Minnesota Arrest Records

We thank you for visiting this page. We will strive to help you with your Minnesota Arrest Records Search. Our goal is to give you the facts you need. We want to make your search as simple as can be.

If you want to begin a search right now, visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/arrest-records/ to use their search tool for your Minnesota Arrest Records Search. This site offers a way to look for records quickly. Check it out if you need fast results. It provides access for users who wish to start their Minnesota Arrest Records Search without delay. Please note this is a specific resource available for your search needs.

Understanding Minnesota Arrest Records

An arrest record in Minnesota is made when a person is taken into custody. This happens when law enforcement thinks the person broke the law. The record tracks the event of the arrest itself. It is not the same as a court case file. It is not proof the person is guilty. It just shows that an arrest took place. These records hold key details about the person held. They also note the time and place of the arrest. The police force that made the arrest is also listed. These records help track interactions with law enforcement. They form part of a person's contact with the justice system.

The details found in a Minnesota arrest record can vary. Most will list the person's full name. Their date of birth is often shown. A physical description might be there too. This includes height, weight, hair, and eye color. The record states the date and time of the arrest. The location where the arrest happened is noted. The name of the police agency is recorded. The charges filed at the time of arrest are key info. These often list specific state law codes. A booking number or case ID is usually given. Sometimes a mug shot photo is part of the record. Fingerprint data may also be kept. But public access to photos and prints can be limited.

Public Access Laws for Arrest Records in Minnesota

Access to government data is set by law. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) guides this. You can find it in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. This law states that most government data are public. This includes some data about arrests. But the law also protects some data as private or not public. This aims to keep a good balance. It respects the public right to know. It also guards personal privacy. You have the right to see public data for free. You can ask for copies, but there may be a cost.

Under the MGDPA, some arrest data becomes public. Adult arrest information is usually public once charges are filed. This might include the person's name and age. The charge and the date of arrest are often public too. The location of the arrest may be public data. However, data from an active police probe might be kept private. This protects the case work. Also, not all data gathered at arrest is public. Things like detailed officer notes might stay private. Juvenile arrest records have strong privacy rules. They are usually not open to the public. Always check the MGDPA for exact rules on data access. Laws can change over time.

How to Perform a Minnesota Arrest Records Search

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) keeps statewide criminal history data. This includes more than just arrests. It tracks convictions and court results too. The BCA provides a public criminal history search online. This lets you look up records using a name and date of birth. This online search shows public conviction data. Full criminal records, including arrests not leading to conviction, are private. You can request your own full record. Others can request it with your signed consent. Requests for full records involve forms and fees.

To get a full criminal history record (yours or someone else's with consent):

• Submit a data request to the BCA. Forms are on their site.

• There are fees for full background checks.

• You can make requests by mail or in person.

BCA Contact Information:

• Address: Minnesota Justice Information Services - CHA Unit, 1430 Maryland Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55106

• Phone (Background Checks): (651) 793-2400 (select option 7 for questions)

• Lobby Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed holidays)

• Website: Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety - BCA site for forms and details. Their public search is at https://chs.state.mn.us/.

County Sheriff Departments

County Sheriff's Offices handle law enforcement in their areas. They make arrests and keep records of them. You can often ask for arrest information directly from the sheriff. Some offices have online tools to search recent arrests or jail inmates. Others require you to call or visit. The data they give may be limited by the MGDPA. They typically provide local arrest details. They may not have statewide conviction history like the BCA. Fees might apply for copies of reports. Contact the specific county sheriff for their process.

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

• Address: Hennepin County Government Center, 350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415 (Sheriff's main office)

• Note: For court records, visit the Records Center at 300 South Sixth Street, Room A260 Skyway Level, Minneapolis, MN 55487.

• Phone: (612) 348-3744 (Sheriff General) or (612) 348-3177 (Court Records Center)

• Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (General county/court hours)

• Website: Check the Hennepin County Sheriff or Hennepin Court Records Center sites.

Ramsey County Sheriff's Office

• Address: Criminal History Unit, 425 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101

• Phone: (651) 266-9333 (Sheriff General - ask for Criminal History Unit)

• Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Criminal History Unit)

• Website: See the Ramsey County Sheriff site for services.

Local Police Departments

City police departments handle arrests within city limits. Like sheriffs, they keep records of these arrests. You can request arrest reports or information from them. Access depends on the MGDPA rules. Some cities offer online access to police reports or recent arrest logs. You might need to fill out a data request form. Contact the specific police department for details. Call their records unit or visit their office. Fees may apply for copies.

Minneapolis Police Department (MPD)

• Address: Records Information Unit, Minneapolis Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415

• Phone: (612) 673-2961

• Office Hours: M-Th 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; F 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Phone hours differ slightly)

• Website: Visit the City of Minneapolis Police Reports & Data Requests page.

Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD)

• Address: Records Unit, 367 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101 (1st Floor Customer Service window)

• Phone: (651) 266-5700 (General Records Information)

• Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Website: Check the Saint Paul Police Records Unit page. They offer online data requests.

Minnesota Judicial Branch (Court Records)

Courts maintain records of cases filed after an arrest. These court records show charges, hearings, and outcomes like convictions. They are a key part of the criminal justice process. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online access through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). MCRO replaces the older MPA Remote system. You can search MCRO for public case information. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. Note that MCRO might not show pending criminal cases when searching by name. Full case details and documents may require specific access or visiting a courthouse.

Court records show the official charges filed by a prosecutor. They track the case progress. This includes pleas entered and trial results. They show sentencing information if there is a conviction. Arrest records show the initial event. Court records show what happened next in the legal system. Use MCRO to find case details related to an arrest. Remember, court data access follows specific rules (Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch). Not all court documents are available online.

• MCRO Portal: https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us/

• Information: https://www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records/MCRO.aspx

Information Found in Minnesota Arrest Records

Minnesota arrest records typically contain several key pieces of information. These details help identify the person arrested and the circumstances of the event. Common data points include:

• Personal Identifiers: Full name, any known aliases, date of birth.

• Physical Description: May include height, weight, race, hair color, eye color.

• Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest.

• Arresting Agency: The name of the police department or sheriff's office involved.

• Charges: The specific offenses the person was arrested for. These often reference Minnesota Statutes, like those in the Criminal Code (Chapter 609).

• Booking Information: A unique booking number or arrest ID. Date and time of booking into jail.

• Mugshot: A booking photograph. Availability to the public can vary by agency and policy.

• Fingerprints: While taken at booking, fingerprint images are generally not public record.

Important Things to Know

Arrest vs. Conviction

An arrest record shows someone was taken into custody. It does not mean they are guilty of a crime. Guilt is determined only by a court of law. A person may be arrested but never charged. Charges might be dropped later. A person might be found not guilty at trial. Arrest records should be viewed with care. They are not proof of criminal behavior. Only a conviction proves guilt beyond doubt.

Expungement of Arrest Records

Minnesota law allows for expungement of some criminal records. Expungement means sealing the record from public view. It does not destroy the record. Law enforcement can still see sealed records. An expungement order can cover arrests that did not lead to conviction. It can also cover certain convictions after a waiting period. The process requires filing a petition with the court. Specific rules apply. You can learn more from Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A (Expungement). The Minnesota Courts Self-Help Center also has guides.

Juvenile Arrest Records

Arrest records for people under 18 are usually confidential. Access is strictly limited by law. The goal is to protect minors. Public access to juvenile records is rare. Special court orders may be needed in some cases. Assume juvenile arrest data is private.

Data Accuracy

The details in arrest records depend on accurate reporting. Data entry errors can happen. Information might be slow to update between agencies. If using arrest data for key decisions, try to verify it. Check multiple sources if possible. Official court records often provide the most reliable final outcome information.

Helpful Resources

Minnesota Birth Records | Minnesota Court Records | Minnesota Criminal Records