Plymouth Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Plymouth, Minnesota?
Arrest records are public in Plymouth, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government records, including arrest records, as public information accessible to citizens. The statute establishes that data collected by law enforcement agencies during the course of an arrest shall be available for public inspection, with certain statutory exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and other protected categories as defined in § 13.82.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal functions:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables citizens to monitor governmental activities
- Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
- Facilitates background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Maintains accountability within the criminal justice system
Individuals seeking arrest records may encounter certain restrictions based on the status of the case, the age of the arrested person, or if the record contains confidential information as defined by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 7.
How to Look Up Plymouth Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Plymouth, Minnesota. The Plymouth Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through several channels:
In-Person Requests:
- Individuals may visit the Plymouth Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records.
- Requestors must complete a standard data request form and provide proper identification.
- Records staff will process requests according to statutory timelines established in Minnesota Statutes § 13.03.
Mail Requests:
- Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Plymouth Police Department.
- Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information.
- Processing fees may apply in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3.
Online Access:
- The Plymouth Police Department maintains a public access portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed.
- Users must register and may be required to pay statutory fees for record retrieval.
- Electronic records are typically available for arrests occurring after 2018, while older records may require in-person or mail requests.
Court Records:
- Arrest records that have resulted in criminal charges may be accessed through the Hennepin County District Court records system.
- The Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) provides public access terminals at courthouse locations.
Plymouth Police Department
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Phone: (763) 509-5160
Official Website
Contents of a Plymouth Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Plymouth Police Department contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include the following data elements:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race (as reported by arresting officer)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of the arrest
- Location where the arrest occurred
- Statutory violations cited at time of arrest
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking number and facility
- Custody status following arrest
Case Processing Information:
- Court case number (if formally charged)
- Bail or bond information
- Initial appearance date
- Disposition of charges (if available)
Supplemental Documentation:
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory lists
- Initial incident reports
Certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 7, including confidential informant identities, victim data in certain cases, and information that would compromise an active investigation.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Plymouth
The expungement process provides a legal mechanism through which qualifying individuals may petition for the sealing of arrest records from public view. Minnesota's expungement statutes (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A) establish specific criteria and procedures for this process.
Statutory Eligibility Criteria:
Individuals may qualify for expungement of Plymouth arrest records under the following circumstances:
- Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
- Certain diversion program completions pursuant to § 609A.02
- Specific low-level criminal convictions after statutory waiting periods
- Juvenile records that meet criteria under § 260B.198
Petition Process:
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
- File a petition with the Hennepin County District Court where the case was adjudicated
- Serve copies of the petition on all agencies possessing the records
- Attend a hearing before a district court judge
- Demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to public safety
Effect of Expungement:
When granted by judicial order, expungement results in:
- Sealing of records from public view
- Removal from public-facing databases
- Restriction of access to authorized government agencies only
- Legal authorization for the petitioner to state they were not arrested (with certain exceptions)
Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and certain licensing boards as permitted under § 609A.03, Subdivision 7.
Hennepin County District Court
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: (612) 348-6000
Official Website
Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Use
Minnesota law imposes specific restrictions on how arrest record information may be utilized by employers, housing providers, and other entities. These limitations are codified in various statutes including the Minnesota Human Rights Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 363A).
Employment Restrictions:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 364.021:
- Employers may not inquire about arrest records that did not result in conviction
- Public employers cannot consider criminal history until the applicant has been selected for an interview
- Private employers must demonstrate job-relatedness for any adverse actions based on criminal history
Housing Limitations:
Housing providers operating in Plymouth must adhere to the following restrictions:
- Landlords may not categorically deny housing based solely on arrest records
- Individualized assessments must consider time elapsed, nature of offense, and evidence of rehabilitation
- Policies with disparate impact on protected classes may violate fair housing laws
Commercial Background Checks:
Commercial background check providers must comply with:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements for accuracy and disclosure
- Minnesota Statutes § 332.70 regarding proper notification and consent
- Obligations to update records when expungements or corrections occur
Violations of these provisions may result in civil liability under applicable state and federal statutes.
Search Arrest Records in Plymouth