Scott County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Scott County?
Inmate records in Scott County are official documents created and maintained by the Scott County Sheriff's Office and the Scott County Jail to document the custody status, personal history, and institutional conduct of individuals held in county correctional facilities. These records are distinct from court records: the Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders through its court administration offices, while the jail and sheriff's office maintain custody-specific documentation that tracks an individual from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record bail or bond conditions, and photograph the individual. The record is updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical notations, and program participation. Upon release, the record is closed and archived in accordance with Minnesota's data retention requirements. Under Minnesota Statute § 13.82, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain arrest and booking data as part of their official public records obligations, establishing the legal foundation for the creation and disclosure of inmate records.
Scott County Sheriff's Office 301 Fuller Street South, Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 445-1411 Scott County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Scott County?
Inmate records in Scott County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act. Under Minnesota Statute § 13.03, government data are presumed public unless a specific statutory exception applies. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act further specifies, through § 13.82, that arrest data, booking data, and certain custody information maintained by law enforcement agencies constitute public data accessible to any member of the public upon request.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster — names and booking dates of individuals presently held in the Scott County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest
- Charges filed — criminal charges associated with the current custody period
- Bail and bond amounts — conditions of release set by the court
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific correctional facility where the individual is held
- Mugshots — booking photographs, which are classified as public data under Minnesota law
Certain data elements remain protected, including medical records, mental health information, juvenile records, and data that could compromise an ongoing investigation. Members of the public may inspect the jail warrants and custody information maintained by the Scott County Sheriff's Office through the county's online portal or by submitting a written data request.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Scott County
Inmate records maintained by the Scott County Jail contain multiple categories of information compiled throughout the custody period.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Current housing unit and facility assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (statute citations)
- Charge level (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
- Case or complaint number
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set by the court
- Bond type (cash, surety, conditional release)
- Bond conditions imposed
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date
- Assigned court file number
- Judicial district and presiding court
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Projected release or discharge date
Release Information:
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (bond posted, sentence served, transfer, court order)
- Post-release supervision conditions, if applicable
Members of the public may review book and release records through the Scott County Sheriff's Office online portal to access recent booking and release activity at the county jail.
Scott County Prison System
Scott County operates a single county jail facility that serves as the primary detention center for the county, housing individuals who are awaiting trial, serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses, or being held on detainers from other jurisdictions. The county jail is distinct from Minnesota state prisons, which are administered by the Minnesota Department of Corrections and house individuals convicted of felony offenses sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
The Scott County Jail is operated under the authority of the Scott County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff is responsible for the administration, staffing, and security of the facility, as well as the maintenance of all custody records. Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Scott County and sentenced to state prison are transferred to a Minnesota Department of Corrections facility following sentencing.
Scott County Sheriff's Office — Jail Division 301 Fuller Street South, Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 445-1411 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Scott County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Scott County
Scott County currently operates one primary correctional facility within its jurisdiction.
Scott County Jail 301 Fuller Street South, Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 445-1411 Scott County Jail Information
The Scott County Jail is a medium-security county detention facility located in Shakopee, Minnesota. The facility provides housing for pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, individuals held on immigration detainers, and those awaiting transfer to state or federal facilities. The jail operates under standards established by the Minnesota Department of Corrections for county jails, as set forth under Minnesota Statute § 641.15, which governs the operation, inspection, and minimum standards for county correctional facilities throughout the state.
Individuals serving felony sentences of more than one year are housed at state correctional facilities administered by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, which maintains separate inmate locator tools and records systems.
Minnesota Department of Corrections 1450 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN 55108 (651) 361-7200 Minnesota Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Scott County
The Scott County Jail houses several distinct populations of individuals at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest group — persons who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted, and who are unable to post bail or have been denied release by the court. Sentenced misdemeanants serving terms of up to 364 days for misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor convictions also reside at the facility.
Additional populations include:
- Individuals on holds — persons held at the request of another jurisdiction, including immigration detainers, out-of-county warrants, or federal holds
- Probation and supervised release violators — individuals alleged to have violated the conditions of their supervision
- Civil commitments — persons held pursuant to court order in limited circumstances
- Work release participants — sentenced individuals authorized to leave the facility for employment during designated hours
Members of the public seeking to determine whether a specific individual is currently in custody may access the current Scott County inmate roster through the Sheriff's Office website, which is updated on a regular basis.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Scott County
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Scott County through several official channels, depending on the type of information sought.
Step 1 — Online Jail Roster Search Access the Scott County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the jail roster page. The online roster lists individuals currently in custody at the Scott County Jail, including name, booking date, charges, and bail information. This tool is available at no cost and requires no account registration.
Step 2 — Book and Release Records For individuals who have recently been booked or released, the Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible book and release log. This record reflects recent intake and discharge activity and is updated regularly.
Step 3 — Minnesota Court Records Online For court case information associated with a criminal charge, members of the public may search the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. MCRO provides access to case summaries, hearing dates, and disposition information for cases filed in Minnesota district courts.
Step 4 — Written Data Request Individuals seeking records not available through online portals may submit a written Government Data Practices Act request to the Scott County Sheriff's Office. Requests should identify the subject of the record, the type of data sought, and the requester's contact information. The agency is required to respond within ten business days under Minnesota Statute § 13.03.
Step 5 — State Offender Search For individuals who may be serving sentences in a Minnesota state prison, the Minnesota Department of Corrections provides a statewide tool to search for individuals and fugitives currently under DOC supervision.
How To Find an Inmate in Scott County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an inmate currently held in Scott County or under state supervision.
- Scott County Jail Roster — The Sheriff's Office publishes a free, publicly accessible roster of current inmates at the Scott County Jail. Members of the public may view the current jail roster online without charge or registration.
- Book and Release Log — Recent booking and release activity is available through the Sheriff's Office online portal at no cost.
- Minnesota DOC Offender Search — The Minnesota Department of Corrections offers a free online search tool for individuals currently incarcerated in or supervised by the state corrections system.
- MCRO Case Search — Basic case information is available through the Minnesota Court Records Online system. Some records may require a fee for certified copies, but general case lookups are available at no charge.
- In-Person Inquiry — Members of the public may visit the Scott County Sheriff's Office in person during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) to request custody status information verbally or in writing.
How To Visit an Inmate In Scott County
Visitation at the Scott County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. All visitors must comply with applicable regulations to maintain visitation privileges.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visits may be denied if the visitor is not on the approved list, is under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, or poses a security concern.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are subject to change based on facility operations and housing unit assignments. Members of the public should verify current visitation hours directly with the Scott County Jail by calling (952) 445-1411 prior to arrival.
Visit Types The Scott County Jail currently offers video visitation as the primary mode of contact visitation. In-person contact visits may be available in limited circumstances. Legal visits with attorneys are conducted separately and are not subject to standard visitation scheduling.
What to Bring
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Unauthorized packages, food, or beverages for the inmate
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated symbols or insignia will not be permitted.
Visit Restrictions Individuals with active warrants, individuals on probation or supervised release (unless specifically authorized), and individuals with prior facility bans may be denied visitation. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
How To Send Money to a Scott County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Scott County Jail through approved methods. Inmates use trust account funds to purchase items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, writing materials, and approved food items.
Approved Methods
- Online deposits — Funds may be deposited electronically through the jail's approved third-party payment vendor. Members of the public should verify the current approved vendor by contacting the Scott County Jail directly at (952) 445-1411.
- Kiosk deposits — Deposit kiosks may be available at the facility for cash or card transactions.
- Money orders — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including the inmate's full name and booking number) may be accepted by mail or in person, subject to current facility policy.
Amount Limits and Fees Transaction limits and processing fees vary by payment method and are established by the facility's contracted vendor. Members of the public should confirm current limits and applicable fees prior to submitting a deposit.
What You Cannot Send
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted
- Personal checks are generally not accepted
- Funds from unverified or anonymous sources may be rejected
Use of Funds Inmate trust account funds may be used for commissary purchases, postage, and approved telephone services. Funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly through the trust account unless specifically authorized by court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Scott County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Scott County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by jail staff pursuant to facility security protocols and applicable Minnesota law.
Mailing Address All mail must be addressed to the inmate using the following format:
Inmate Full Name / Booking Number Scott County Jail 301 Fuller Street South Shakopee, MN 55379
Mail Rules
- All letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in standard white envelopes
- Mail must include the sender's full return address; anonymous mail will not be delivered
- Postcards are accepted at many facilities; members of the public should confirm current policy with the jail
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; explicit or gang-related imagery is prohibited
- Books and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer, not from individuals
- All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband before delivery to the inmate
Prohibited Items in Mail
- Stickers, glitter, tape, staples, or paper clips
- Controlled substances or drug-laced materials
- Cash, checks, or money orders enclosed in letters
- Items that violate facility security standards
Mail that does not comply with facility rules will be returned to the sender or destroyed, and repeated violations may result in mail privileges being suspended for the inmate.