Anoka County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Anoka County

Arrest records in Anoka County are classified as public information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive statute establishes that government data is presumed public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement data, including arrest records, is generally accessible to members of the public.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Minnesota law. An arrest record documents the apprehension and custody of an individual by law enforcement authorities, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, arrest data is public, including the name, age, sex, and address of adults arrested, the nature of the charges, the time and place of arrest, and other relevant information.

However, certain limitations exist regarding the public disclosure of arrest information. For example, data that would reveal the identity of confidential informants, undercover officers, or victims of certain crimes may be withheld. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different regulations under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171 and are generally not public information.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the state's official criminal history records and provides guidance on access to these records in accordance with state law. Law enforcement agencies in Anoka County, including the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, follow these state guidelines when responding to public requests for arrest record information.

What's in Anoka County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Anoka 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 and any known aliases
• Date of birth and age at time of arrest
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Gender/sex
• Home address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
• Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
• Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency (e.g., Anoka County Sheriff's Office, Blaine Police Department)
• Names of arresting officers (may be redacted in certain circumstances)
• Circumstances leading to arrest
• Use of force information, if applicable

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Statute numbers of alleged violations
• Classification of charges (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
• Description of alleged criminal activity
• Incident report numbers

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number and issuing court
• Date warrant was issued
• Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
• Warrant status (active, served, recalled)

Booking Information:

• Booking date and time
• Booking number/identification
• Processing officer information
• Property inventory
• Medical screening information (limited public access)

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bail amount set
• Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
• Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
• Conditions of release, if applicable

Court Information:

• Court case number
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court location
• Assigned judge

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility where detained
• Expected release date, if applicable
• Custody classification

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history in Anoka County
• Probation/parole status at time of arrest
• Immigration holds or detainers
• Special custody considerations
• Behavioral notes during custody

It is important to note that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including data that would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, compromise the safety of an individual, or reveal the identity of protected parties such as sexual assault victims or juvenile witnesses.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Anoka County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Anoka County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems for both in-person and remote access to these public records. Individuals may follow these procedures to obtain arrest record information:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the Anoka County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.

Anoka County Sheriff's Office
13301 Hanson Boulevard NW
Andover, MN 55304
763-324-5000
Anoka County Sheriff's Office

2. Complete a public data request form, which requires:

   • Full name of the subject of the record search
   • Date of birth (if known)
   • Approximate date of arrest (if known)
   • Requestor's contact information
   • Specific information being requested

3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.

4. Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. Fees are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, which permits agencies to charge the actual costs of searching for and retrieving government data.

Online Requests:

1. Navigate to the Anoka County data request portal.

2. Complete the online public information request form with the required information about the subject and the specific records being sought.

3. Submit payment for any applicable fees using the online payment system.

4. Receive notification when records are available for electronic delivery or pickup.

Mail Requests:

1. Download and complete the public data request form from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office website.

2. Include a clear statement of the specific records being requested.

3. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.

4. Mail the completed form and payment to:

Anoka County Sheriff's Office Records Division
13301 Hanson Boulevard NW
Andover, MN 55304

For arrest records related to specific municipalities within Anoka County, requestors may also contact the respective police departments directly:

Blaine Police Department
10801 Town Square Drive NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-785-6168
Blaine Police Department

Coon Rapids Police Department
11155 Robinson Drive NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-767-6481
Coon Rapids Police Department

Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 5-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.

How To Find Anoka County Arrest Records Online

Anoka County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems allow for efficient searching of public records without the need to visit county offices in person. The following methods are available for online access:

1. Anoka County Inmate Locator System

   The Anoka County Inmate Locator provides searchable public records for individuals who are currently in custody or who have been recently released from the Anoka County Jail or Workhouse. This system allows searches by:

   • First and last name
   • Booking number (if known)
   • Date range of booking/release

   The system displays basic information including charges, booking date, and custody status. This resource is updated regularly to reflect current inmate populations.

2. Anoka County Warrants Database

   The Jail/Warrants Unit of the Anoka County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of active arrest warrants. Users can search for individuals who have outstanding warrants in Anoka County. The database includes:

   • Subject name
   • Warrant type
   • Issuing court
   • Warrant date

   This system is particularly useful for determining if an arrest may be imminent based on an active warrant.

3. Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)

   The Minnesota Court Records Online system provides access to public court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings in Anoka County. This statewide system allows users to:

   • Search by name, case number, or citation number
   • View case summaries and register of actions
   • Access certain court documents electronically
   • Track case status and upcoming court dates

   MCRO is maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch and includes records from all district courts in the state, including the Anoka County District Court.

4. Minnesota Public Criminal History Search

   The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) offers a public criminal history search that includes arrest data. For a fee of $8.00 per search, users can obtain:

   • Conviction data
   • Arrest records within the past 15 years that did not result in conviction
   • Current status of charges

   This system requires the subject's name and date of birth for searching.

When using these online systems, users should note that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 4(a), government entities are not required to create or collect new data in response to a data request, nor are they required to provide data in a specific form or arrangement if it is not kept in that form. Therefore, some arrest information may require additional steps or formal requests to obtain.

How To Search Anoka County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Anoka County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods are provided in accordance with Minnesota's commitment to government transparency and public information access as outlined in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Free Online Resources:

1. Anoka County Inmate Locator

   The Anoka County Sheriff's Office Inmate Locator provides free access to basic information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. This searchable database includes:

   • Name of the individual
   • Booking date
   • Charges
   • Custody status
   • Expected release date (when available)

   This resource is updated regularly and requires no login or payment to access.

2. Active Warrants Search

   The Anoka County Jail/Warrants Unit maintains a free searchable database of active arrest warrants in the county. This can be useful for determining if an individual has pending legal issues that may have led to an arrest.

3. Public Access Terminals

   Free public access terminals are available at the following locations:

   Anoka County Government Center
   2100 3rd Avenue
   Anoka, MN 55303
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

   Anoka County Law Library
   325 East Main Street
   Anoka, MN 55303
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

   These terminals provide access to public court records, including those related to arrests and criminal cases, at no charge.

4. Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) Public Access

   The Minnesota Court Records Online system offers limited free access to case search functions. While document viewing may incur fees, basic case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings can be viewed without charge.

In-Person Free Access:

1. Records Inspection

   Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, individuals have the right to inspect public government data at reasonable times and places at no charge. To exercise this right for arrest records:

   • Visit the Anoka County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
   • Complete a data request form specifying the records to be inspected
   • Present valid identification
   • Review the records on-site

   While inspection is free, charges may apply if copies are requested.

2. Local Police Departments

   Municipal police departments within Anoka County also maintain arrest records for incidents within their jurisdictions. These departments typically allow free inspection of public arrest data:

   Blaine Police Department
   10801 Town Square Drive NE
   Blaine, MN 55449
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

   Coon Rapids Police Department
   11155 Robinson Drive NW
   Coon Rapids, MN 55433
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When utilizing these free resources, requestors should note that while inspection of records is generally free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies, certified copies, or extensive search and retrieval services as permitted under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Anoka County

In Minnesota, individuals with arrest records in Anoka County have legal remedies available to limit public access to these records through expungement or sealing processes. These procedures are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which establishes the framework for expungement of criminal records.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement in Minnesota does not typically result in the complete destruction or deletion of arrest records. Rather, it involves the sealing of records, which restricts public access while maintaining the records for limited access by law enforcement and certain government agencies. There are two types of expungement available:

1. Statutory Expungement: Seals records held by the judicial branch but may not affect records held by executive branch agencies like the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or local law enforcement.

2. Inherent Authority Expungement: A more comprehensive form that can seal records across all government agencies, but is more difficult to obtain.

Eligibility for Expungement in Anoka County

Under Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

1. Cases resolved in the individual's favor (dismissed charges, acquittals, or declined prosecutions)
2. Certain diversion program completions
3. Convictions for petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or specified felonies after waiting periods ranging from 2-5 years with no new criminal charges
4. Juvenile delinquency proceedings
5. Certain controlled substance offenses
6. Victims of human trafficking

Expungement Process in Anoka County

1. Obtain Criminal Records

   • Request a complete criminal history from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
   • Gather case information from the Anoka County District Court

2. Prepare Expungement Petition

   • Complete the expungement petition form available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch
   • Include all required information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings
   • Prepare a personal statement explaining why expungement should be granted

3. File Petition with Anoka County District Court

   Anoka County Courthouse
   325 East Main Street
   Anoka, MN 55303
   763-324-5000

   • Pay the filing fee (approximately $285) or apply for a fee waiver if eligible
   • Serve copies of the petition on all relevant government agencies as required by statute

4. Attend Expungement Hearing

   • Present your case before an Anoka County judge
   • Explain why expungement serves the public interest and outweighs public safety concerns
   • Address any objections from prosecuting authorities

5. Receive Court Order

   • If granted, the court will issue an expungement order
   • The order will specify which records are to be sealed and which agencies must comply

Special Considerations

• Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 5a, the court must grant expungement for cases resolved in the petitioner's favor unless the agency establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the interests of the public and public safety outweigh the disadvantages to the petitioner.
• For convictions, the court weighs factors including the nature of the offense, risk to public safety, length of time since the offense, and the petitioner's rehabilitation efforts.
• Certain offenses, particularly those requiring registration as a predatory offender, are generally ineligible for expungement.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The Anoka County Law Library offers self-help resources, and Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services may provide assistance to eligible individuals.

What Happens After Arrest in Anoka County?

Following an arrest in Anoka County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Minnesota law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Initial Custody and Booking

Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a local detention facility, typically the Anoka County Jail located at 13301 Hanson Boulevard NW, Andover, MN. During the booking process, law enforcement personnel:

• Record personal identifying information
• Take fingerprints and photographs (mugshots)
• Conduct a search of the arrestee
• Inventory and secure personal property
• Perform initial health screening
• Check for outstanding warrants
• Enter arrest information into law enforcement databases

This booking information becomes part of the arrest record and is generally accessible as public data under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82.

Initial Appearance and Bail Determination

Within 36 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees must appear before a judge in the Anoka County District Court. During this initial appearance:

• Charges are formally presented
• Constitutional rights are explained
• Public defender eligibility is determined for those who cannot afford private counsel
• Bail or conditions of release are established

Bail determinations in Anoka County follow Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 6.02, which requires consideration of public safety, flight risk, and the nature of the alleged offense.

Charging Decision

The Anoka County Attorney's Office reviews arrest reports and evidence to determine appropriate charges. This may result in:

• Formal complaint filing
• Referral for grand jury indictment (for serious felonies)
• Decline to prosecute (case dismissal)
• Diversion program referral for eligible cases

Pre-Trial Proceedings

Cases proceeding through the system will involve several pre-trial hearings:

1. Rule 8 Hearing (for felonies): Ensures defendant understands charges and rights
2. Omnibus Hearing: Addresses constitutional issues, evidence admissibility, and probable cause
3. Pre-Trial Conference: Explores plea agreements and trial readiness
4. Evidentiary Hearings: Resolve specific legal issues before trial

Throughout this process, defendants may be held in custody at the Anoka County Jail or released on bail or other conditions as determined by the court.

Case Resolution

Criminal cases in Anoka County typically conclude through one of these mechanisms:

1. Plea Agreement: Defendant admits guilt, often to reduced charges or with sentencing recommendations
2. Trial: Determination of guilt by judge (court trial) or jury
3. Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence or other legal reasons
4. Diversion Completion: Successful fulfillment of program requirements leading to dismissal

Sentencing

Following conviction through plea or trial, the court imposes sentences that may include:

• Incarceration in the Anoka County Workhouse (for misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors)
• Commitment to state prison (for felonies)
• Probation supervision
• Fines and restitution
• Community service
• Treatment programs
• Other conditions specific to the offense

The entire post-arrest process creates multiple records maintained by different agencies, including the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, Anoka County Attorney's Office, and the Anoka County District Court. These records form the comprehensive arrest and case history accessible through various public record systems.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Anoka County?

Arrest records in Anoka County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Minnesota law and administrative policies. The duration of record retention varies based on several factors, including the nature of the offense, case disposition, and the specific agency maintaining the records.

Statutory Framework

Record retention in Anoka County is governed primarily by Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which establishes the Records Management Act, and by the Minnesota Official Records Act. These statutes create the framework for records retention throughout state and local government agencies, including law enforcement.

The Minnesota Records Retention Schedule for Counties provides specific guidance on minimum retention periods that Anoka County must follow. This schedule is developed and maintained by the Minnesota Historical Society in conjunction with the Records Disposition Panel.

Standard Retention Periods

For arrest records specifically, the following retention periods generally apply:

1. Adult Arrest Records with Charges Filed

   • Felony arrests: 15 years from date of discharge or dismissal
   • Gross misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of discharge or dismissal
   • Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years from date of discharge or dismissal
   • Petty misdemeanor arrests: 3 years from date of discharge or dismissal

2. Adult Arrest Records without Charges

   • Generally retained for 3 years from the date of arrest

3. Juvenile Arrest Records

   • Typically maintained until the individual reaches age 19 for most offenses
   • For serious offenses enumerated in Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171, records may be maintained for longer periods or transferred to adult criminal history

4. Booking Records and Photographs

   • Digital booking information: 7 years minimum
   • Booking photographs (mugshots): 7 years minimum
   • Fingerprint records: Permanent retention at the state level

5. Investigative Records Related to Arrests

   • Homicide cases: Permanent retention
   • Sexual assault cases: 25 years
   • Other felony investigations: 15 years
   • Misdemeanor investigations: 5 years

Agency-Specific Retention

Different agencies within Anoka County may maintain arrest records for varying periods:

1. Anoka County Sheriff's Office

   • Maintains arrest records according to the county retention schedule
   • Digital records management systems may retain information longer than minimum requirements

2. Municipal Police Departments

   • Local departments like Blaine Police Department and Coon Rapids Police Department follow municipal retention schedules that align with state requirements
   • May have department-specific policies for certain categories of arrests

3. Anoka County Attorney's Office

   • Prosecution files related to arrests: 10 years after case closure for felonies; 3 years for misdemeanors
   • Declined prosecution files: 3 years

4. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

   • Maintains criminal history records, including Anoka County arrests, according to state retention schedules
   • Fingerprint records and associated arrest data: Permanent retention

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period expires, digital records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are subject to separate retention schedules maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes, including law enforcement needs, public safety considerations, and the preservation of criminal justice system accountability and transparency.

How to Find Mugshots in Anoka County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. In Anoka County, these photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual. Mugshots serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and become part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Anoka County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

1. Anoka County Sheriff's Office

   Anoka County Sheriff's Office Records Division
   13301 Hanson Boulevard NW
   Andover, MN 55304
   763-324-5000
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

   The Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs for all individuals processed through the Anoka County Jail.

2. Municipal Police Departments

   Local police departments within Anoka County may maintain their own booking photographs for arrests they process before transferring individuals to county custody.

3. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)

   The state BCA maintains a central repository of booking photographs from throughout Minnesota, including those from Anoka County.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to booking photographs in Anoka County have several options:

1. Submit a Data Request

   The primary method for obtaining official booking photographs is to submit a formal data request to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office through their data request portal. Requestors should:

   • Provide the full name of the subject
   • Include the approximate date of arrest if known
   • Specify that booking photographs are being requested
   • Pay any applicable fees for reproduction

2. In-Person Requests

   Individuals may visit the Anoka County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person to request booking photographs. Staff will assist with completing the necessary request forms and determining if the requested photographs are available.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Anoka County does not maintain a public-facing online database specifically for booking photographs. However, mugshots may be available through:

1. Inmate Information Systems

   The Anoka County Inmate Locator provides information about current and recently released inmates but does not typically include booking photographs.

2. Third-Party Websites

   Various non-government websites aggregate and publish booking photographs obtained from public records. These sites may contain Anoka County mugshots, but the information may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. The County does not endorse or verify information on these third-party sites.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official, verified booking photographs, the recommended process is:

1. Complete the data request form available through the Anoka County Sheriff's Office
2. Submit the form with required identification and payment
3. Allow 5-10 business days for processing
4. Receive the photographs in the requested format (digital or printed)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to booking photographs in Anoka County is subject to certain limitations under Minnesota law:

1. Juvenile booking photographs (under age 18) are generally not public records under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171
2. Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
3. Certain victim-related arrests may have restricted photograph access
4. Expunged records will not include publicly accessible booking photographs

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies must balance public information rights with privacy considerations when responding to requests for booking photographs.

Lookup Arrest Records in Anoka County

Search for inmates currently in custody

Check active arrest warrants in Anoka County

Contact the Anoka County Sheriff's Office

Submit a public data request

Search Minnesota court records online

Access Minnesota Court Records Online system