Minnesota Inmate Search

Minnesota currently houses approximately 8,306 adult inmates and 71 juvenile inmates across 11 state correctional facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections. In addition to the inmate population in state correctional facilities, at least 7,006 inmates are housed in 82 county jails throughout the state. Faribault, Stillwater, and Moose Lake Counties have the highest number of incarcerated persons in Minnesota, with approximately 1,865, 1,179, and 1,047 individuals, respectively.

Minnesota offers an inmate search tool to help the public locate incarcerated individuals in the state. This tool provides comprehensive information regarding an individual's custody status and current location and allows friends and family to keep in touch with their loved ones in prison.

What is Minnesota Inmate Lookup?

Minnesota inmate lookup involves searching and obtaining information about individuals incarcerated in any correctional facility under the supervision of the Minnesota Department of Corrections. This includes individuals serving sentences and those who have been released but remain under supervision. Interested persons may use the Minnesota Department of Corrections locator to look up inmates incarcerated in the state.

The inmate lookup service enhances transparency and accountability within the correctional system. By utilizing the tool, individuals can obtain critical information, including the inmate's name, the charges that resulted in their incarceration, and relevant court dates.

The inmate lookup service also provides helpful details about prison facilities, including visiting rules and how to send money to inmates. Family visits allow inmates to stay connected with their loved ones, which can ease concerns about their safety and well-being.

What Information Can You Find in a Minnesota Inmate Search?

Anyone who conducts inmate searches in Minnesota will typically find the following information:

• Inmate's full name
• Inmate's date of birth
• Gender
• Custody status
• Facility of incarceration
• Offense history
• Sentence data
• Minnesota Department of Correction Identification number

How Are Inmate Records In Minnesota Created and Stored?

The process starts when the officer who made the arrest fills out a RAP (Record of Arrest and Prosecution) sheet. This document contains important information about the person who was arrested. It lists the person's full name, address, and phone number. It also provides a physical description, including height, weight, hair color, and noticeable marks. The sheet details the offense that led to the arrest, explaining the circumstances and charges. Once the RAP sheet is completed and updated, the general public can look up information about the individual.

Inmate records are dynamic and will continue to be updated throughout the individual's time in custody. Changes to these records occur whenever an inmate is transferred to a different correctional facility, participates in hearings, or appears in court for trials. This continuous documentation ensures that the information remains current and reflects the inmate's status within the justice system.

Inmate records in Minnesota are classified as government data and maintained by the State's Department of Corrections. Minnesota Government Data Practices Act requires the Department of Corrections to maintain and facilitate public access to inmate records. Interested persons can look up inmate records or obtain information about incarcerated persons using the State's Department of Corrections locator or by completing and submitting a request for Government Data form to the Department of Corrections.

What Does Minnesota's Prison System Look Like?

Minnesota's state prison system comprises 11 correctional facilities managed by the Department of Corrections. These facilities provide custody, care, and rehabilitation for individuals under departmental supervision. Those serving their sentences may be incarcerated in state-owned correctional facilities or supervised by the Department of Corrections in the community. Focusing on public safety, the Minnesota Department of Corrections employs approximately 4,200 workers across its various state-run facilities. The prison system has an operational capacity of 9,693 and an average daily population of 3,725 inmates. The state-run correctional facilities in Minnesota are categorized into four types: minimum, medium, close, and maximum-security prisons.

Minimum-security prisons accommodate inmates who are not considered dangerous and have committed less severe crimes, whereas medium-security prisons house inmates who pose a security risk despite following institutional rules. Maximum-security facilities are designed for inmates requiring direct and constant supervision due to their severe safety risk. Close-security facilities house inmates who are escape risks, have lengthy assault histories or are deemed dangerous to other inmates.

Types of Correctional Facilities in Minnesota

Minnesota has 11 state prisons that house both adult and juvenile inmates. Each prison serves a different population and has its own level of security, such as maximum, medium, or minimum custody. The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) manages these prisons and some county jails and public service programs. Each prison offers educational programs, treatment options, and job training to help inmates prepare for life after release. These programs are important for supporting inmates in gaining the skills they need to reintegrate into society. In addition to state prisons, Minnesota has four federal prisons for inmates who break federal laws. These facilities are managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and they serve different levels of security based on the severity of the crimes. Many counties in Minnesota also have county jails. These jails hold people who have been arrested and are waiting for their trials and those serving short sentences.

Minnesota State Prisons

The state of Minnesota has 11 state prisons. Each serves a different demographic. A couple of facilities also offer mental health and substance abuse treatment. Below is the list of all prison facilities in Minnesota:

• Faribault Correctional Facility
• Red Wing Correctional Facility
• Shakopee Correctional Facility
• Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility
• Stillwater Correctional Facility
• Lino Lakes Correctional Facility
• Rush City Correctional Facility
• St. Cloud Correctional Facility
• Togo Correctional Facility
• Moose Lake Correctional Facility
• Willow River Correctional Facility

Minnesota County Jails

Minnesota has 82 county jails, managed by local Sheriff's Offices. These jails hold people who are awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. They also keep individuals waiting to be transferred to state correctional facilities. Additionally, county jails can house people convicted of misdemeanors and felonies for up to one year. Most of these jails have online portals where you can search for incarcerated individuals in the county. Minnesota county jails include but are not limited to:

• Crow Wing County Jail
• Beltrami County Jail
• Aitkin County Jail
• Anoka County Jail
• Blue Earth County Jail
• Carver County Jail
• Wilkin County Jail
• Scott County Jail
• Mower County Jail
• Pine County Jail
• Lincoln County Jail
• Wright County Jail
• Rice County Jail
• Carlton County Jail
• St.Louis County Jail
• Wadena County Jail
• Lyon County Jail

Minnesota Juvenile Detention Centers

The Minnesota Department of Corrections provides custody, treatment, education, and transition services to juvenile offenders in the state as a condition of court-ordered probation or as a result of incarceration. It also inspects and licenses state and local correctional facilities, including secure and non-secure juvenile residential facilities. These facilities typically hold youths between the ages of 10 and 21 who have been arrested, charged, or adjudicated for an act that would be a criminal-level offense if committed by an adult. Youths designated by the court as extended jurisdiction juveniles require approval from the Department of Corrections Inspection and Enforcement Unit to remain at a juvenile facility beyond their 20th birthday. Licensed juvenile detention facilities in Minnesota include the following:

• Red Wind Juvenile Detention Facility
• McCrossan Boys Ranch Juvenile Detention Facility
• Summit Oaks Juvenile Detention Facility
• Lad Lake Juvenile Detention Facility
• Aurora Plains Academy Juvenile Detention Center

Individuals interested in conducting juvenile inmate searches in Minnesota may contact each of the juvenile detention facilities in the state.

Minnesota Community Correctional Facility

In Minnesota, most counties have community correctional facilities to enhance safety, promote community restoration, and reduce re-offense risk. Community corrections services range from the provision of correctional facilities to probation reporting offices and occupational training centers. Per the Minnesota Community Correction Act, the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections assists counties in developing, implementing, and operating community-based correctional programs, including:

• Facilities for detaining or confining persons convicted of a crime or adjudicated delinquent
• Community corrections centers
• Conditional release programs
• Preventive correctional programs

The Minnesota Community Correction Act also allows individuals who have committed less serious offenses to serve their sentences in county jails or on public service programs in their communities.

Why are People Incarcerated in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, individuals may be incarcerated following a conviction for a criminal offense. These offenses are generally categorized into four groups: person offenses, sex offenses, drug offenses, and property offenses. It is important to note that person and sex offenses are classified as violent crimes, while drug and property offenses, along with certain other offenses, are classified as non-violent.

Person offenses that may lead to incarceration in Minnesota include but are not limited to murder, armed robbery, manslaughter, assault, battery, attempted murder, extortion, kidnapping, carjacking, home invasion, and vehicular homicide. Sex offenses include rape, sexual assault, assault with intent to commit rape, sexual acts with individuals known to have a mental disability, sexual acts conducted while in a prohibited occupational relationship, and lewd exhibition of genitals in the presence of minors under the age of 16.

Property offenses under Minnesota law encompass arson, theft, fraud, burglary, embezzlement, destruction of property, and larceny. Drug offenses typically involve the unlawful possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or use of controlled substances as defined by state law.

Anyone interested in conducting an inmate search to find out why a person is incarcerated in a Minnesota correctional facility can look up the inmate using the State's Department of Corrections locator. For a comprehensive record of an inmate in a Minnesota correctional facility, complete and submit a request for Government Data form to the Department of Corrections.

Minnesota's Incarceration Rate and Statistics

At 151 per 100,000 people, Minnesota's incarceration rate is lower than the national average and neighboring Iowa, where the rate is 550 per 100,000. The Minnesota Department of Corrections currently houses around 8,306 adult inmates. This figure represents a 1.8% increase from the end of 2022 when there were approximately 8,152 inmates.

The table below shows Minnesota's year-end incarceration rate over 7 years.

Life After Incarceration in Minnesota

Inmates who are released from Minnesota prisons and jails after serving their sentences or on parole typically return home to their families and friends. To support these individuals, the Department of Corrections provides a variety of transitional programs. These programs are organized by the Department's Reentry Services Unit and involve collaboration with facility services, field services, state and county agencies, faith-based organizations, community groups, and private citizens. The goal is to prepare inmates for a successful transition back into their communities. Upon release, individuals can work at transition centers as part of these programs. The Reentry Services Unit also helps newly released inmates navigate common challenges, such as finding affordable housing, accessing mental health treatment, and receiving substance use disorder treatment. This support includes direct services, funding, community referrals, and partnerships with local and national organizations. Minnesota's initiatives for supporting the reentry of released inmates have been effective, as only 25% of those released from state correctional facilities re-offend and return to prison after being arrested

How Does Parole Work in Minnesota?

The Minnesota parole board reviews each inmate's progress, and when they feel a prisoner is rehabilitated and not a danger to society, they may release them early before finishing their sentence. When this happens, the inmate is given a list of stipulations they must comply with. If inmates do not check in regularly with their parole officer or violate other rules, they will return to prison to finish their sentences. As of December 2022, the Minnesota parole population stood at 6,770.

Minnesota Parole Population in 2022

How Does Someone Get Probation in Minnesota?

Probation is a supervisory program in which a Minnesota judge can order probation instead of prison. This privilege is most often given to first-time or low-risk offenders. Again, these individuals must comply with a list of court-ordered rules. If they fail to meet with the probation officer or complete any other terms of their probation, it will be revoked, and they will immediately go to prison. About 86,000 individuals were on probation in Minnesota as of year-end 2022.

Minnesota Probation Population in 2022