Arrest records are public documents in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation establishes the presumption that government data, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically classified as confidential or private by state or federal law. The Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office oversees compliance with this statute, ensuring transparency in government operations while balancing privacy concerns.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Brooklyn Park Police Department and Hennepin County law enforcement agencies. These records typically become available after the booking process is completed and the information is entered into the jurisdiction's record management system. While most arrest information is public, certain data elements may be redacted or restricted if they pertain to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or contain sensitive personal information as defined in Minnesota Statutes § 13.82.
Law enforcement agencies in Brooklyn Park are required to maintain these records and make them available for public inspection during normal business hours. Requestors seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is public, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching and copying records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3.
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Brooklyn Park as of 2025. The following governmental resources provide authorized access to arrest documentation:
The Brooklyn Park Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits. Individuals may submit requests in person at:
Brooklyn Park Police Department
5400 85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Phone: (763) 493-8222
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office serves as the central repository for all arrest records within the county, including those from Brooklyn Park. Records may be requested at:
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
350 South 5th Street, Room 6
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 348-3744
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains a statewide database of arrest records. Public criminal history information can be requested through:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Requestors must complete the appropriate forms and provide proper identification when seeking arrest records. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.87, agencies may require payment of established fees for record retrieval and reproduction. Payment methods typically include cash, check, or credit card, depending on the agency's policies.
Brooklyn Park arrest records contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2. These public documents include several categories of data that serve both law enforcement and public information purposes:
• Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, and last known 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 photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) • Arresting agency and jurisdiction information • Case or incident report number • Custody status and bail or bond information • Court appearance dates and locations
Arrest records may also contain information regarding property seized during the arrest, vehicle information if applicable, and whether force was used during the apprehension. The level of detail may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's documentation protocols.
It should be noted that arrest records document only the fact that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause. They do not constitute proof of guilt, as all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law pursuant to constitutional protections.
The expungement process in Brooklyn Park follows Minnesota's statutory framework outlined in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Expungement refers to the legal procedure through which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under several qualifying circumstances:
• Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals) • Cases where the petitioner completed a diversion program or deferred prosecution • Convictions for certain low-level offenses after specified waiting periods • Juvenile records that meet statutory criteria for expungement
The petition process requires filing formal documentation with the district court in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred. For Brooklyn Park arrests, petitions are typically filed with:
Hennepin County District Court
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: (612) 348-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Petitioners must serve copies of the expungement petition on all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest, including the Brooklyn Park Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the prosecuting attorney's office.
The court evaluates expungement petitions based on statutory factors enumerated in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 5, including:
• The nature and severity of the underlying offense • The risk posed to public safety • The length of time since the offense occurred • The petitioner's criminal record before and after the offense • The petitioner's rehabilitation efforts and current circumstances • The adverse consequences the petitioner may suffer if expungement is denied
If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records and prohibits their disclosure to the public. However, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 7, certain government agencies may still access expunged records for specific purposes, including criminal investigations and background checks for certain sensitive employment positions.