Search Steele County, MN Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Steele County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Steele County, MN
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Steele County
- Visitation Rules at Steele County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Steele County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Steele County
- Steele Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Steele County?
- Steele County Facility Directory
- Steele Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Steele County, Minnesota, you have several options. Online, you can start by visiting the Steele County Sheriff’s Office website (https://www.co.steele.mn.us/departments/sheriff/index.php), which may provide a current jail roster or instructions for requesting inmate information. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Corrections offers an online offender locator tool for statewide searches. For offline methods, you can visit or contact the Steele County Detention Center, located at 2500 Alexander Street SW, Owatonna, MN 55060. The Sheriff's Office at the same address can also assist with inmate record inquiries either in person or by phone at (507) 446-7000. When seeking records, be prepared to provide the inmate’s full name and, if possible, date of birth for more accurate results. For older or more detailed records, you may also consult the Steele County Court Administration located at 111 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060. Always check the official county resources for the most current information and eligibility requirements regarding public record access.
How to Find an Inmate in Steele County, MN
Inmate records for Steele County, MN can be accessed online, but the correct search tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a Minnesota state prison, or a federal facility. Use the following resources to locate inmates based on their level of custody.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steele County Jail / Sheriff | Current local inmates (jail roster) | Steele County Jail Roster / Phone: (507) 446-7000 | Local detention; operated by Steele County Sheriff, 2500 Alexander St SW, Owatonna, MN 55060. |
| Minnesota DOC Inmate Locator | All MN state prison inmates (not local/federal) | MN DOC Offender Locator | State prison population; search by name or identifiers. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status, transfers, releases (county/state) | Minnesota VINE | Victim notification network; statewide and county inmate tracking. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates nationwide | BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prison in Minnesota; most federal inmates from MN held in facilities in neighboring states (e.g., Sandstone, WI; Oxford, WI; etc.). |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail roster, historical inmate records | Visit: 2500 Alexander St SW, Owatonna, MN 55060 / Phone: (507) 446-7000 | Steele County Detention Center handles local records requests; bring ID for in-person access. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Steele County
In Steele County, individuals arrested are transported to the jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and a medical screening before being assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes between 4 to 8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving Under Influence, DWIs | High | 1–3 days or until bail is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, Distribution | Moderate | 1–7 days (pre-trial); varies for severity |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, Domestic Disputes | High | 1–7 days (pre-trial); no-contact orders may apply |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Vandalism | Moderate | 1–7 days (pre-trial) |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Moderate | Until court appearance or posting bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Bench Warrants, Probation Violations | High | Until court or satisfied warrant conditions |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Robbery, Aggravated Assault | Moderate | Transferred to state facility if sentenced; pre-trial 1–30+ days |
Visitation Rules at Steele County Jail
Before visiting Steele County Jail, please verify the most current visitation rules and confirm you are on the inmate's approved visitor list, as requirements and schedules may change.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | On-site, Video | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | On-site, Video | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | On-site, Video | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | On-site, Video | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | On-site, Video | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | On-site, Video | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | On-site, Video | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing |
| Prohibited Items | No bags, cell phones, cameras, or contraband allowed |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be on inmate's approved visitor list |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Allowed with prior arrangement; separate from general visits |
How to Contact an Inmate at Steele County Jail
Inmates at Steele County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications subject to monitoring and review. Below are the approved methods and guidelines for reaching an inmate.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Steele County Jail
2500 Alexander St., Owatonna, MN 55060
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using [Provider] phone services. | Friends/family set up account with [Provider]. | No incoming calls; calls are recorded and may have time limits. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters and cards to the inmate via the jail mailing address. | Properly address mail as shown above. | No contraband, no cash/checks, must include senders’ full name and return address. |
| Digital Messaging | Send online text messages through [Provider]’s platform. | Register an account with [Provider]. | Messages are screened for inappropriate content and security risks. |
| Video Calls | Schedule and conduct remote video visits with the inmate via [Provider]. | Create account and schedule session with [Provider]. | Sessions are monitored; time restrictions and dress/code of conduct apply. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Steele County
The Minnesota Board of Parole (Minnesota Department of Corrections Hearings & Release Unit) oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, while individuals returning to Steele County can access reentry support through various state and community-based programs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Board of Parole | State board responsible for parole hearings, release decisions, and supervision standards. | State-sentenced inmates eligible for parole | https://mn.gov/doc/families/returning/parole.jsp |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Earned credit for good behavior that may reduce sentence length per Minnesota statutes. | Inmates serving sentences in Minnesota | Determined by MN DOC; Contact case manager or parole officer |
| Parole Supervision – Steele County | Local supervision and support for individuals on parole in Steele County. | Parolees residing in Steele County | Steele County DOC Field Office: (507) 446-4350 (Owatonna) |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional and supportive housing options coordinated through MN DOC and local agencies. | Reentrants needing housing assistance | https://mn.gov/doc/families/returning/housing.jsp |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness training, placement, and support through Minnesota Workforce Centers and reentry partners. | Individuals with criminal records | CareerForce Owatonna: (507) 446-0369, https://www.careerforcemn.com/owatonna |
| Benefits Restoration | Help reinstating public benefits like SNAP, healthcare, and identification post-release. | Returning citizens | Steele County Human Services: (507) 431-5700 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Minnesota VINE offers automated notifications about custody status changes and release of offenders. | Victims and concerned community members | 1-877-664-8463, https://www.vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/24000 |
Steele Incarceration Statistics
Steele County, Minnesota generally reports crime and incarceration rates close to statewide averages, with property crime accounting for a substantial portion of reported incidents. The county does not operate its own standalone jail; inmates are housed at the Steele County Detention Center, which serves as a regional facility.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 62 (statewide) | 297 (statewide) | 17% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 45 (statewide) | 215 (statewide) | 12% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 9 (statewide) | 40 (statewide) | 2% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 1 (statewide) | 2.5 (statewide) | <1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 295 (statewide) | 1,415 (statewide) | 79% | → Stable |
| — Theft / Larceny | 205 (statewide) | 984 (statewide) | 54% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 55 (statewide) | 264 (statewide) | 15% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 35 (statewide) | 167 (statewide) | 9% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 38 (statewide) | 182 (statewide) | 10% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 42 (statewide) | 201 (statewide) | 11% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 29 (statewide) | 139 (statewide) | 8% | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 81% Male, 19% Female (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 16%, 25-39: 47%, 40+: 37% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 52%, Black: 29%, Hispanic: 10%, Other: 9% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Theft, Assault | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 13 months (statewide) | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 36% (statewide, 3-year) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Steele County?
Steele County currently holds an estimated 105 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders with longer terms may be transferred to a state facility to serve out their sentences.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 62 | 59% | $85 | 82% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 26 | 25% | $85 | 34% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 9 | 8% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 6 | 6% | $95 | 8% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 2 | 2% | $150 | 12% |
| Total | 105 | 100% | — | — |
Steele County Facility Directory
Steele County has one correctional facility: a county jail that serves as the main detention center for local inmates.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steele County Detention Center | County Jail | 2500 Alexander St, Owatonna, MN 55060 | 154 | 135 | Medium |
Steele County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Re-entry Programs
- Family & Community Support