Arrest records are public in Kittson County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies arrest data as public government data, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations. The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records as essential to maintaining governmental accountability and public trust in the judicial system.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Kittson County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies operating within county jurisdiction. These records document official actions taken by peace officers during the course of their duties and constitute official government records subject to public inspection under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82.
The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions:
Kittson County arrest records are accessible online through several official government portals. The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains a comprehensive case management system that includes arrest data for Kittson County residents. This digital accessibility aligns with Minnesota's commitment to government transparency as codified in Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which mandates reasonable access to public government data.
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides a centralized database where members of the public may search for arrest records and related court documents. This system operates under the authority of the Minnesota Supreme Court and provides standardized access to judicial records throughout the state, including those from Kittson County.
Online access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations established by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 7, which protects confidential informants, undercover officers, and victims of certain crimes. Additionally, juvenile arrest records may be subject to different accessibility standards pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Kittson County arrest records. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies must provide reasonable access to public data. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Kittson County:
Online Database Search: The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains a searchable database of court records, including arrest information. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
In-Person Request: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Kittson County Courthouse or Sheriff's Office.
Kittson County Courthouse
410 5th Street South
Hallock, MN 56728
218-843-2670
Official Website
Kittson County Sheriff's Office
410 5th Street South
Hallock, MN 56728
218-843-3535
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Request: Written requests may be submitted to the Kittson County Court Administration or Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and the approximate date of arrest.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension: For comprehensive criminal history information, requests may be submitted to:
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
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3. Standard fees for Kittson County arrest records are $5.00 per record search and $0.25 per page for copies of documents.
Kittson County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These official documents typically include the following data elements:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 2, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including:
The Kittson County Recorder's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Minnesota Records Disposition Panel.
Minnesota law provides a statutory framework for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records in Kittson County when certain conditions are met.
Statutory grounds for expungement include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Kittson County District Court. Petitioners must provide:
Kittson County District Court
410 5th Street South
Hallock, MN 56728
218-843-3632
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Upon receipt of a petition, the court schedules a hearing no sooner than 60 days after filing. Notice must be served on all prosecutorial offices and law enforcement agencies that possess records subject to the petition. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public safety interest against the petitioner's privacy and rehabilitation interests.
If granted, expungement orders direct all executive branch agencies to seal records relating to the arrest. However, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, Subdivision 7a, certain agencies may retain access to sealed records for specific purposes, including future criminal investigations and sentencing proceedings.