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Bloomington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bloomington, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public documents in Bloomington, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private or confidential by statute. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act operates under the presumption that government data is public to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to maintain accountability of law enforcement agencies.

Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Bloomington Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office as part of their right to monitor governmental activities. Minnesota Statutes § 13.82 specifically addresses law enforcement data, designating most arrest information as public data. This classification enables citizens to review arrest records for purposes including background checks, personal information verification, and general public interest.

How to Look Up Bloomington Arrest Records in 2025

The Bloomington Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city jurisdiction. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize several official channels:

In-person requests can be submitted at the Bloomington Police Department located at 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the above address. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, the department must respond to data requests in a timely manner.
The Hennepin County District Court maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings. These records can be accessed at 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487, during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Electronic access to certain arrest data is available through the Police Data Dashboard, which provides statistical information about police activities and arrests within Bloomington.

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the record search, including full name and date of birth. A government-issued identification is required for in-person requests. Fees for record retrieval are assessed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, which permits agencies to charge reasonable costs for providing copies of public data.

Contents of a Bloomington Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Bloomington Police Department contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, and residential address
Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks or tattoos
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Booking photographs ("mugshots") and fingerprint data
Case number and incident report reference information
Identity of the arresting officer(s)
Detention facility information if the individual was incarcerated
Initial appearance court date, if applicable

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records if disclosure would compromise an active investigation, reveal the identity of protected individuals such as juvenile offenders, or otherwise violate privacy protections established under Minnesota law. Medical information, including mental health data, is classified as private under Minnesota Statutes § 13.384 and is not included in public arrest records.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establishes the legal framework governing access to arrest records in Bloomington. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, arrest data is explicitly classified as public, with certain exceptions:

Information that would identify victims or witnesses who have requested anonymity
Investigative data collected to prepare a case against a person for the commission of a crime or civil wrong
Data that would reveal the identity of confidential informants
Data that would reveal investigative techniques or procedures
Data that would endanger the life or safety of an individual

The Bloomington Police Department serves as the responsible authority for arrest records generated by its officers. The department's Data Practices Compliance Official oversees record maintenance and public access procedures in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.05, which establishes requirements for the administration of government data.

Public access to arrest records is further supported by judicial precedent, including the Minnesota Supreme Court's decision in Demers v. City of Minneapolis (2002), which affirmed the public's right to access government data while balancing privacy concerns and law enforcement objectives.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bloomington

Minnesota law provides a mechanism for the expungement of arrest records under certain circumstances. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, individuals may petition for the sealing of arrest records if:

The charges were dismissed
The individual was found not guilty
The individual successfully completed a diversion program or stay of adjudication
The conviction was for certain low-level offenses and the statutory waiting period has elapsed

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Hennepin County District Court, which has jurisdiction over Bloomington. Petitioners must provide:

A complete criminal history
Details of the arrest record sought to be expunged
Reasons why expungement would yield a benefit to the petitioner commensurate with the disadvantages to the public

The City Attorney's Office located at 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431, may review and respond to expungement petitions involving city prosecutions. The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 60 days after filing.

If granted, an expungement order directs government agencies to seal the record, preventing public access. However, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for certain purposes, including background checks for future criminal investigations and firearms eligibility determinations.

Limitations on Use of Arrest Record Information

The use of arrest record information obtained from Bloomington public records is subject to legal restrictions. Minnesota Statutes § 364.03 prohibits public and private employers from disqualifying an applicant from employment solely or in part because of a prior criminal conviction, unless the crime directly relates to the position sought.

Additionally, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) imposes federal restrictions on the use of arrest record information by consumer reporting agencies. These agencies must:

Ensure the accuracy of reported information
Provide notice to individuals when adverse actions are taken based on consumer reports
Obtain certification from employers that they will comply with applicable laws

Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly accessed or used may file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office or seek remedies through civil action as provided under Minnesota Statutes § 13.08.