Benton County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Benton County in 2026
BentonMNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Benton County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find data pertaining to the following record categories:
- Current and recent jail bookings
- Custody status and facility location
- Charges and bond information
- Booking photographs
- Court dates and case numbers
- Sentence and release information
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking inmate information.
Online Search Methods
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Benton County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster accessible through its official website. Members of the public may access the search page, select a search type by name, booking number, or date, enter the relevant criteria, and view results. Each result entry provides access to detailed inmate information including:
- Full legal name and booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location within the Benton County Jail
- Booking date and expected release date (when available)
- Custody status
The roster is updated on a regular basis; recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system. At present, no dedicated mobile application is available for the Benton County inmate search, though the Sheriff's Office website is accessible via mobile browser.
Benton County Sheriff's Office
615 Highway 23 West
Foley, MN 56329
Phone: (320) 968-7201
Benton County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred from county jail to a Minnesota state correctional facility. The Minnesota Department of Corrections offender search allows members of the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities. Users may search by name or offender identification number. The search returns information including facility location, offense history, supervision status, and projected release date. County jail records and state prison records are maintained separately; an individual no longer appearing on the county roster may have been transferred to state custody.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals convicted of federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The BOP Inmate Locator is a free public tool that returns an inmate's register number, age, race, sex, release date, and facility location. This resource applies only to individuals in federal custody and is distinct from county or state records.
Phone Search
Members of the public may contact the Benton County Jail directly at (320) 968-7201 to inquire about an individual's custody status. Staff are available to provide basic inmate information during regular business hours. Callers should have the inmate's full legal name and date of birth available to facilitate the inquiry.
In-Person Inquiry
Members of the public may visit the Benton County Sheriff's Office and Jail in person to request inmate information. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can confirm custody status, current charges, bond information, and scheduled court dates.
Benton County Jail
615 Highway 23 West
Foley, MN 56329
Phone: (320) 968-7201
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (administrative inquiries)
Benton County Sheriff's Office
By Mail
Written requests for inmate information may be submitted to the Benton County Sheriff's Office at 615 Highway 23 West, Foley, MN 56329. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies depending on the nature and volume of requests received.
Search Tips
- Use the inmate's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear on the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate
If an individual does not appear in the Benton County inmate search, several explanations are possible:
- The individual may have been transferred to a Minnesota state prison; check the Minnesota DOC offender search
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another county or jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
Members of the public may contact the Benton County Jail directly at (320) 968-7201 for assistance.
Are Inmate Records Public in Benton County?
Inmate records in Benton County are subject to Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act, codified at Minn. Stat. § 13.82, which governs the classification and public accessibility of law enforcement data. Under current law, certain categories of inmate information are designated as public data, while others are classified as private or confidential.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information and booking date
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (when available)
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classifications and cell assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public availability of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency ensures that the public may verify the lawful exercise of custodial authority. Public safety considerations allow community members to be informed of individuals in custody. Family notification is facilitated through accessible booking information. Legal proceedings, including bail bond determinations and court scheduling, depend on accessible custody data.
Privacy Considerations:
Minnesota law recognizes a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. As stated in the Minnesota Department of Administration's guidance on data practices, "the public has a right to know about the activities of government, but individuals have a right to privacy in their personal information." Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, remains protected regardless of an individual's custody status. The impact on families and future employment prospects is acknowledged within the statutory framework governing data classification.
What Is Inmate Records in Benton County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in detention. In Benton County, these records are created at the point of booking and updated throughout an individual's period of custody. The Benton County Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of county jail records.
The following distinctions apply to the types of records maintained:
- Booking records document the initial intake process, including personal identification information, charges, and bond information
- Custody records reflect an individual's ongoing status within the facility, including housing assignments and classification
- Incarceration history encompasses prior bookings and custody periods within the county system
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's discharge from custody
The distinction between county jail records, state prison records, and federal prison records is significant. The Benton County Jail houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short sentences, at present defined as terms of one year or less under Minn. Stat. § 641.12. Individuals sentenced to longer terms are transferred to a Minnesota Department of Corrections facility. Individuals convicted of federal offenses are held in Bureau of Prisons facilities. Each system maintains its own records, and a search of county records will not reflect state or federal custody.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Benton County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate and booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (subject to security limitations)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date (when available)
- Actual release date (following discharge)
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers and court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information (when applicable)
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information (in some cases)
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and sentence length
- Sentence start date and projected release date
- Parole eligibility date (when applicable)
- Good time credits
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Benton County
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs
- Work assignments and program participation (in some cases)
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medications
- Detailed disciplinary records
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments for security reasons
Benton County Prison System
The Benton County Jail is operated by the Benton County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The facility serves as the primary detention center for the county, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody.
Administration:
The Benton County Sheriff's Office oversees all jail operations, including classification, programming, and inmate services. The administrative office is located at the facility address below.
Benton County Sheriff's Office
615 Highway 23 West
Foley, MN 56329
Phone: (320) 968-7201
Benton County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Benton County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals sentenced to terms of one year or less, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. A classification system assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on offense history, behavior, and assessed risk.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted health services
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Library access and recreational programming
Legal Services:
Inmates retain access to legal resources, including law library materials and attorney visitation. The facility coordinates with the public defender's office to ensure representation for eligible individuals.
Reentry Programs:
Pre-release planning services are available to assist individuals preparing for discharge. Programming may include referrals for housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment continuation.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Benton County Jail is subject to oversight by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, which conducts periodic inspections of county facilities pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 241.021. Inspection reports and compliance records are maintained by the Department of Corrections. Inmates may submit grievances through the facility's established grievance procedure.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Benton County
Benton County Jail
Benton County Jail
615 Highway 23 West
Foley, MN 56329
Phone: (320) 968-7201
Benton County Sheriff's Office
The Benton County Jail is the primary correctional facility serving the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state custody, and individuals held on detainers from other agencies. The facility operates under the direct supervision of the Benton County Sheriff's Office.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Benton County Sheriff's Office administers an electronic home monitoring program for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on offense type, criminal history, and assessed risk. Members of the public seeking information about this program may contact the Sheriff's Office at (320) 968-7201.
Work Release
Work release programming allows eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the court and the Sheriff's Office. Participants are required to return to the facility outside of approved work hours.
State Prison Facilities
Benton County does not currently house a state correctional facility within its boundaries. Individuals transferred from the Benton County Jail to state custody are housed at facilities operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections throughout the state. The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county jails house individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences, while state prisons house individuals serving longer post-conviction sentences.
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is located within Benton County. Individuals in federal custody may be located using the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator. Federal custody is distinct from state and county custody and arises from convictions under federal law.
How To Find an Inmate in Benton County for Free?
Multiple free resources are available to members of the public seeking inmate information in Benton County.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Benton County Sheriff's Office provides a free, publicly accessible inmate roster through its official website. No registration is required. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bonds, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated regularly, with recent bookings potentially taking several hours to appear.
Benton County Sheriff's Office
615 Highway 23 West
Foley, MN 56329
Phone: (320) 968-7201
Benton County Sheriff's Office
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Minnesota Department of Corrections offender search is a free public tool for locating individuals in state custody. Historical information on previously incarcerated individuals is also available through this resource.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator provides free access to information on individuals in federal custody, including facility location and projected release date.
4. Court Records Search
The Minnesota Judicial Branch case search allows members of the public to search court records by name or case number. Court records may confirm custody status, upcoming court dates, and case disposition. This resource is free and does not require registration.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call the Benton County Jail at (320) 968-7201 for basic inmate information at no charge. Staff are available during regular business hours to assist with inquiries.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Benton County Sheriff's Office at 615 Highway 23 West, Foley, MN 56329, during business hours. Staff assistance is available at the front desk, and no fee is charged for basic inmate information.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are provided at no cost:
- Online inmate search and current custody status
- Basic inmate information by phone or in person
- Court records search through the Minnesota Judicial Branch
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate through the facility's approved vendor
- Video visitation services
- Phone calls placed by inmates through the facility's telephone provider
- Commissary orders
- Certified copies of booking records
- Third-party background check services
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to use official government websites for inmate searches. Numerous third-party websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official sources. Verify that any website used for inmate searches carries a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment.