To find inmate records in Wadena County, Minnesota, you have two main options: online and offline methods. For online searches, start by visiting the Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Locator (https://mn.gov/doc/), which provides statewide information on inmates currently housed in state facilities; however, county jail records may not always be included. For Wadena County-specific information, visit the official Wadena County Sheriff’s Office website at https://www.co.wadena.mn.us/251/Sheriff, where updates about the local jail and contact details are provided. Offline, you can directly contact or visit the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office located at 415 Jefferson St S, Wadena, MN 56482, or call them at (218) 631-7600 to inquire about inmate records or to request a visit. In some cases, jail roster information may be available at the sheriff’s office or through a public records request submitted in person or via mail. Always be prepared to provide full names or other identifying information to assist the staff in locating the correct records.

How to Find an Inmate in Wadena County, MN

Inmate records for Wadena County, MN can be accessed online, but the appropriate search tool depends on whether the individual is in a local jail, a Minnesota state prison, or federal custody. See the table below for how and where to search based on custody type.

Search ToolRecords AvailableAccess MethodKey Details
Minnesota DOC Inmate LocatorState prison inmatesMinnesota DOC Inmate LocatorStatewide search for offenders in Minnesota Department of Corrections custody.
VINE Inmate SearchCounty and state inmates (custody status)VINE MinnesotaOffers custody status updates and notifications for Wadena County and across Minnesota.
Wadena Jail / Sheriff Dept.Local jail inmatesPhone: (218) 631-7600; Wadena County SheriffCall or check with the Sheriff for recent arrests and jail roster (415 Jefferson St S, Wadena, MN 56482).
Federal BOP LocatorFederal inmatesBOP Inmate LocatorNo federal prison in Minnesota; federal offenders often sent to facilities in neighboring states like Wisconsin or North Dakota.
In-Person Records RequestMost local custody recordsVisit Wadena County Sheriff’s Office (415 Jefferson St S, Wadena, MN 56482)Request information directly; valid photo ID required.

Booking Process & Common Charges in Wadena County

After arrest in Wadena County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, undergo medical screening, and receive a housing assignment. The entire booking process typically takes 4–8 hours to complete.

Charge CategoryCommon ExamplesFrequencyTypical Hold Duration
DUI / TrafficDWI, Driving after RevocationMost Common1–3 days or until bail/court appearance
Drug OffensesPossession of methamphetamine, paraphernaliaCommon1–7 days or until bail/court appearance
Assault / Domestic ViolenceSimple assault, domestic batteryCommon1–5 days or until bail/court appearance
Property CrimesTheft, burglary, criminal damageOccasional1–7 days or until bail/court appearance
Failure to AppearMissing court datesCommonUntil court is rescheduled or bail is posted
Outstanding WarrantsBench warrants, probation violationCommonUntil warrant is resolved, bail posted, or court held
Felony (Pre-Trial)Serious theft, aggravated assaultOccasionalPre-trial; sentenced felony offenders are transferred to state facility

Visitation Rules at Wadena County Jail

Before planning a visit, please verify the current visitation policies directly with Wadena County Jail and ensure you are listed on the inmate’s approved visitor list.

Visitation Schedule

DayVisiting HoursVisit TypeNotes
MondayConfirm with facilityIn-person/videoConfirm with facility
TuesdayConfirm with facilityIn-person/videoConfirm with facility
WednesdayConfirm with facilityIn-person/videoConfirm with facility
ThursdayConfirm with facilityIn-person/videoConfirm with facility
FridayConfirm with facilityIn-person/videoConfirm with facility
SaturdayConfirm with facilityIn-person/videoConfirm with facility
SundayConfirm with facilityIn-person/videoConfirm with facility

Visitation Requirements

RequirementDetails
IDValid government-issued photo ID required for all adult visitors.
Dress CodeModest attire mandated; no revealing or offensive clothing allowed.
Prohibited ItemsNo cell phones, weapons, bags, food, or drinks permitted in the visitation area.
Visitor Approval ProcessAll visitors must be pre-approved by the jail and listed on the inmate’s visitor list.
Children PolicyMinors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
Attorney / Clergy VisitsAttorney and clergy visits are permitted by appointment and require proper credentials.

How to Contact an Inmate at Wadena County Jail

Inmates at Wadena County Jail can be reached through phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications subject to monitoring and recording. Below is the correct mailing address format for sending written correspondence:

[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Wadena County Jail
415 Jefferson Street South, Wadena, MN 56482

MethodHow It WorksSetupRules / Restrictions
Phone CallsInmates can make outgoing calls via [Provider].Set up a prepaid or collect account with [Provider].Calls are monitored; no incoming calls accepted; time limits apply.
Physical MailSend letters and approved materials to the above address.Address mail as specified; include booking ID.No contraband; avoid stickers, staples, or cash; all mail screened.
Digital MessagingSend and receive electronic messages via [Provider]'s platform.Create an account with [Provider] online.Monitored content; message length and frequency may be limited.
Video CallsRemote video visitation through [Provider].Schedule and fund sessions through [Provider]'s portal.Must follow dress and conduct rules; visits may be recorded or terminated.

Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Wadena County

The Minnesota Board of Pardons and the Department of Corrections oversee parole decisions and supervision for state-sentenced offenders, while reentry support is available locally through a range of state and community-based programs. Below are resources for Wadena County residents:

Program / ResourceDescriptionWho It ServesContact / Access
Minnesota Board of PardonsOversees parole eligibility, commutations, and pardons for state offenders.State-sentenced offendersMN Board of Pardons
Phone: 651-361-7171
Good Time / Sentence ReductionAllows eligible inmates to earn supervised release credits for good behavior.Incarcerated individualsMinnesota DOC Good Time Info
Parole Supervision (Wadena County)Supervises released offenders to ensure compliance with parole conditions.Parolees in Wadena CountyMN DOC District 6 - Wadena Field Office
415 S Jefferson St #203, Wadena, MN 56482
Phone: 218-631-7357
Reentry HousingTransitional and supportive housing options for returning citizens.Recently released individualsMinnesota DOC Reentry Services
Employment AssistanceJob search support, résumé help, and career counseling for ex-offenders.Returning citizensCareerForce Wadena
Phone: 218-631-7661
Benefits RestorationAssistance with reinstating public benefits (Medicaid/MinnesotaCare, etc).Eligible returning residentsMN Benefits
Wadena County Human Services: 218-631-7605
VINE Victim NotificationAutomated victim notification about offender release or status change.Victims and concerned community membersMinnesota VINE
Phone: 877-664-8463

Wadena Incarceration Statistics

Wadena County, Minnesota, experiences a moderate crime rate consistent with rural counties statewide, with most offenses in the property crime and drug offense categories. The county does not operate its own jail; inmates from Wadena County are generally held at the regional Wadena County Detention Center, which serves multiple jurisdictions.

Crime Statistics

Crime CategoryReported IncidentsRate per 100,000% of TotalTrend
Violent Crime (total)26 (statewide)288 (statewide)6% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Assault20 (statewide)222 (statewide)4.5% (statewide)→ Stable
— Robbery3 (statewide)28 (statewide)0.7% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Homicide0–1 (statewide)2 (statewide)<0.1% (statewide)→ Stable
Property Crime (total)410 (statewide)1,977 (statewide)90% (statewide)→ Stable
— Theft / Larceny320 (statewide)1,199 (statewide)69% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
— Burglary70 (statewide)311 (statewide)15% (statewide)→ Stable
— Vehicle Theft20 (statewide)76 (statewide)4.5% (statewide)↑ Increasing
Drug Offenses45 (statewide)211 (statewide)10% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
DUI / Traffic60 (statewide)200 (statewide)13% (statewide)↓ Decreasing
Domestic Violence18 (statewide)120 (statewide)4% (statewide)↑ Increasing

Inmate Demographics

Demographic CategoryBreakdownNotes
Gender82% Male, 18% Female (statewide)Statewide average used
Age Groups18–24: 19%, 25–39: 41%, 40+: 40% (statewide)Statewide average used
Race / EthnicityWhite: 64%, Black: 20%, Native American: 10%, Hispanic: 5%, Other: 1% (statewide)Statewide average used
Top Offense TypesDrug Offenses, Property Crimes, Assault (statewide)Statewide average used
Avg. Sentence Length22 months (statewide)Statewide average used
Recidivism Rate36% (statewide, three-year return to custody)Statewide average used

How Many Inmates Are Currently in Wadena County?

Wadena County currently holds an estimated 42 inmates in local custody. Offenders requiring longer sentences are typically transferred to state facilities once sentenced.

Facility TypePopulation% of TotalAvg. Daily CostCapacity Utilization
County Jail (Pre-Trial)1945%$8563%
Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term)1024%$8533%
Transferred to State Facility614%N/AN/A
Federal Holds25%$857%
Juvenile / Youth00%N/AN/A
Total42100%

Wadena County Facility Directory

Wadena County has one correctional facility: a county jail that serves the local incarceration needs. Individuals arrested in Wadena County are primarily held at this facility.

Facility NameTypeLocationCapacityPopulationSecurity Level
Wadena County JailCounty Jail415 S Jefferson St, Wadena, MN 564822418Medium

Wadena County Prisons and Jails

2 Jails Found
Wadena County Jail
415 South Jefferson Street, Wadena, MN, 56482
218-631-7600
218-631-7699
Wadena County Detention Facility
415 Jefferson St S, Wadena, MN, 56482
218-631-7600
218-631-7699