must know the inmate's ID number. Electronic transfers are subject to fees, while mailed money orders are not.
Funds sent by money order may take up to 10 days to process. The sender must complete a money order deposit form and mail it to the specified address. Parties can also call (800) 574-5729 for assistance.
How to Contact Inmates in Minnesota Prisons and Jails
Inmates in Minnesota can receive messages by mail or email. All incoming mail must include the inmate's name and identification number. Acceptable mail includes drawings, photographs, and published materials. Postcards and greeting cards are also allowed.
Emails can be sent using the MN DOC's online email system, JPay. The sender must know the inmate's ID number to use this service. This system ensures that inmates can maintain contact with their loved ones while serving their sentences.
Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in Minnesota Prisons and Jails
To visit an inmate in Minnesota, interested parties must first locate the inmate using the prison lookup tool. They must then apply for visitation and schedule visits ahead of time. Applications can be submitted online or by calling the facility directly.
Visitors must adhere to specific visitation rules, including ID requirements, dress codes, and guidelines for physical contact. These rules ensure that visits are conducted safely and respectfully.
How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in Minnesota
To locate an inmate in Minnesota, individuals can use the MN DOC offender search tool. This tool requires the inmate's name or identification number. Alternatively, contacting the facility where the inmate is held can provide the necessary information.
This process ensures that concerned parties can easily find and obtain information about incarcerated individuals, promoting transparency within the correctional system.
Finding a County Inmate Roster in Minnesota
Each county in Minnesota maintains an inmate roster managed by the county sheriff. These rosters contain information on current and past inmates and are regularly updated. To access a county inmate roster, individuals can visit the official sheriff's office website or contact the county directly.
For example, the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office provides an online roster for public access. This system ensures that information about county inmates is readily available to the public.
How to Conduct a Minnesota Prison Inmate Search
The MN DOC offender search tool allows individuals to access inmate records and information. This tool requires the inmate's name or identification number and provides free access to inmate data. Alternatively, contacting the facility directly can also yield the inmate's records.
This search process ensures that individuals can obtain comprehensive information about inmates, including their incarceration details and status.
How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in Minnesota
To find an inmate's release date, individuals can perform a free inmate search using the Minnesota inmate locator tool. This tool provides information about the inmate, including their release date. However, in some cases, the release date may be confidential to protect the inmate's privacy or security.
Eligible persons, such as immediate family members, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized law enforcement officers, can access this information. This ensures that sensitive data is protected while still providing necessary information to those with legitimate reasons.
Facilities Managed by the Minnesota Department of Corrections
The Minnesota Department of Corrections oversees 13 correctional facilities with varying security levels. These facilities include:
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Faribault (Medium security)
- Minnesota Correctional Facility - Lino Lakes (Medium and minimum security)
- Minnesota Correctional Facility - Oak Park Heights (Maximum and close custody)
- Minnesota Correctional Facility - Red Wing
- Minnesota Correctional Facility - Rush City
- Minnesota Correctional Facility - Shakopee
- Minnesota Correctional Facility - St. Cloud
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater (Close and minimum security)
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Togo (Minimum security)
- Minnesota Correctional Facility - Moose Lake (Minimum security)
- Minnesota Correctional Facility - Willow River (Minimum security boot camp)
These facilities provide various levels of security and rehabilitation programs to meet the needs of the inmate population.