Moorhead Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Moorhead, Minnesota?
Arrest records are public in Moorhead, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office oversees compliance with these regulations to ensure transparency in governmental operations.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes:
- Promotes accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Enables citizens to monitor criminal activity in their communities
- Provides necessary information for background checks
- Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Certain information within arrest records may be classified as private or confidential under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, particularly when disclosure would compromise an active investigation or endanger individuals involved. In such cases, portions of the record may be redacted or temporarily withheld from public view.
How to Look Up Moorhead Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Moorhead arrest records have several official channels through which to obtain this information. The process typically requires providing identifying information about the subject of the search and may involve payment of administrative fees as authorized under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3.
In-Person Requests
Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting:
Moorhead Police Department
915 9th Avenue North
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5120
Moorhead Police Department
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Clay County Sheriff's Office
911 11th Street North
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5151
Clay County Sheriff's Office
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Online Access Options
The following digital resources provide access to arrest information:
- Moorhead Police Department Dispatch Calls - Provides recent police activity and calls for service
- Clay County Inmate Roster - Lists current inmates in custody with arrest information
- Minnesota Court Records Online - Provides access to court cases resulting from arrests
Written Requests
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Moorhead Police Department Records Division. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, agencies must respond to data requests within a reasonable time period, not to exceed 10 business days for standard requests.
Contents of a Moorhead Arrest Record
Moorhead arrest records contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of alleged offense(s)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint data collected during processing
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency case number and booking reference
- Initial appearance court date, if applicable
- Bail or bond information, when established
Public portions of these records may be redacted to protect certain information classified as private under Minnesota law, including:
- Identity of juvenile suspects (except under circumstances specified in Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171)
- Information that would compromise an active investigation
- Identity of certain victims as protected by statute
- Medical information collected during booking
Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Minnesota
The management and disclosure of arrest records in Moorhead operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by Minnesota state law. This framework balances the public's right to information with individual privacy protections and law enforcement needs.
Governing Statutes
Minnesota's approach to arrest records is primarily governed by:
- Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13)
- Criminal History Data Collection (Minnesota Statutes § 299C.10-17)
- Court Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch
Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, arrest data is explicitly classified as public information, with specific exceptions for ongoing investigations, confidential informants, and certain victim information.
Retention Requirements
Law enforcement agencies in Moorhead must maintain arrest records according to the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule. This schedule, established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, requires that basic arrest information be retained for a minimum of 6 years following the date of arrest, while more serious offenses may have longer retention periods.
Privacy Protections
While arrest records are generally public, Minnesota law provides certain privacy protections:
- Data on juveniles is subject to special handling under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171
- Victims of certain crimes receive additional privacy protections
- Expunged records are removed from public access pursuant to court order
Expungement of Arrest Records in Moorhead
Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records may be sealed from public view. In Moorhead, this process is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A and requires judicial approval.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under the following circumstances:
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was found not guilty
- The case was resolved in the petitioner's favor
- The individual has completed a diversion program or stayed sentence
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed (varies by offense level)
For certain offenses, expungement is discretionary and requires the petitioner to demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to public safety.
Application Process
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the:
Clay County District Court
807 11th Street North, Suite 300
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5065
Clay County District Court
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Petitioners must provide:
- Complete criminal history
- Statement of why expungement should be granted
- Filing fee (approximately $285 as of 2025)
- Supporting documentation
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, the court will schedule a hearing approximately 60 days after filing, during which the petitioner must demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to public safety.
Effect of Expungement
When granted, expungement seals the record from public view but does not completely destroy it. Certain government agencies may retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes authorized by statute. Expunged records will not appear in standard background checks conducted by the general public or most employers.
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