Arrest records in Burnsville, Minnesota are classified as public information pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private or confidential by statute. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The public status of arrest records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement operations and maintain awareness of criminal activity in Burnsville. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if it pertains to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders (as governed by Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171), or contains data that could compromise victim safety. The Burnsville Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule.
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Burnsville as of 2025. The City of Burnsville has implemented systems to facilitate public access to these records while maintaining compliance with applicable privacy laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Online Access: The Burnsville Police Department maintains a digital records portal through which citizens may request and retrieve arrest records. Users must create an account and may be required to pay nominal processing fees as established by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Burnsville Police Department Records Division located at 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Proper identification is required, and fees may apply for document reproduction.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests may be directed to the Records Division at the address listed above. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information. Processing times for mail requests typically range from 7-10 business days.
Minnesota Court Records Online: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be accessed through the Minnesota Court Records Online system, which provides case information for all district courts in the state.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, which permits agencies to charge reasonable costs for providing copies of public data.
Burnsville arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Minnesota law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, address of residence, and any documented aliases or previous names.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Minnesota Statute citations and degree of offense (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony).
Booking Information: Unique booking identification number, fingerprint classification data, and photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding detention facility, bail or bond amounts if applicable, and release conditions as determined by judicial authority.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including pending court dates or final resolution if available.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including but not limited to: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, medical information, and data pertaining to victims of certain crimes as protected under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 17.
The expungement process in Burnsville follows Minnesota state law, specifically Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which provides a legal mechanism for sealing certain arrest and criminal records. Expungement does not physically destroy records but restricts their accessibility to the public. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements and follow prescribed procedural steps.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Burnsville include:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
Petitioners are advised that expungement is a complex legal procedure. The court applies a case-by-case analysis weighing factors including the severity of the offense, time elapsed since the arrest or conviction, and the petitioner's demonstrated rehabilitation. Expungement orders issued by the court direct government agencies to seal specified records, though certain law enforcement and judicial entities may retain limited access for official purposes as permitted by statute.
Access to Burnsville arrest records is subject to specific limitations established by Minnesota law to protect privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act contains provisions that restrict disclosure of certain information contained within arrest records.
Restricted information categories include:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171, records pertaining to juvenile offenders are subject to heightened confidentiality protections and are not generally accessible to the public.
Active Investigations: Information that could compromise ongoing criminal investigations may be temporarily classified as confidential under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7.
Victim Data: Identifying information of victims of certain crimes, particularly those of a sensitive nature, may be redacted to protect privacy and safety as provided in Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 17.
Informant Information: Data that could reveal the identity of confidential informants is protected from disclosure under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 10.
Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been judicially ordered sealed or expunged are not available for public inspection, though they may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes.
Government agencies in Burnsville are required to respond to data requests within a reasonable time period as specified in Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3. Agencies must provide specific statutory authority when denying access to requested information.