Arrest records are public in Redwood County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies arrest data as public government information, ensuring transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Public arrest records typically contain information regarding the identity of the arrested individual, the date and time of arrest, the location where the arrest occurred, and the nature of the charges filed.
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act specifically designates arrest data as public information under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which states that data created or collected by law enforcement agencies documenting any actions taken by them to cite, arrest, incarcerate, or otherwise substantially deprive an adult individual of liberty shall be public at all times in the originating agency. This statutory provision ensures that citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Minnesota law. Records may be temporarily classified as confidential or protected nonpublic during active investigations pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 7. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different disclosure rules under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.
Redwood County arrest records are accessible online through several official channels. The Redwood County Sheriff's Office maintains digital databases that provide public access to current arrest information, including an active in-custody list and warrant information.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch also maintains the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which provides public access to case records from district courts throughout Minnesota, including Redwood County. This system allows users to search for criminal cases by name, case number, or citation number.
Online access to these records is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which requires government entities to keep records containing government data in such an arrangement and condition as to make them easily accessible for convenient use. The statute further mandates that public data shall be accessible to the public during normal business hours, which has been interpreted to include reasonable electronic access in the digital age.
Users should be aware that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive criminal history information may require additional verification steps or formal requests through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Members of the public seeking Redwood County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official methods to obtain this information:
Redwood County Sheriff's Office
303 East 3rd Street
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: (507) 637-4036
Official Website
Access the Redwood County Sheriff's Office website to view current arrest information, including the active warrant listing and in-custody roster.
Submit a request to the Redwood County District Court for case records related to arrests.
Redwood County District Court
250 South Jefferson Street
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: (507) 637-4020
Official Website
Utilize the Minnesota Court Records Online system to search for criminal cases by name or case number.
Submit a formal request to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension through their Criminal History Search portal for comprehensive criminal history information.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3, requests for public data must be responded to in an appropriate and prompt manner. If a request is denied, the responsible authority must inform the requestor of the specific statute or federal law that authorizes the denial.
Redwood County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process. Initial arrest records may contain preliminary information, while records associated with completed cases will include disposition data. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 2, data documenting arrests and the basis for arrests are classified as public at all times in the originating agency.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Redwood County pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view under specific circumstances. The Minnesota Second Chance Law, enacted in 2015, expanded eligibility for expungement of criminal records.
To qualify for expungement in Redwood County, petitioners must meet statutory criteria, which may include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Redwood County District Court. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, the petition must include:
The court will evaluate whether the benefits of expungement to the petitioner outweigh the disadvantages to the public and public safety. If granted, the expungement order may seal records held by the court system, law enforcement agencies, and in some cases, records held by other state agencies.