Minnesota Inmate Search

We are glad you came to this page. Our aim is to give you the best help for your Minnesota Inmate Search. We will guide you through the main ways to find someone held in state or local lock up in Minnesota. This guide has links and tips to aid your search.

If you want to start your Minnesota Inmate Search right now, you can use this tool: https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/inmate-search/. This site helps find public records fast. It can be a quick way to check for inmate details from different places. Use it if you need info right away before reading our full guide below. It helps pull data that you may need.

Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Search

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) holds adults sentenced to state prison. They run the main state lock ups. The DOC has an online tool to find these folks. This is the chief way to look for state prisoners. It holds data on those now in DOC care. It also has data on those under DOC watch but out of prison. This tool is free for all to use. It is kept up to date by the DOC staff. Use this for the most sure state prison data.

Using the DOC Locator

You can find the DOC tool online. Go to their public search page. The link is https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer. You need some info to search. You can use the person's full name. Or you can use their Offender ID (OID). The OID is a unique number the DOC gives each person. Using the OID gives the most exact result. A name search might show more than one person if the name is common. Check the birth date to be sure you found the right person. The site is made for easy use by the public.

Information Found via DOC Search

The DOC search shows key facts. You will see the inmate's full name. Their DOC Offender ID (OID) is shown. Their date of birth helps confirm identity. The tool lists the name of the state prison where they are held. It shows their current status. This could be 'Incarcerated' or on 'Supervised Release'. It often gives a planned release date. Keep in mind release dates can change. This depends on many things like good time earned. The data shown is based on DOC records at that time.

DOC Contact Information

For more help, contact the DOC. Their main office is not a prison. Address: Minnesota Department of Corrections, 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55108. Phone: (651) 361-7200. Their office hours are usually 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. This is on week days (Monday to Friday). Offices are closed on state holidays. Call them for questions not answered online. They handle state prison issues only. They do not run county jails.

County Jail Inmate Information

County jails are not the same as state prisons. Jails are run by county sheriffs. They hold people waiting for trial. They also hold those with short jail terms. This is often less than one year. Each Minnesota county has its own jail rules. They also keep their own inmate lists, called rosters. So, a DOC search will not find county jail folks. You must check with the right county. Some large counties have online jail rosters. Small ones might need a phone call.

Finding County Jail Rosters

To find someone in a county jail, go to that county's sheriff office site. Most sheriff sites have a jail section. Look for links like "Jail Roster," "Inmate List," or "In Custody." Not all counties offer this online. Here are links for some large county sheriff offices. You may find their jail rosters there:

• Hennepin County Sheriff: https://www.hennepinsheriff.org/jail-warrants/jail-information Look for inmate search options.

• Ramsey County Sheriff: https://www.ramseycounty.us/your-government/sheriff/detention-services/adult-detention-center Check for roster or search tools.

• Anoka County Sheriff: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/300/Sheriff-Jail Find jail information or inmate lookup here.

• Dakota County Jail: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/LawJustice/Jail Search for their inmate roster page.

County jail rosters provide different details than the DOC locator. Since these individuals may not have been convicted yet, you'll often find booking information, such as the date and time they were admitted to the jail. The roster typically lists the specific charges they are being held on. This is important as these are alleged offenses, not necessarily convictions. Bail or bond amounts, if set by a judge, are frequently included. This tells you how much money is needed for potential pre-trial release. Upcoming court dates related to their case might also be listed. The availability and specific format of this information vary significantly from one county to another based on local policy and technology.

County Jail Contact Details (Examples)

If you need to call a jail, here is info for two large ones. Check their web site for full details and hours. Rules can change.

• Hennepin County Jail (Public Safety Facility): 401 South 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone: (612) 348-5112. Call for visiting hours and rules.

• Ramsey County Adult Detention Center: 425 Grove Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Phone: (651) 266-9350. Check their site for visiting times and inmate mail rules.

Searching for Federal Inmates in Minnesota

Some crimes are federal, not state or local. People convicted of federal crimes go to federal prisons. These are run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The BOP is part of the U.S. Department of Justice. A Minnesota inmate search on DOC or county sites will not find federal inmates. You need to use the BOP's own search tool. Minnesota has federal prisons, like FCI Sandstone and FCI Waseca. But a person from MN could be held in a federal prison in any state.

Using the BOP Inmate Locator

The BOP has a free online Inmate Locator. You can find it here: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. This tool lets you search across all federal prisons. You can search using a name. It works best if you have the inmate's BOP register number. You can also search by DCDC Number, FBI Number, or INS Number if you know them. Like the DOC search, a name search might show many results. Check the age or race to help find the right person. The BOP site shows the inmate's current location. It also gives a projected release date.

Understanding Inmate Records Information

When you do a Minnesota inmate search, you get certain data. Here is a breakdown of common info points:

• Inmate Identifiers: This includes the person's full legal name. It also lists their unique ID number (DOC OID or county jail ID). Their date of birth is usually shown to help confirm it is the right person.

• Location and Status: The record shows the name of the specific jail or prison. It will state their current status. For DOC, this might be 'Incarcerated' or 'Supervised Release.' For jails, it might just say 'In Custody.'

• Offense and Sentencing (DOC): For state prisoners, the record lists the crimes they were convicted of. It shows the length of their sentence. The date they were admitted to the DOC is often included.

• Release Information: Most records give a release date. For DOC inmates, this is often a projected date. It can change based on behavior or new laws. County jail rosters might not show a release date, especially pre-trial.

• County Jail Specifics: Jail lists focus on recent arrests. You see the booking date and time. The charges filed against them are listed. Bail or bond amount is key info here. Upcoming court dates may also be shown. Some counties show mugshots online. This depends on their policy and Minnesota Statute § 13.82, Subd. 2 regarding public data.

Release dates found in these records, particularly from the DOC, are often estimates. An inmate's actual release can be affected by several factors not always reflected immediately in the online locator. Earning "good time" credits for positive behavior can shorten the time served. Completion of mandatory programs might also impact release timing. Parole board decisions are another key factor for some inmates. Therefore, while the listed date is a useful guide, it should not be considered absolutely final until very close to the actual event. Also, remember the crucial difference between county jail information and DOC records. Jail rosters primarily list charges, which are accusations. DOC records list convictions, meaning the person has been found guilty in court.

Related Procedures: Visiting and Contacting Inmates

Finding an inmate is the first step. You might want to visit or contact them. Rules for this vary a lot. It depends on the facility type (state prison vs county jail). It also depends on the specific institution. Always check the rules before you try to visit or send items.

Visiting an Inmate

Each facility has its own visiting rules. You usually need to be on an approved visitor list first. This may require filling out a form. There are strict rules on what you can wear. There are limits on what you can bring. Visiting hours are set and must be followed. Check the website of the specific jail or prison. For state prisons, the MN DOC has general visiting information here: https://mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/visiting-information/. This page gives links to each state facility's rules.

Sending Mail or Money

Rules for sending mail are also strict. You must use the inmate's full name and ID number. The address must be exact. All mail is opened and checked for safety, except legal mail in some cases. Sending money usually requires using specific approved vendors. Jails and prisons do not just accept cash or checks by mail. Look up the rules on the facility's website. Or check the main MN DOC site for state prison money rules.

Requesting Official Records

The online locators provide basic public data. For more detailed official records, you may need to make a formal request. This process is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA). This law is found in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/13. This law defines what government data is public. It also sets rules for how to ask for it.

To request records, you usually need to submit a written request. You send this to the agency that has the records (DOC or the county sheriff). Many agencies have data request forms on their websites. The MN DOC Data Practices page is here: https://mn.gov/doc/about/data-practices/. This page explains their process. Be specific about the records you seek. Be aware that some data may not be public due to privacy rules. The agency may charge fees for copying or compiling records. They have a set time frame to respond to your request under the MGDPA. Thanks for visiting this page. We want to help you with your Minnesota Inmate Search. Our aim is to give you the right facts. We will guide you to the tools you need. Let us help you find the person you seek.

If you need to start your Minnesota Inmate Search now, please go here: https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/inmate-search/. This site can help you look for inmate records right away. It offers a way to check state and local data sources. Use it if you want quick access to find someone held in jail or state prison in Minnesota.

Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Search

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) holds adults sentenced to state prison. They run the main search tool for these people. This tool holds public data. It shows who is in prison or on release under DOC care. It does not list people in county jails. Use this for state prison searches only.

Using the DOC Locator

You can find the DOC search tool online. Go to the Minnesota DOC Offender Locator at https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer. You need the person's first and last name. Or you can use their Offender ID (OID) number. The OID is a unique number given by the DOC. It is the best way to find a specific person. Using the name might show more than one person. Be sure you have the right one. Check the birth date if shown.

Information Found via DOC Search

The DOC locator gives key facts. This search shows public data about people sent to the DOC. This includes those in prison now. It also lists those out of prison but still watched by the DOC. You may find:

• Full Name

• Offender ID (OID)

• Date of Birth

• Current Prison Facility Location

• Custody Status (In prison, Released, On watch)

• Known Release Date (This date can change)

• Highest Ranked Offense

• Court File Number

DOC Contact Information

If you need more help, contact the DOC. Address: Minnesota Department of Corrections, Central Office, 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55108. Phone: (651) 361-7200. Hours: Office hours are usually 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time, Monday to Friday. Call to check hours before you go. They handle records and general questions.

County Jail Inmate Information

County jails are run by local Sheriff's Offices. They hold people waiting for trial. They also hold those with short jail terms. This is not the same as state prison run by the DOC. Each Minnesota county keeps its own list of inmates. This list is often called a jail roster. You must search the right county jail roster.

Finding County Jail Rosters

To find someone in a county jail, go to that county's Sheriff's Office website. Most large counties have online rosters. These lists are updated often, some every hour. Keep in mind that a person just booked may not show up right away. They need to be processed first. Some may not appear for up to 24 hours.

Here are links for some major county jail searches:

• Hennepin County: https://www.hennepinsheriff.org/jail-warrants/jail-roster 

• Ramsey County: https://opendata.ramseycounty.us/stories/s/Ramsey-County-Adult-Detention-Center-Roster/xs99-2bse/ 

• Dakota County: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/LawJustice/Jail/InmateSearch 

• Anoka County: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/300/Sheriff-Jail (Check this page for roster links)

• St. Louis County: https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/sheriff/jail/jail-roster 

County Jail Contact Details (Examples)

County jail rosters give details like booking date and charges. They might list bail amounts and court dates too. The exact data shown varies by county. Some list release dates, but these can change. You might also find basic details like age and gender. Mugshots may be online depending on the county and state rules. Contact the specific jail for full details. Hours for public contact differ by jail. Always check their website or call first.

• Hennepin County Jail: Public Safety Facility, 401 South 4th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone: (612) 348-5112. Check the website for lobby hours and specific contact times. The roster link above lets you search current inmates.

• Ramsey County Adult Detention Center: 425 Grove Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Phone: (651) 266-9350. The roster updates often (every 30 minutes per their site). It shows booking info, charges, and court details. Records stay online for 5 days after release.

County jail data can be very detailed. You might see the arresting agency name. You could find the exact statute number for the charge. Bail status like "Bail Set" or "Remand-Custody" is common. Court information includes the case number, date, time, and court room or address. This helps track a person's court path. Remember, charges listed are not proof of guilt. They show why the person is being held at that time. A case must go through court first. Check the roster disclaimer for more details. This info comes from police, courts, and the jail itself. It aims to be up to date. But always check with official sources if needed.

Searching for Federal Inmates in Minnesota

Some people are held for federal crimes. They are not in state prisons or county jails. They are in the care of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). You need to use the BOP search tool to find them. This is a whole separate system from the state DOC or county jails. Federal crimes include bank fraud, drug trafficking across state lines, or crimes on federal land.

Using the BOP Inmate Locator

The BOP has an online Inmate Locator. Find it here: https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. You can search using a person's name. Or you can use one of their ID numbers. These include:

• BOP Register Number

• DCDC Number

• FBI Number

• INS Number

The BOP locator finds federal inmates jailed from 1982 to now. Minnesota has federal prisons like FCI Sandstone and FCI Waseca. But a federal inmate could be held in any BOP site in the U.S. The search covers all federal sites.

Understanding Inmate Records Information

When you search for an inmate, you find key data. This helps tell you who they are and where they are. The exact info depends on if it is DOC or county jail data.

• Inmate Identifiers: This includes the person's full name. It often lists aliases too. Their date of birth helps confirm identity. A unique ID number (DOC OID or county booking number) is key.

• Location and Status: You can see the current facility name. This tells you where they are held right now. Status shows if they are in jail, prison, or on release.

• Offense and Sentencing: For DOC inmates, you see their main convictions. Sentence length and start date are often shown. County rosters list current charges. These are charges they face now, not past convictions.

• Release Information: The DOC site may show a projected release date. This date is not set in stone. It can change based on behavior or new court orders. County jails might list a release date if sentenced, or just "pending" if pre-trial. Bail or bond info is common on county rosters. This tells you how much money is needed for release before trial.

• County Jail Specifics: County rosters often have more fluid data. This includes booking date and time. It lists specific charges from the arrest. It shows bail amounts and any holds from other places. Upcoming court dates are very helpful for tracking cases. Some counties may show mugshots online. This is allowed under Minnesota Statute § 13.82, Subdivision 2, covering public criminal justice data. Access depends on county policy.

Release dates from the DOC need care. They are often estimates. Good conduct time, program credits, or parole board choices can change the date. County jail release depends on the case outcome. If charges are dropped, they might be let go. If they post bail, they get out before trial. If found guilty and sentenced to time served, release is soon. If sentenced to more time, they stay or move to DOC. Charges are not the same as convictions. A charge means police think they broke a law. A conviction means a court found them guilty. County jails hold many people still charged but not yet found guilty. DOC holds people found guilty and sentenced to state prison terms.

Related Procedures: Visiting and Contacting Inmates

Finding an inmate is often the first step. You may also want to visit or contact them. Rules for this vary a lot.

Visiting an Inmate

Each facility has its own rules for visits. This applies to state prisons (DOC) and county jails. You usually need to be on an approved list. The inmate often starts this request. There are dress codes you must follow. Visiting hours are set times. Some sites now use video visits too. Check the specific facility's website for rules. The MN DOC has general visiting info here: https://mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/visiting-information/. 

Sending Mail or Money

Rules for mail and money also differ. Mail must be addressed in a certain way. It often includes the inmate's name and ID number. All mail is checked for safety. There are limits on what you can send. To send money, you often use specific approved companies like JPay or Access Corrections. Do not send cash in the mail. Go to the DOC or county jail website. Find their rules for mail and money before you send anything.

Requesting Official Records

The online searches show public data. Some records are private or need a formal request. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) sets the rules. Find the law here: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/13). This law defines public and private data. It tells you how to ask for public records.

To get official copies or more details, you may need to submit a data request. Use the form provided by the agency (DOC or county sheriff). State clearly what data you seek. There might be fees for copies or research time. The agency has set times to respond to requests. The MN DOC has info on data requests here: https://mn.gov/doc/about/data-practices/. For county records, contact the specific county Sheriff's Office. Some data, like juvenile records or health data, is often kept private by law.

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