Dakota County Inmate Search

Thanks for visiting this page. We aim to give you the best help for your Dakota County Inmate Search. We know finding this info can be hard. We have put key facts here for you. Our goal is to make your search easy. We want this page to be a top source for you.

For those who want to begin searching now, visit https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/dakota-county-inmate-search/. This site may help you start your Dakota County Inmate Search right away. It can offer quick ways to look for inmate details. If you need fast access to search tools or data, that link is a good place to go first. Check it out if you prefer not to read through all the details below and just need to find someone quickly.

Finding an Inmate in Dakota County

Finding someone in the Dakota County jail system can be done a few ways. The best way is often through official channels. These ensure you get correct and up to date info. Knowing where to look saves time and stress.

Official Dakota County Jail Inmate Search Tool

Dakota County may offer an online tool. Please note: The official Dakota County website has stated their inmate search is sometimes unavailable. If the tool is down, you will need to use other ways. Check the for current status. If it is not working, try the options below. You can also call the jail for help. The main jail line is a good backup. Staff there can often confirm if someone is held.

If the online search is down, you can call for info.

• Jail Information: (651) 438-4800

• Sheriff's Office: (651) 438-4700

• Sheriff's Email: sheriff@co.dakota.mn.us 

Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Offender Locator

For persons sent to state prison, use the . This tool finds adults under DOC control. This includes those in state prison. It also lists those out of prison but still watched. It does not list people only in county jail short term. You can search by name or MNDOC Offender ID number. The ID is a six digit number. Using the full ID gives the best result. Name searches work even if you are not sure how to spell it. It looks for names that start with the letters you type. Keep in mind it may take some days for new state inmates to show up here. This tool shows public data only.

Victim Notification Service (VINE)

If you are a victim of a crime, you can sign up for alerts. The lets you know if an offender's status changes. This includes release or transfer. You can register on their site or by phone. This service helps keep victims safe and aware. It covers people under DOC control. It may also cover some county jail inmates. Check the VINE site for full details.

Dakota County Jail: Contact and Procedures

The Dakota County Jail, run by the Sheriff's Office, holds people waiting for court or serving short terms. Knowing how to contact the jail and send things is key. The jail is part of the Law Enforcement Center.

Jail Location and Key Contacts

The main facility address and phone numbers are vital. Use these for direct calls or visits when allowed. The Sheriff's Office handles jail ops.

• Dakota County Law Enforcement Center (Jail Location):

  • 1580 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033

• Jail Information Line:

  • (651) 438-4800

• Sheriff's Office Main Line:

  • (651) 438-4700

• Sheriff's Office Fax:

  • (651) 438-4709

• Sheriff's Office Email:

  • sheriff@co.dakota.mn.us

Business hours for some services, like court related tasks, may be limited. The jail itself runs 24/7, but admin and info lines have set hours. Call during normal work times for best results unless it is urgent.

Sending Mail to Inmates

Mail is a key way to stay in touch. You must use the right format. All mail is checked for safety. Do not send items that are not allowed. Check the jail rules first.

• Correct Mailing Address:

  • (Inmate's Full Name)

  • Dakota County Law Enforcement Center

  • P.O. Box 247J

  • Hastings, MN 55033

Using the P.O. Box is important for mail. Do not send mail to the street address. Things like cash, checks, or items not allowed will be rejected. Books must often come direct from a seller. Check the for a full list of rules and what you can send. Following rules helps your mail get through.

Sending Money to Inmates

Inmates need money for things like phone calls or snacks. There are a few ways to send funds. Cash is not usually sent by mail.

• In Person: Use the kiosk at the Law Enforcement Center lobby. It is at 1580 Highway 55, Hastings. The kiosk takes cash or credit cards. Money goes right to the inmate's funds.

• Online/Phone: The county uses a service for online funds. The website mentions TurnKey Corrections. Contact them for issues with inmate funds at (715) 690-2965. You can likely deposit via their website or phone. Check the for links or details. Or visit the . Fees may apply for online or phone deposits.

It is wise to confirm the current vendor and methods. Rules can change. Using the right method makes sure the inmate gets the funds fast.

Inmate Phone Calls

Inmates can make calls out but usually cannot take calls in. Calls are often collect calls. The person getting the call pays. Or, funds can be put on a phone account. The jail uses a specific phone service provider. Check the county jail site or call the info line to find out which one. You may need to set up an account with that firm to get calls or put funds on the inmate's phone time. All calls, except with lawyers, are likely recorded and watched.

Visiting an Inmate at Dakota County Jail

Visits help inmates keep ties with family and friends. Rules are in place for safety and order. You must follow all rules to visit. Check the before you go.

Scheduling and Rules

• Scheduling: How to schedule is not fully detailed in the search results for MN. Often, visits must be set up ahead of time. Call the Jail Information line at (651) 438-4800 to ask how visits are set up. Ask about days and times visits are allowed.

• Visitor Approval: You may need to be on an approved list. This might mean filling out a form first. Allow time for this process.

• Identification: All adult visitors need valid photo ID. This could be a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport.

• Minors: Kids must come with a parent or guardian. Rules for kids visiting are strict.

• Dress Code: Jails have dress codes. Avoid clothes that are too revealing or have gang signs or bad words. Call the jail or check their site for dress rules.

• Conduct: Follow all staff orders. Breaking rules can end your visit. It can also stop future visits.

Video Visitation

Some jails offer video visits. This lets you visit remotely using a computer or phone. Check the Dakota County Jail website or call them. Ask if they have video visits. Find out the vendor (like JPay or another service). Learn how to set it up, the costs, and the rules. Video visits often must be scheduled ahead too. They need good internet access and a device with a camera.

Posting Bail in Dakota County

Bail lets an inmate get out of jail while their case goes on. How bail is posted depends on the charge and timing. There are rules for where and when you can pay.

Bail Payment Options

• Cash Bail: You can pay the full bail amount in cash. This money is returned if the person shows up for all court dates.

• Bail Bond: You can use a bail bond agent. You pay the agent a fee (often 10% of the bail). The agent posts a bond with the court for the full bail amount. The fee paid to the agent is not returned. Find bond agents through an online search. They will explain their process.

Where and When to Post Bail

• During Business Hours: For Dakota County charges, pay cash bail at . The court address is 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except holidays. You can reach the court at (651) 438-8100 (Note: a bail bond site listed 651-377-7180, confirm correct number).

• After Hours, Weekends, Holidays: For Dakota County charges, pay cash bail at the jail lobby (Law Enforcement Center, 1580 Highway 55). Cash only, exact amount required.

• Out-of-County Warrants: Bail for warrants from other counties can only be paid at the Dakota County Jail if the person is being held there on that warrant.

More details are on the . Always confirm rules as they can change.

Inmate Programs and Support

Dakota County Jail offers programs to help inmates. These aim to help them change and prepare for life after release. The goal is to lower the chance they return to jail.

Available Jail Programs

The jail provides several options for inmates who want to take part. Some need an application and good behavior.

• Inmates Motivated to Change: Offers extra programs like life skills and thinking skills. Needs inmates to commit to change.

• Outreach Program: Helps inmates plan their return to the community. Gives resources for housing, jobs, and money aid.

• Community Speakers: People from groups visit the jail. They talk about services inmates can use when released.

• Resource Fair: An event where inmates meet service providers. Helps them find chances for housing, jobs, school, and more.

• Motivational Conference: An annual event with speakers to inspire change.

• Re-Entry Assistance Program (RAP): Helps inmates with many past jail stays. Gives support for re-entry to the community.

Find more on the . These programs show a focus on helping inmates succeed after jail.