To find inmate records in Swift County, Minnesota, you can utilize both online and offline resources. Online, start by visiting the Swift County Sheriff’s Office website, which may provide a local jail roster or guidance on how to search for current inmates. The Minnesota Department of Corrections also maintains a searchable online offender locator for individuals incarcerated in state prisons, though county jail inmates may not appear there. For offline assistance, you can directly contact or visit the Swift County Sheriff’s Office, located at 301 14th St N, Benson, MN 56215. They can provide information on detainees held at the local jail and assist with records requests. Additionally, you may submit public records requests in person or by mail. Always ensure you have the individual’s full name and, if possible, date of birth for the most accurate search results.

How to Find an Inmate in Swift County, MN

Inmate records for Swift County, MN, are accessible online, and the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is housed at the local jail, a Minnesota state prison, or in federal custody. Use the resources below to locate inmates and obtain the most accurate information.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Minnesota DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmatesdoc.mn.govSearch by name or ID for those in state prisons. Swift County does not have a state prison; only those sentenced to state custody appear here.
VINE Inmate SearchState & county custody alertsvinelink.comRegister for notifications or search by name to track custody status in Swift County and statewide.
Swift County Jail / SheriffLocal jail inmatesCall (320) 843-3133 or visit swiftcounty.mn.govContact the Swift County Sheriff's Office for the current jail roster. Address: 301 14th St N, Benson, MN 56215.
Federal BOP LocatorFederal prison inmatesbop.gov/inmateloc/Minnesota has no federal prison; most MN federal offenders are held at FCI Sandstone (Sandstone, MN) or nearby states.
In-Person Records RequestAny custody statusVisit Swift County Sheriff's Office: 301 14th St N, Benson, MN 56215Bring valid ID to request inmate records in person during business hours; some restrictions may apply.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Swift County

In Swift County, individuals arrested are typically transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned to a housing unit. The entire booking process generally takes between 4 and 8 hours.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDriving under influence, driving after revocationMost Common1–3 days or until bail/posting bond
Drug OffensesPossession of methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernaliaCommon1–5 days or until court hearing
Assault / Domestic ViolenceDomestic assault, simple assaultCommon1–7 days or until court appearance
Property CrimesBurglary, theft, criminal damage to propertyOccasional1–3 days or until released on bond
Failure to AppearMissed court dateCommon1–2 days or until next court date
Outstanding WarrantsProbation violation, unpaid finesOccasional1–4 days, varies by underlying charge
Felony (Pre-Trial)Serious drug, assault, or property crimesOccasionalUntil court hearing or transfer to state facility if sentenced

Visitation Rules at Swift County Jail

Visitation policies may change, so always verify the current rules with Swift County Jail before your visit and ensure you are on the inmate's approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayNo VisitationN/AConfirm with facility
Tuesday7:00 pm – 9:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
WednesdayNo VisitationN/AConfirm with facility
ThursdayNo VisitationN/AConfirm with facility
Friday7:00 pm – 9:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
Saturday1:00 pm – 4:00 pmIn-personConfirm with facility
SundayNo VisitationN/AConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo ID required.
Dress CodeModest attire; no revealing or offensive clothing permitted.
Prohibited ItemsNo cell phones, cameras, bags, or contraband allowed in the visitation area.
Visitor Approval ProcessVisitors must be approved and on the inmate's visitation list prior to the visit.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; must be supervised at all times.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsAllowed outside regular hours; must schedule in advance and provide professional ID.

How to Contact an Inmate at Swift County Jail

Inmates at Swift County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for safety and security. Please use the approved formats and follow facility rules when contacting an inmate.

Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Swift County Jail
301 14th St N, Benson, MN 56215

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates can place outbound calls using the jail's phone system.Friends/family set up an account with [Provider].Calls are monitored; no incoming calls allowed.
Physical MailSend letters or permissible items to the jail's mailing address.Address mail correctly; check banned items before mailing.No contraband; all mail is inspected; use proper format.
Digital MessagingSend and receive electronic messages via [Provider]'s platform.Register online with [Provider] and fund an account.Messages are screened; inappropriate content is blocked.
Video CallsSchedule and participate in remote video visits via [Provider].Create an account with [Provider] and schedule ahead.Visits may be recorded; sessions limited by schedule.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Swift County

The Minnesota Board of Parole (Minnesota Department of Corrections Hearings & Release Unit) oversees parole decisions and supervision for state-sentenced offenders. Individuals returning to Swift County can access reentry support from both state-run and community-based programs tailored to housing, employment, and other needs.

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Minnesota Board of ParoleOversees parole eligibility, hearings, and release decisions for Minnesota state inmates.State-sentenced offendershttps://mn.gov/doc/families/transition-reentry/
651-361-7200
Good Time / Sentence ReductionAllows eligible inmates to reduce incarceration time through program participation and good behavior.Incarcerated individualsSpeak with case manager; details at https://mn.gov/doc/policies
Parole SupervisionProvides supervision, support, and compliance monitoring for parolees in the community.Individuals on parole in Swift CountyAppleton Field Services Office
305 W 7th Ave, Appleton, MN 56208
320-289-2323
Reentry HousingHelps parolees secure safe, stable housing after release through state and local grants.Recently released individualsMinnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV housing for all):
https://www.mac-v.org/
1-833-222-6228
Employment AssistanceJob placement, career counseling, and skill development for justice-involved individuals.Returning citizensCareerForce Montevideo
120 North 1st St, Montevideo, MN 56265
320-269-9276
https://www.careerforcemn.com/locations/montevideo
Benefits RestorationSupport with reinstating IDs, health care, and public assistance benefits after incarceration.Individuals reentering the communityBridge to Benefits
https://bridgetobenefits.org/
VINE Victim NotificationAutomated service to notify victims of inmate status changes, transfers, or release.Crime victims and concerned individualsMN VINE
1-877-MN4-VINE (664-8463)
www.vinelink.com

Swift Incarceration Statistics

Swift County, Minnesota, experiences a lower-than-average crime rate compared to the state, with most offenses being property-related rather than violent crimes. The county does not operate its own jail; instead, inmates are held at the Prairie Lakes Regional Jail facility.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)897 (statewide)11% (statewide)→ Stable
— Assault561 (statewide)7% (statewide)→ Stable
— Robbery18 (statewide)1% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Homicide01 (statewide)<1% (statewide)→ Stable
Property Crime (total)62756 (statewide)82% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Theft / Larceny35397 (statewide)46% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Burglary20178 (statewide)26% (statewide)→ Stable
— Vehicle Theft738 (statewide)9% (statewide)↑ Increasing
Drug Offenses756 (statewide)5% (statewide)→ Stable
DUI / Traffic11107 (statewide)9% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
Domestic Violence552 (statewide)7% (statewide)↑ Increasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender82% Male, 18% FemaleStatewide average used
Age Groups18-24: 11%, 25-39: 46%, 40+: 43%Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityWhite: 61%, Black: 26%, Native American: 8%, Other: 5%Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug, Property, DUI, AssaultStatewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length22 monthsStatewide average used
Recidivism Rate36% (3-year reconviction)Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Swift County?

Swift County currently holds an estimated 42 inmates in local custody. Sentenced offenders requiring longer-term incarceration may be transferred to a state facility.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)1945%$9076%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)1126%$8544%
Transferred to State Facility819%N/AN/A
Federal Holds25%$958%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total42100%

Swift County Facility Directory

Swift County has one correctional facility: a county jail. Local detainees are primarily housed in the Swift County Jail.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Swift County JailCounty Jail301 14th St N, Benson, MN26~15Medium

Swift County Prisons and Jails

1 Jails Found
Swift County Jail
Law Enforcement Center, Suite 4, 301 14th Street N, Benson, MN, 56215
320-843-3133
320-843-2299