Arrest records are public in Apple Valley, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government data, including arrest records, as public information that must be accessible to citizens. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies are required to make certain arrest data available to the public, including the name, age, and address of an adult arrestee, the time, date, and place of the arrest, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, as essential to maintaining transparency in governmental operations. Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes, including allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, ensuring accountability of public officials, and providing information that may be relevant to public safety.
It should be noted that certain arrest information may be classified as private or confidential under specific statutory provisions. For example, data that would identify victims of criminal sexual conduct or reveal the identity of undercover law enforcement officers are protected from public disclosure under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivisions 17 and 10, respectively.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Apple Valley have several methods available to them. The Apple Valley Police Department maintains records of arrests within their jurisdiction and provides access to these records in accordance with state law. The following options are available for obtaining arrest records:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Apple Valley Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information about the record being sought, such as the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
Written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Division. Requests should include the requester's contact information, specific details about the records being sought, and the preferred method of receiving the records.
Online access to certain arrest information is available through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which provides case information for individuals who have been formally charged with crimes.
Dakota County Sheriff's Office also maintains records of arrests that occur within the county, including Apple Valley. Requests may be submitted to their Records Division.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, government entities must respond to requests for public data in a prompt and appropriate manner. A reasonable fee may be charged for copies of public records, not to exceed the actual cost of searching for, retrieving, and copying the requested data.
Apple Valley Police Department
7100 147th Street West
Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 953-2700
Official Website
Dakota County Sheriff's Office
1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 438-4700
Official Website
Arrest records maintained by the Apple Valley Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, the following data elements are classified as public and are generally included in arrest records:
Additional information that may be included in arrest records, but which may be subject to redaction or limited disclosure under certain circumstances, includes:
The Apple Valley Police Department maintains these records in accordance with the department's records retention schedule, as approved by the Minnesota Records Disposition Panel pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 138.17.
Under Minnesota law, individuals may petition for the expungement of their arrest records under certain circumstances. Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A governs the expungement process in the state.
Individuals may be eligible for expungement of their Apple Valley arrest records in the following situations:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Dakota County District Court. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings, demonstrate rehabilitation, and explain why the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to the public. Notice must be given to the prosecuting authority and any victims involved in the case.
If granted, an expungement order may seal records held by the court system, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Apple Valley Police Department. However, certain government agencies may still have access to expunged records for specific purposes, such as criminal investigations or background checks for certain types of employment.
Dakota County District Court - Western Service Center
14955 Galaxie Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
(651) 438-8100
Official Website
While most arrest records in Apple Valley are public, Minnesota law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to public access. These restrictions are designed to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, investigative data collected by law enforcement agencies is confidential or protected nonpublic while an investigation is active. Once the investigation becomes inactive, most data becomes public. However, certain categories of data remain protected even after an investigation concludes, including:
Additionally, arrest records pertaining to juveniles (under age 18) are subject to different rules under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171. Most juvenile records are not public, though certain serious offenses may result in public records.
The Apple Valley Police Department is required to redact or withhold protected information before releasing arrest records to the public. Individuals who believe their private information has been improperly disclosed may file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office.