Olmsted County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Olmsted County
Arrest records in Olmsted County are considered public information under Minnesota law. Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), arrest data is classified as public government data. Section § 13.82 of this Act specifically addresses law enforcement data, establishing that arrest data maintained by agencies is accessible to the public.
It is important for citizens to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the crime in a court of law. Under Minnesota law, both types of records are generally public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, some information within arrest records may be classified as private or confidential under specific provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are public, the presumption of innocence applies until an individual is proven guilty in a court of law. The public nature of arrest records serves the important function of government transparency while also allowing individuals to monitor law enforcement activities.
What's in Olmsted County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Olmsted County law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual is detained
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Payment status
- Release conditions
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court location
- Assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Transfer information between facilities (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Emergency contact information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office activity logs provide a daily record of law enforcement activities, including arrests. Additionally, the county maintains an in-custody list showing individuals currently detained in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Olmsted County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Olmsted County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for obtaining these public records:
- Visit the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office in person:
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
101 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6800
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
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Submit a written request for specific arrest records by mail or in person to the Sheriff's Office. Include the following information:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Your contact information
- Purpose of request
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Contact the Records Division of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office by telephone at 507-328-6790 during business hours to inquire about the availability of specific arrest records.
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Access the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system to search for court cases related to arrests in Olmsted County. This system provides information about criminal cases that have been filed with the courts.
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Review the daily custody list published by the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center, which shows individuals currently in custody following arrest.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies must respond to data requests within a reasonable time. Requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for copies of records, as permitted by law. The statute allows agencies to charge for search and retrieval time if the request is extensive.
How To Find Olmsted County Arrest Records Online
Olmsted County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. The following digital platforms are available to the public:
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Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office online portal provides access to various public safety information, including some arrest data. Navigate to the "Public Safety & Law Enforcement" section to find relevant resources.
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Who is in Custody Database: The county maintains an online in-custody list that is updated daily. This resource shows individuals currently detained in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center following arrest.
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Sheriff's Office Activity Logs: Daily activity logs are published online, documenting incidents and calls that deputies responded to, including arrests. These logs typically include date, time, incident type, and location information.
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Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO): The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides an online case search system where users can access court records related to arrests in Olmsted County. This system includes:
- Case information
- Hearing dates
- Court documents
- Case outcomes
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Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): The state's central repository for criminal history information offers online access to public criminal history data for a fee through their public criminal history search.
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Some systems may require registration or payment of fees
- Not all arrest record details may be available online
- The most comprehensive records are typically obtained through formal requests
- Information is subject to data practices laws regarding public, private, and confidential data
Online access to these records is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which balances public right to information with privacy protections.
How To Search Olmsted County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Olmsted County arrest records at no cost through several available resources. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:
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Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office maintains free public access to basic arrest information through their official website. This includes:
- Current custody information
- Daily activity logs
- Public safety bulletins
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In-Custody List: The Who is in Custody database is updated daily and accessible at no charge. This resource provides information about individuals currently detained in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.
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Sheriff's Office Activity Logs: Daily incident reports and activity logs are published online at no cost, documenting law enforcement activities including arrests.
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Public Access Terminals: Free public access terminals are available at the following locations:
Olmsted County Government Center
151 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Olmsted County Law Library
151 4th Street SE, 5th Floor
Rochester, MN 55904
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Minnesota Public Access Court Records: Limited court records related to arrests can be accessed for free through public terminals at the courthouse:
Olmsted County District Court
151 4th Street SE, 3rd Floor
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-7600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subd. 3, while inspection of public government data is free, agencies may charge for copies or electronic transmissions of records. Users should be aware that while basic arrest information is available at no cost, comprehensive records or certified copies may require payment of statutory fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Olmsted County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Olmsted County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Minnesota law and require specific legal procedures.
Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed or removed from public view. In Minnesota, expungement does not typically result in complete destruction of records but rather restricts access to them. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, there are two types of expungement:
- Statutory expungement: Seals records held by the judicial branch but not necessarily records held by executive branch agencies.
- Inherent authority expungement: A more limited form that seals only court records.
Eligibility for Expungement: Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in Olmsted County under the following circumstances:
- The case was resolved in the individual's favor (dismissed, acquitted, or not charged)
- The individual completed a diversion program or deferred prosecution
- The conviction was for certain low-level offenses after a waiting period
- The individual was a juvenile prosecuted as an adult
- The individual can demonstrate that the benefit of expungement outweighs the disadvantage to the public
Steps to Request Expungement:
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Determine eligibility: Review Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02 to determine if the arrest record qualifies for expungement.
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Obtain necessary forms: Expungement petition forms are available from:
Olmsted County District Court
151 4th Street SE, 3rd Floor
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-7600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Complete petition and supporting documents: The petition must include:
- Criminal record information
- Statement of why expungement should be granted
- Details of rehabilitation efforts
- Supporting documentation
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File the petition: Submit completed forms to the Olmsted County District Court and pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available for those who qualify).
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Serve notice: Provide copies of the petition to all relevant government agencies, including:
- Olmsted County Attorney's Office
- Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
- Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
- Any other agencies with records of the arrest
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Attend the hearing: Present your case before a judge, who will determine whether expungement is appropriate.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides detailed information about the expungement process through their Self-Help Center. Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from consulting with an attorney, as the process can be complex and outcomes vary based on individual circumstances.
What Happens After Arrest in Olmsted County?
Following an arrest in Olmsted County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Minnesota law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:
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Arrest and Booking: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Assignment to appropriate housing
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Initial Appearance/Arraignment: Within 36 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge at the Olmsted County District Court. During this hearing:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail or release conditions are determined
- Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
- Plea is entered (typically not guilty at this stage)
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Pretrial Release Determination: The court decides whether the defendant may be released pending trial based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk
- Public safety considerations
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Pretrial Proceedings: Several hearings may occur before trial:
- Rule 8 Hearing: Occurs within 14 days of initial appearance for felonies
- Omnibus Hearing: Addresses evidentiary issues and constitutional challenges
- Pretrial Conference: Final opportunity to resolve case before trial
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Plea Negotiations: The Olmsted County Attorney's Office may offer plea agreements to resolve cases without trial. These negotiations may result in:
- Reduced charges
- Sentencing recommendations
- Diversion programs for eligible defendants
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Trial: If the case is not resolved through plea negotiations, it proceeds to trial, which may be:
- Jury Trial: 12 jurors for felonies, 6 for misdemeanors
- Court Trial: Judge determines guilt without a jury
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, which may include:
- Incarceration in jail or prison
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
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Post-Conviction: After sentencing, defendants may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Petition for expungement (if eligible)
- Serve imposed sentence
Throughout this process, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records and ensures court appearances for detained individuals. The Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure govern this process, ensuring constitutional protections for all defendants.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Olmsted County?
Arrest records in Olmsted County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Minnesota law. The Minnesota Government Records Act and associated regulations govern how long these records must be preserved.
Retention Periods for Different Types of Records:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information: These records are typically retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of arrest, pursuant to the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule for County Sheriff's Offices.
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Criminal History Data: Under Minnesota Statutes § 299C.11, fingerprints and other identification data must be maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) until the death of the individual or until reaching age 100.
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Juvenile Arrest Records: These records are subject to different retention requirements and may be sealed or expunged when the individual reaches adulthood, depending on the nature of the offense and subsequent criminal history.
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Detention Records: Information regarding individuals held in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center is typically retained for 6-10 years after release.
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Investigation Files: Records related to investigations may be retained for varying periods depending on the type and outcome of the investigation:
- Felony investigations: 25 years or more
- Misdemeanor investigations: 10 years
- Investigations not resulting in charges: 5-10 years
Agency-Specific Retention Requirements:
Different agencies within Olmsted County maintain their own copies of arrest-related records and may have varying retention schedules:
- Olmsted County Sheriff's Office: Follows the Minnesota Sheriff's Records Retention Schedule
- Rochester Police Department: Maintains records according to municipal police department standards
- Olmsted County Attorney's Office: Retains prosecution files according to case type and outcome
- Olmsted County District Court: Court records are maintained according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch retention schedule
The Minnesota Historical Society's State Archives Department oversees records retention schedules for government agencies throughout the state, including Olmsted County. These schedules ensure that records are maintained for appropriate periods to serve legal, administrative, and historical purposes.
It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in various databases, background check services, and news archives.
How to Find Mugshots in Olmsted County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Olmsted County, these photographs are taken at the Adult Detention Center as part of the standard booking procedure. Mugshots typically show the front view and profile (side view) of an arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Olmsted County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
101 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6800
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
Olmsted County Adult Detention Center
101 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6790
These photographs are stored in law enforcement databases and are considered part of the arrest record. They may also be shared with other law enforcement agencies through information-sharing networks.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Olmsted County may use the following methods:
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Submit a formal request to the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request
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Visit the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours to submit a request for specific booking photographs.
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Check the Who is in Custody database on the Olmsted County website, which may include booking photos of currently detained individuals.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some counties in Minnesota publish mugshots online, Olmsted County has limited online publication of booking photographs. Currently:
- The county's in-custody list may include photographs of individuals currently detained
- Historical mugshots are generally not published on official county websites
- Third-party websites may aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially obtain mugshots from Olmsted County:
- Submit a written request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
- Pay any applicable fees for copies (typically $5-10 per photograph)
- Allow processing time for the request (usually 5-10 business days)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Olmsted County is subject to certain restrictions:
- Photographs of juveniles are generally not public records unless the juvenile was certified to stand trial as an adult
- Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Minnesota law (specifically Minnesota Statutes § 13.82) governs what law enforcement data is public
- Commercial use of mugshots may be restricted under Minnesota law
Individuals concerned about mugshots appearing online may wish to consult with an attorney about potential expungement options if they qualify under Minnesota law.
Lookup Arrest Records in Olmsted County
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office