Arrest records are public in Lakeville, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, are presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private or confidential by statute. The Act implements the principle that citizens have the right to be informed about governmental operations, including law enforcement activities conducted by the Lakeville Police Department.
Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement data including arrest records are classified as public government data. This classification ensures transparency in governmental operations and allows members of the public to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies. The statute specifically designates arrest data, including the name, age, sex, and address of adult arrestees, as public information.
Lakeville Police Department
9237 183rd Street West
Lakeville, MN 55044
Phone: (952) 985-2800
Official Website
Members of the public seeking Lakeville arrest records have multiple methods available to access this information. The following official channels provide access to arrest records in compliance with Minnesota state law:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Lakeville Police Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to submit a formal request for arrest records. Requestors must complete a standard public records request form and may be required to present valid identification.
Online Access: The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides electronic access to court records, including information about arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate relevant records.
Dakota County Sheriff's Office: As the county-level law enforcement agency, the Dakota County Sheriff maintains records of arrests throughout the county, including those in Lakeville. Records may be requested at their office.
City Clerk's Office: The Lakeville City Clerk serves as the official custodian of city records and can process requests for public information, including certain arrest data.
Dakota County Sheriff's Office
1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-4700
Official Website
Dakota County District Court
1560 West Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 377-7180
Official Website
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies must respond to data requests in a timely manner, typically within 10 business days. Fees for copies of records may be assessed in accordance with § 13.03, subdivision 3.
Lakeville arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include the following data elements:
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted or withheld from public arrest records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, which protects confidential informants, victims of certain crimes, and undercover law enforcement personnel. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different disclosure rules under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.
The accessibility of arrest records in Lakeville is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. Minnesota's commitment to open government is codified in the following statutes:
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13): This legislation establishes the presumption that government data, including arrest records, are public unless specifically classified otherwise.
Minnesota Statutes § 13.82: This section specifically addresses law enforcement data, designating arrest information as public government data with certain exceptions.
Minnesota Statutes § 13.03: This provision outlines the procedures for requesting access to government data and establishes timeframes for agency responses.
The Lakeville Police Department maintains compliance with these statutes by establishing standardized procedures for processing public records requests. These procedures ensure that members of the public can access arrest information while protecting data that is classified as private or confidential under state law.
Individuals seeking arrest records should be aware that while basic arrest information is public, certain details may be withheld if disclosure would:
Under Minnesota law, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the process by which arrest records are sealed from public view through a court order. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A governs the expungement process in Lakeville and throughout the state.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of Lakeville arrest records include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Dakota County District Court. Petitioners must:
It should be noted that expungement in Minnesota typically seals records held by the courts and executive branch agencies but does not destroy them. Additionally, certain records, particularly those related to serious offenses or those maintained by federal agencies, may not be eligible for expungement under state law.
Legal assistance is available through the Dakota County Law Library and various legal aid organizations for individuals seeking expungement of arrest records.