Arrest records are public in Hennepin County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest information, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private or confidential. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act operates under the presumption that government data is public to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
Members of the public may access arrest records through various official channels established by county authorities. These records typically become available after the booking process is completed and the information is entered into the county's record management system. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations under Minnesota law.
Public access to arrest records serves several governmental and civic purposes:
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted if they contain confidential information as defined in Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, such as details that would compromise an active investigation or reveal the identity of certain protected individuals.
Hennepin County arrest records are available online through several official digital platforms. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Jail Roster provides current information about individuals in custody, including arrest date, charges, and booking information. This online resource is updated regularly to reflect the current jail population and recent arrests.
Additionally, court records related to arrests can be accessed through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which provides public access to case information filed in Hennepin County District Court. The MCRO system allows users to search by name, case number, or citation number to locate records of court proceedings that follow an arrest.
Online access to these records is governed by the following provisions:
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension also maintains the Criminal History Search portal, which allows for public criminal history checks that may include arrest information, though these searches typically require payment of a statutory fee.
Multiple methods are available for obtaining Hennepin County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize any of the following official channels:
In-Person Requests:
Visit the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Records Division 350 South 5th Street, Room 6 Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: (612) 348-3744 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Request records at the Hennepin County District Court Records Center Hennepin County Government Center 300 South Sixth Street, C-3 Level Minneapolis, MN 55487 Phone: (612) 348-6000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Access:
Written Requests:
Requestors should be prepared to provide identification when requesting records in person. Fees for copies of arrest records are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subd. 3, and may vary based on the number of pages requested and whether certification is required.
Hennepin County arrest records contain standardized information collected during the booking process. These official documents typically include the following elements as required by Minnesota law and departmental procedures:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including:
The level of detail available in publicly accessible arrest records may vary depending on the status of related investigations and applicable privacy statutes. Records related to arrests that resulted in charges being filed will typically contain more comprehensive information than those where charges were not pursued.
The expungement process in Hennepin County allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances prescribed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Expungement does not physically destroy records but restricts their accessibility to the public. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the Hennepin County District Court and demonstrate eligibility under statutory provisions.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of arrest records include:
The petition process requires:
Upon granting an expungement, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, Subd. 7, agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receiving them. Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in the statute.
Individuals with questions about expungement eligibility may contact:
Hennepin County Self-Help Center Hennepin County Government Center 300 South Sixth Street, 2nd Floor Minneapolis, MN 55487 Phone: (612) 348-9399 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM