St. Louis Park Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in St. Louis Park, Minnesota?
Arrest records are public in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation establishes that government data, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private or confidential. The Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office oversees the implementation of this act, ensuring that citizens maintain their right to access public records while protecting private information as required by law.
The St. Louis Park Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records are considered public government data under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. Members of the public may request access to these records for various purposes, including background checks, research, or personal information needs.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be classified as private or confidential under specific circumstances, particularly in cases involving juveniles, active investigations, or where disclosure would compromise public safety.
How to Look Up St. Louis Park Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the St. Louis Park Police Department Records Division to submit formal requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
St. Louis Park Police Department
3015 Raleigh Avenue South
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 924-2600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMOnline Portal Access: The St. Louis Park Police Department maintains an online records request portal through which citizens may submit requests electronically. Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity.
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office: As the county-level law enforcement agency, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for all jurisdictions within the county, including St. Louis Park.
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
350 South 5th Street, Room 6
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 348-3744
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMMinnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): The BCA maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information, including arrest records from St. Louis Park and other jurisdictions throughout Minnesota.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-2400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies must respond to data requests in a timely manner, typically within 10 business days. Requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services as permitted under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3.
Contents of a St. Louis Park Arrest Record
St. Louis Park arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records typically include the following elements:
Demographic Information: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any documented aliases or nicknames.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Minnesota Statute references and charge severity (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor).
Incident Information: Brief narrative description of the circumstances leading to the arrest, including probable cause determination.
Booking Data: Fingerprints, booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), and unique booking identification numbers.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, detention facility location, and scheduled court appearances.
Property Inventory: Documentation of personal property taken into custody at the time of arrest.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions, if applicable and relevant to the current case.
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act classifies certain elements within arrest records as public data, while other components may be protected from disclosure. For example, under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, photographs that are part of inactive investigative files are considered confidential or protected nonpublic data.
Expungement of Arrest Records in St. Louis Park
The expungement process in St. Louis Park follows Minnesota state law as outlined in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Expungement refers to the legal process 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 the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal after trial
- Cases where charges were never filed following arrest
- Successful completion of a diversion program or stay of adjudication
- Certain low-level criminal convictions after specified waiting periods
- Juvenile records that meet statutory criteria for expungement
The petition process requires filing formal documentation with the Hennepin County District Court:
Hennepin County Government Center
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
(612) 348-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, the court must determine whether clear and convincing evidence exists that sealing the record would yield benefits to the petitioner commensurate with the disadvantages to the public and public safety. The court considers factors including:
- The nature and severity of the underlying crime
- The risk posed to public safety
- The length of time since the crime occurred
- The steps taken toward rehabilitation
- The reasons for seeking expungement
If granted, expungement orders are directed to all government agencies maintaining the records, including the St. Louis Park Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the FBI. These agencies must seal the specified records in accordance with the court order.
It should be noted that expungement in Minnesota typically results in the sealing rather than destruction of records. Additionally, certain offenses, particularly those of a violent or sexual nature, may be statutorily ineligible for expungement under Minnesota law.
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