Dodge County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Dodge County in 2026
DodgeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to inmate records in Dodge County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find data pertaining to current custody status, booking information, charges, bond amounts, and facility assignments. Available record categories may include arrest records, booking photographs, court case information, sentence details, and release records. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable disclosure rules.
Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking inmate information.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department maintains booking and custody records for individuals held at the Dodge County Jail. The Records Department serves a jurisdictional population of approximately 21,000 citizens and is staffed by four full-time records personnel.
To conduct an inmate search through the Sheriff's Office:
- Access the Records Department page on the Dodge County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the preferred search type, which may include search by name, booking number, or booking date
- Enter the required search criteria in the designated fields
- Review the results list for matching individuals
- Select a specific record to view detailed information
Information displayed in search results may include:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Booking photograph
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Bond type and bond amount
- Facility location and housing assignment
- Booking date and time
- Expected release date, where available
The inmate roster is updated on a regular basis; however, recent bookings may require several hours to appear in the online system. A mobile application is not currently offered for inmate searches through the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
15 E. Dodge Street
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6200
Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department
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 Department of Corrections facility. The Minnesota Department of Corrections inmate search allows members of the public to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state prison, as well as those who are non-compliant predatory registrants or listed as fugitives.
To search the state DOC database:
- Navigate to the Search for Individuals & Fugitives page on the Minnesota Department of Corrections website
- Enter the individual's first and last name or DOC identification number
- Review the results for custody status, facility assignment, and projected release date
The distinction between county jail and state prison is significant: county jail holds individuals awaiting trial, those serving short sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer, while state prison houses those serving longer post-conviction sentences. Transfer from county to state custody typically occurs within several weeks of sentencing, though timelines vary based on facility availability and classification processing.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), not in county or state facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator is the appropriate resource for locating individuals in federal custody. The locator provides current facility assignment, projected release date, age, race, and sex. This resource applies only to individuals convicted of federal crimes and does not reflect county or state custody.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may call the Dodge County Sheriff's Office at (507) 635-6200 to request inmate information by phone. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. Staff are available during regular business hours to assist with inquiries.
In-Person Inquiry:
Members of the public may visit the Dodge County Sheriff's Office in person to request inmate information. Government-issued photo identification is required. Staff at the front desk can provide current custody status, booking information, and charge details.
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
15 E. Dodge Street
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6200
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate records may be submitted by mail to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department at 15 E. Dodge Street, Mantorville, MN 55955. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and the specific records being requested. Processing times vary based on request volume.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results when a common name is involved
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; check the Minnesota Department of Corrections search
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in a neighboring 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 jail directly at (507) 635-6200
Are Inmate Records Public in Dodge County?
Inmate records maintained by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82, which governs the classification and release of law enforcement data. Under current law, certain categories of inmate information are classified as public data and are available to any member of the public upon request, while other categories are protected from disclosure.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and time of booking
- Charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Expected release date, where available
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health information and treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary records, which may be restricted depending on classification
- Visitor contact lists, which may be restricted
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records, which are protected under separate statutory provisions
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classifications and housing assignments
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public nature of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in custody at public expense. Public safety is served by allowing community members to verify the custody status of individuals who may pose a risk. Family notification is facilitated by open access to booking information. Legal proceedings, including bail bond determinations and attorney representation, depend on timely access to custody data.
Privacy Considerations:
Minnesota law recognizes a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. As stated in Minn. Stat. § 13.01, "the legislature finds that... it is necessary for the state to provide for the collection, creation, storage, maintenance, dissemination, and access to government data in government entities." Sensitive personal information, including medical and mental health data, receives heightened protection. The public disclosure of booking records may affect the employment prospects and family relationships of individuals who have not yet been convicted of any offense, a consideration that informs ongoing legislative and administrative policy discussions.
What Is Inmate Records in Dodge 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. These records serve administrative, legal, and public safety functions and are created at the point of booking when an individual is taken into custody.
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office is the official custodian of inmate records for individuals held at the Dodge County Jail. The Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records include the following:
- Booking records document the initial intake of an individual into custody, including personal identification information, charges, and booking photograph
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual within the correctional system, including housing assignment, classification, and transfers
- Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior and current periods of custody within a jurisdiction
- Release records document the circumstances and date of an individual's release from custody, including the basis for release
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant for search purposes. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial, those serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities. State prison records pertain to individuals serving post-conviction sentences exceeding one year. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of offenses under federal law.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Dodge County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph taken at intake
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location and housing unit, subject to security limitations
- Date and time of booking
- Expected release date, where available
- Actual release date following release from custody
- Current custody status, including in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current charges and charge descriptions
- Case numbers associated with pending or resolved matters
- Court jurisdiction handling the matter
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Warrant information, where applicable
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, or no bond
- Bond status, including whether bond has been posted or remains pending
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information, where available in public records
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length and start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Dodge County
- Previous charges and historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level
- Special housing designations
- Program participation, where publicly available
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health diagnoses or treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments, withheld for security reasons
Dodge County Prison System
The Dodge County correctional system is operated by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county jail and the custody of individuals held within the county. The facility serves a jurisdictional population of approximately 21,000 residents.
Administration:
The Dodge County Sheriff oversees all jail operations, including staffing, classification, and inmate services. The administrative office is located at the Dodge County Sheriff's Office in Mantorville, Minnesota.
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
15 E. Dodge Street
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6200
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Dodge County Jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities following felony sentencing. The facility operates a classification system that assigns inmates to appropriate security levels based on the nature of their charges, criminal history, and behavioral assessments.
Inmate Services:
The facility provides access to medical care, mental health services, substance abuse programming, religious services, and recreational opportunities. Educational programming and library access are available to eligible inmates. Legal services, including law library access and attorney visitation, are provided in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Reentry Programs:
Pre-release planning services are available to assist individuals preparing for release, including coordination with community-based substance abuse treatment providers, housing assistance referrals, and employment support resources.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Dodge County Jail is subject to oversight by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, which conducts periodic inspections of county jail facilities pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 641.15. Grievance procedures are available to inmates who wish to raise concerns regarding conditions of confinement.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Dodge County
Dodge County Jail
Dodge County Jail
15 E. Dodge Street
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6200
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
The Dodge County Jail is the primary detention facility serving the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony offenders awaiting transfer to state prison. The jail operates under the authority of the Dodge County Sheriff's Office and is subject to state inspection and oversight.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office may offer home detention and electronic monitoring as alternatives to incarceration for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information about these programs may contact the Sheriff's Office at (507) 635-6200.
Work Release
Work release programming allows eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria and program availability are determined by the Sheriff's Office in coordination with the sentencing court.
State Prison Facilities
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The Minnesota DOC operates multiple facilities throughout the state, and placement is determined by classification, security level, and program needs. State prison facilities are distinct from county jail and are not operated by Dodge County.
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is currently located within Dodge County. Individuals charged with federal offenses are held in facilities designated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which may be located in other jurisdictions. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a public inmate locator for individuals in federal custody.
How To Find an Inmate in Dodge County for Free?
Several official government resources allow members of the public to locate inmates at no cost.
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department provides access to current inmate information at no charge. No registration is required. Information available through this resource includes current inmates, booking information, charges and bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The roster is updated on a regular basis, with recent bookings potentially requiring several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Minnesota Department of Corrections offender search is available at no cost to members of the public seeking information on individuals in state prison. Historical incarceration information may be available for individuals who have completed their sentences.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides free access to information on individuals in federal custody, including current facility assignment and projected release date.
4. Court Records Search
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, allows members of the public to search court case records, which may reflect custody status, upcoming court dates, and case disposition. As noted by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, "The Minnesota Judicial Branch does not certify MCRO records or search results, and is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the data found on MCRO." The Dodge County District Court is located at the Dodge County Courthouse in Mantorville, Minnesota.
Dodge County District Court
Dodge County Courthouse
22 E. 6th Street
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6260
Dodge County District Court
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (507) 635-6200 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free In-Person Search:
Members of the public may visit the Dodge County Sheriff's Office at 15 E. Dodge Street, Mantorville, MN 55955 during business hours to request inmate information at no charge. Staff assistance is available, and no fee is assessed for basic information inquiries.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
The following services are available at no cost:
- Online inmate search through official government websites
- Current custody status and basic inmate information
- Phone inquiry for basic information
- In-person information requests at the Sheriff's Office
- Court records searches through MCRO
The following services involve fees:
- Sending money to an inmate through approved deposit services
- Video visitation through contracted vendors
- Phone calls placed by inmates through the facility phone system
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records or official documents
- Third-party background check services
Scam Warning:
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for inmate location services. Basic inmate information is available at no cost through official government websites. Members of the public should verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a .gov domain before submitting personal information or payment. Paid inmate search services do not provide access to information beyond what is available through official free resources.