Minneapolis Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Arrest records are public in Minneapolis, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation classifies most government records, including arrest records, as public data accessible to any person upon request. The Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office oversees compliance with this statute, ensuring that government entities maintain transparency in their operations. Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, facilitating background checks, and supporting journalistic reporting on matters of public interest.
The Minneapolis Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. While most arrest information is public, certain data elements may be classified as private or confidential under statutory exceptions, particularly in cases involving juveniles, active investigations, or where disclosure would compromise public safety.
How to Look Up Minneapolis Arrest Records in 2025
The Minneapolis Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. As of 2025, the following methods are available for obtaining these public documents:
Online Portal Access: The Minneapolis Police Department maintains a comprehensive digital records system where citizens can search for arrest records using name, date, or case number identifiers. This service is available 24 hours per day.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Information Unit located at the Minneapolis Public Service Building to submit requests and receive immediate assistance from department personnel.
Minneapolis Police Department Records Information Unit
Minneapolis Public Service Building
505 Fourth Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 673-2961
Police Reports & Data RequestsHours of Operation:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: ClosedWritten Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records via postal mail to the Records Information Unit. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number (if known).
Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may also be accessed through the Hennepin County District Court system.
Hennepin County District Court Records Center
Government Center
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: (612) 348-6000
Hennepin Records Center
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Current fee schedules are posted at each facility and on the respective agency websites.
Contents of a Minneapolis Arrest Record
Minneapolis arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2. These records typically include the following data elements:
- Complete legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint data collected during processing
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility information
- Bail or bond information, if applicable
- Case disposition status
The Minneapolis Police Department maintains these records in accordance with departmental policy MPD P&P 4-501, which governs records management procedures. Public versions of arrest records may have certain information redacted if it falls under protected classifications per Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 17, such as:
- Identity of juvenile subjects
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Confidential informant information
- Data that would compromise an active investigation
- Medical information protected under HIPAA
Expungement of Arrest Records in Minneapolis
Minnesota law provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, individuals may petition the court to seal records related to an arrest, indictment, trial, or verdict. The expungement process is administered through the Hennepin County District Court for arrests occurring within Minneapolis city limits.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
- Certain diversion program completions
- Convictions for which the statutory waiting period has elapsed
- Juvenile records that meet statutory requirements
- Certain drug offense records as specified by statute
The expungement petition process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Hennepin County District Court
- Payment of filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Notification to all agencies possessing the records
- Attendance at a scheduled court hearing
- Judicial determination based on statutory factors
When granted, an expungement order directs all government agencies to seal the specified records, effectively removing them from public access. However, certain government agencies may retain limited access to expunged records for specific statutory purposes, such as criminal investigations or judicial proceedings.
The Fourth Judicial District Court provides self-help resources for individuals seeking expungement without attorney representation. These resources are available at the Self-Help Center located at:
Hennepin County Government Center
300 South Sixth Street, Second Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: (612) 348-9399
Search Arrest Records in Minneapolis
