Mankato Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mankato, Minnesota?
Arrest records are public in Mankato, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government records, including arrest records, as public information accessible to citizens. The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings. Members of the public may inspect these records during normal business hours at designated government facilities or through authorized online portals.
The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records as public information in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. This statute mandates that arrest data, including the name, age, sex, and address of adult arrestees, must be accessible to the public. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy rights as specified under § 13.82, Subdivision 7.
How to Look Up Mankato Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Mankato, Minnesota. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office or the Mankato Department of Public Safety to submit formal requests for arrest records. Government staff will assist with locating and providing the requested information.
Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office
410 South 5th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4800
Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office
Mankato Department of Public Safety
710 South Front Street
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 387-8725
Mankato Department of Public Safety
Online Access: The Blue Earth County Jail Custody Roster provides current information on individuals in custody. Additionally, the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system allows users to search for case records, including arrest information.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records. These requests must be directed to the appropriate records custodian and should include specific information to identify the desired records.
Criminal History Records: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-7000
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Contents of a Mankato Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Mankato law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, sex, race)
- Physical description, including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Residential address at the time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") and fingerprint data
- Arresting agency and officer identification information
- Custody status and bail/bond information
- Case disposition information, if available
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 2, this information is classified as public data and must be accessible for inspection during normal business hours. However, certain information may be withheld if it would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or compromise public safety, as provided in § 13.82, Subdivision 7.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Mankato
Minnesota law provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following situations:
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Proceedings resolved in the petitioner's favor
- Juvenile offenses meeting statutory criteria
- Certain drug offenses after successful completion of diversion programs
- Specific low-level offenses after statutorily defined waiting periods
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Blue Earth County District Court. Petitioners must provide notice to all agencies possessing the records sought to be expunged. The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, that the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to public safety.
Blue Earth County District Court
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4650
Blue Earth County District Court
If granted, expungement may result in the sealing of records, which restricts public access but does not physically destroy the information. Law enforcement agencies may retain access to expunged records for legitimate investigative purposes pursuant to § 609A.03, Subdivision 7a.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The court may consider factors including the severity of the offense, time elapsed since arrest, and the petitioner's criminal record when determining whether to grant expungement.
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