Hennepin County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Hennepin County?

Inmate records in Hennepin County are official government documents maintained by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are or have been incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records document an individual's custody status from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 641.05, county sheriffs are required to maintain accurate records of all persons committed to county jails. These records begin at the intake process when an individual is booked into custody and include documentation of:

• Biographical information
• Arrest details
• Custody classification
• Housing assignments
• Disciplinary actions
• Medical information
• Visitation records
• Release information

While court records document the judicial proceedings related to an individual's case, inmate records specifically track the person's physical custody status and institutional history. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies.

Inmate records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including:

• Ensuring proper identification of individuals in custody
• Tracking inmate movements within and between facilities
• Documenting compliance with court orders
• Maintaining facility security and safety
• Providing information to authorized agencies and the public as permitted by law

Are Inmate Records Public In Hennepin County?

Inmate records in Hennepin County are partially accessible to the public in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which governs access to government records throughout the state. Under current law, certain basic information about individuals in custody is considered public data.

The following inmate information is publicly available pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.82:

• Full name and date of birth
• Current custody status
• Booking date and time
• Scheduled release date (if applicable)
• Current charges
• Bail or bond amounts
• Facility housing location

However, not all information contained in inmate records is publicly accessible. The following categories of information are generally restricted:

• Medical and mental health records
• Disciplinary reports
• Personal identifying information (Social Security numbers, etc.)
• Victim information
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Information that would compromise facility security

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that provides real-time information about currently incarcerated individuals. This public resource allows community members to verify custody status and obtain basic information without submitting formal records requests.

For more comprehensive inmate records beyond what is available on the public jail roster, interested parties may need to submit formal requests through established procedures, which may require demonstration of legal standing or legitimate purpose depending on the specific information sought.

What's Included Inmate Records in Hennepin County

Inmate records in Hennepin County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county correctional system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
• Booking photograph ("mugshot")
• Fingerprints and other biometric data
• State identification number and/or booking number

Custody Information:

• Date and time of booking/intake
• Arresting agency
• Custody classification
• Housing assignment history
• Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
• Participation in jail programs or work assignments

Charge Information:

• Current charges (including statute numbers)
• Case numbers
• Warrant information
• Probation/parole violation details (if applicable)
• Criminal history information

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond/bail amount
• Bond type (cash, surety, etc.)
• Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
• Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court orders related to custody
• Attorney information

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

• Conviction details
• Sentence length and terms
• Credit for time served
• Projected release date
• Eligibility dates for programs or early release

Release Information:

• Release date and time
• Type of release (bail, completion of sentence, transfer, etc.)
• Release conditions
• Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in compliance with Minnesota Statute § 641.05, which requires sheriffs to keep detailed records of all persons committed to county jails.

Hennepin County Prison System

The Hennepin County correctional system operates under the authority of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and is designed to provide secure detention for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of up to one year. It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the Minnesota state prison system, which are separate entities with different purposes and jurisdictions.

The county jail system primarily houses:

• Individuals awaiting trial who have not been released on bail
• Persons serving sentences for misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors
• Individuals serving sentences for certain felonies with terms of one year or less
• Persons temporarily held for other agencies
• Individuals awaiting transfer to state or federal facilities

The Minnesota Department of Corrections, rather than the county, operates the state prison system which houses individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Division is responsible for the operation of the county's correctional facilities and the custody of inmates within these facilities.

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
350 South 5th Street, Room 6
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-348-3744
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Hennepin County

Hennepin County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the county's correctional system:

Hennepin County Adult Detention Center (ADC)
401 South 4th Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-348-5112
Hennepin County Adult Detention Center

The Adult Detention Center is the main pre-trial detention facility in Hennepin County. This maximum-security facility primarily houses individuals who:

• Are awaiting court appearances
• Have been denied bail
• Are considered high-risk detainees
• Are serving short sentences for misdemeanors

Hennepin County Public Safety Facility
401 South 4th Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-348-5112
Hennepin County Public Safety Facility

The Public Safety Facility is connected to the Adult Detention Center and houses:

• The Sheriff's Office administration
• Booking and intake processing
• Court holding facilities
• Medical services for inmates

Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility (ACF)
1145 Shenandoah Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55447
763-520-7800
Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility

The Adult Corrections Facility is a minimum/medium security facility that houses:

• Individuals serving sentences of up to one year
• Work release program participants
• Inmates participating in educational and rehabilitative programs
• Lower-risk pre-trial detainees

Each facility operates under specific security protocols and offers different levels of programming based on its mission and the population it serves. The facilities work in coordination to manage the county's inmate population efficiently while maintaining public safety.

Who's in Prison In Hennepin County

The Hennepin County correctional facilities house a diverse population of individuals with varying legal statuses. The majority of those incarcerated in county facilities fall into the following categories:

Pre-trial Detainees:

• Individuals who have been arrested and charged but whose cases have not yet been resolved
• Persons who have been denied bail or cannot afford to post bail
• Individuals considered flight risks or dangers to public safety

Sentenced Offenders:

• Persons convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences of up to 90 days
• Individuals convicted of gross misdemeanors serving sentences of up to one year
• Certain felony offenders serving sentences of one year or less (as determined by Minnesota Statute § 609.105)

Specialized Populations:

• Work release participants who are permitted to leave the facility for employment
• Weekend commitment individuals who serve their sentences during non-working days
• Individuals in custody for probation or parole violations
• Persons awaiting transfer to state or federal facilities
• Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions through inter-agency agreements

According to data from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the daily population of county correctional facilities typically ranges from 600 to 800 individuals, though this number fluctuates based on various factors including seasonal trends, court processing times, and changes in law enforcement practices.

The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects:

• Predominantly male (approximately 85-90%)
• Diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Ages primarily between 18-45 years
• Varying socioeconomic backgrounds
• High prevalence of individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions

How To Search for Inmate Records In Hennepin County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate information in Hennepin County may utilize several methods to access these records. The county maintains current systems that provide public access to basic inmate information as required by Minnesota law.

Online Jail Roster Search:

The most efficient method for locating current inmate information is through the official Hennepin County Jail Roster. This online database is updated regularly and allows searches by:

• First and last name
• Booking number (if known)
• Date of birth

The online roster provides the following public information:

• Full name
• Booking date
• Current charges
• Bail/bond amount
• Expected release date (if applicable)
• Housing facility

In-Person Record Requests:

For more detailed inmate records or historical information not available online, individuals may submit requests in person at:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Records Division
350 South 5th Street, Room 6
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-348-3744
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When requesting records in person, requestors should:

• Bring valid government-issued photo identification
• Provide as much identifying information as possible about the inmate
• Complete the required records request form
• Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies of records

Written Record Requests:

Written requests for inmate records may be submitted by mail to:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
350 South 5th Street, Room 6
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Written requests should include:

• Requestor's full name and contact information
• Inmate's full name and date of birth (if known)
• Booking number or case number (if known)
• Specific information being requested
• Purpose of the request
• Signature and date

Processing times for record requests vary depending on the complexity of the request and current workload, but typically range from 5-10 business days.

How To Find an Inmate in Hennepin County for Free?

Hennepin County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals currently in custody. These free resources are accessible to the general public and do not require special credentials or paid subscriptions.

Hennepin County Sheriff's Online Jail Roster:

The most direct method for locating current inmates at no cost is through the Hennepin County Sheriff's Jail Roster. This official database is:

• Updated multiple times daily
• Searchable by name or booking number
• Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Available from any device with internet access
• Compliant with Minnesota Statute § 641.05

To use the online jail roster effectively:

1. Navigate to the official Hennepin County Jail Roster website
2. Enter the inmate's last name (and first name if known)
3. Review the results, which include booking date, charges, and facility location
4. Note that records only appear for currently incarcerated individuals

Telephone Inquiry:

For those without internet access, basic inmate information can be obtained by calling:

Hennepin County Adult Detention Center
612-348-5112
Hours: 24 hours daily

When calling, be prepared to provide:

• The full name of the person you are inquiring about
• Their approximate age or date of birth (if known)

City of Minneapolis Jail Information:

The City of Minneapolis also provides access to jail roster information for individuals who may have been processed through the Minneapolis Police Department before transfer to county facilities.

Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Locator:

For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody, the Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Locator provides free search capabilities for offenders in the state prison system.

These free resources provide basic custody information only. For more detailed records, formal requests may need to be submitted through the procedures outlined in the previous section.

How To Visit an Inmate In Hennepin County

Visitation with inmates in Hennepin County correctional facilities is governed by specific policies designed to maintain facility security while supporting inmates' connections with family and community. Procedures vary slightly between facilities, but the following general guidelines apply:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

• All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
• Inmates may add or remove visitors from their list during designated times
• Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor
• Visitors with criminal histories may require special approval
• All visits are subject to monitoring and recording except for attorney visits

Visit Schedule:

Adult Detention Center (ADC):

• Wednesday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• No visits on Mondays, Tuesdays, or county holidays

Adult Corrections Facility (ACF):

• Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Wednesday-Friday: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• No visits on Mondays, Tuesdays, or county holidays

What to Bring:

• Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
• Visitor registration form (completed upon arrival)
• Locker key deposit (quarters for facility lockers)
• Medical devices as necessary (with prior approval)

What NOT to Bring:

• Weapons of any kind
• Drugs or alcohol
• Tobacco products
• Cell phones or electronic devices
• Cameras or recording equipment
• Excessive jewelry or accessories
• Food or beverages
• Purses, bags, or backpacks

Dress Code:

• Conservative, appropriate attire required
• No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
• No gang-related colors or symbols
• No clothing with offensive language or images
• Shoes and shirts required at all times
• No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)

Visit Types:

1. On-site Video Visitation:

   • Conducted via video terminals at the facility
   • No physical contact
   • 30-minute duration
   • Free of charge

2. Professional Visits:

   • Attorneys, clergy, and authorized service providers
   • Conducted in non-recorded areas
   • Require professional credentials
   • Available during extended hours

3. Remote Video Visitation:

   • Available through third-party service
   • Conducted from home or other remote location
   • Fees apply (approximately $12.99 per 30-minute session)
   • Must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance

Visit Restrictions:

Visitation privileges may be suspended or restricted for:

• Violation of facility rules
• Security concerns
• Disciplinary actions against the inmate
• Facility lockdowns or emergencies
• Court orders prohibiting contact

All visitation policies are established in accordance with Minnesota Rules 2911.3100 governing local correctional facility operations.

How To Send Money to a Hennepin County Inmate

Individuals in Hennepin County custody may receive funds from approved sources to purchase commissary items and pay for services such as phone calls. The county provides several methods for depositing money into inmate accounts:

Online Deposits:

The most convenient method for sending funds is through the county's contracted service provider:

• Access the Hennepin County Inmate Account Deposits portal
• Create an account or log in as a guest
• Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
• Select deposit amount
• Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
• Transaction fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount)
• Funds are typically available within 24 hours

Lobby Kiosk Deposits:

Self-service kiosks are available in the lobbies of both the Adult Detention Center and Adult Corrections Facility:

• Available during normal visiting hours
• Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards
• Provide immediate receipt
• Lower transaction fees than online deposits
• Funds available within 1-4 hours

Mail Money Orders:

Money orders may be sent via postal mail to:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Inmate Accounts
401 South 4th Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Money orders must:

• Be made payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
• Include sender's full name and return address
• Not exceed $300 per money order
• Be domestic U.S. money orders only
• Not include personal checks or cash

Deposit Limits and Restrictions:

• Maximum weekly deposit limit: $300 per inmate
• Maximum account balance: $500
• Deposits from individuals with criminal histories may require approval
• Deposits from other inmates or their families are prohibited
• All deposits are subject to verification and may be held pending review

Permitted Uses of Funds:

Inmates may use account funds for:

• Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
• Phone calls and video visits
• Medical co-pays
• Haircuts and other personal services
• Release funds

Prohibited Uses:

Inmate funds may not be used for:

• Payments to other inmates
• Purchases for staff members
• Gambling or betting activities
• Payment of fines or restitution (separate process required)
• Bail or bond payments (separate process required)

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Minnesota Statute § 641.15, which governs the management of inmate funds in county correctional facilities.

How To Send Jail Mail In Hennepin County

Correspondence with individuals incarcerated in Hennepin County facilities is permitted but subject to specific guidelines to ensure facility security and proper delivery. All incoming mail is inspected prior to delivery to inmates.

Mailing Address Format:

All mail must be addressed as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, State ZIP

Example for Adult Detention Center:
John Doe, #2023012345
Hennepin County Adult Detention Center
401 South 4th Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Example for Adult Corrections Facility:
Jane Doe, #2023012345
Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility
1145 Shenandoah Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55447

Permitted Mail Items:

• Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
• Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
• Photographs (maximum of 5 per envelope, no larger than 4"x6")
• Money orders (see previous section for details)
• Legal documents
• Religious materials (subject to review)
• Approved publications sent directly from publisher or authorized retailer

Prohibited Mail Items:

• Packages of any kind
• Personal checks or cash
• Postage stamps or envelopes
• Stickers or adhesive labels
• Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
• Perfumed or scented items
• Polaroid photographs
• Laminated items
• Cards with glitter, pop-ups, or electronic components
• Any items containing illicit substances or contraband
• Sexually explicit materials
• Gang-related materials
• Items that pose security threats

Mail Inspection Process:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband and compliance with facility rules. Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the presence of the inmate.

Electronic Messaging Option:

Hennepin County also offers a secure electronic messaging system through its contracted service provider:

1. Create an account on the Hennepin County Inmate Messaging platform
2. Purchase messaging credits
3. Compose and send messages (subject to same content restrictions as physical mail)
4. Messages are typically delivered within 24 hours
5. Fees apply (approximately $0.50 per message)

Mail Restrictions:

Mail privileges may be restricted for:

• Security concerns
• Disciplinary reasons
• Court orders prohibiting contact
• Violation of mail policies

All mail policies are established in accordance with Minnesota Rules 2911.3200 governing inmate mail in local correctional facilities.

Lookup Inmate Records in Hennepin County

Hennepin County Sheriff's Jail Roster

Hennepin County District Court Records Center

City of Minneapolis Jail Information

Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Search