Sherburne County Inmate Search provides instant access to current detainee records through an official online portal updated every 15 minutes. The system allows searches by full name, booking number, or case identifier and displays verified data including recent mugshots, physical descriptions, charges, bail amounts, bond types, court dates, assigned court branches, and reasons for detention. This resource serves families, attorneys, journalists, and community members seeking accurate, up-to-date information about individuals held at the Sherburne County Jail in Elk River, Minnesota. All data reflects processing status only and does not indicate guilt or conviction.
How to Use the Official Sherburne County Inmate Locator
The primary tool for locating inmates is the county’s dedicated inmate locator website. Users can enter a person’s full legal name (first and last), their unique booking number, or a valid case ID from court documents. Results appear instantly and include a color photo taken at booking, height, weight, hair and eye color, date of birth, and housing location within the facility. Each record also lists all active charges, whether local, state, or federal, along with corresponding bail amounts and bond eligibility. Court information includes next hearing date, time, and the specific branch handling the case—such as District Court or Federal Court.
Searches are free and require no registration. The system updates continuously throughout the day as new bookings occur and releases are processed. For those without internet access, the Inmate & Jail Records Office offers phone verification during business hours. It’s important to note that the locator shows only processed individuals—not convicted persons—and should not be used to determine legal status. Always cross-check with official court records for case outcomes.
Facility Overview: Capacity, Population & Agency Partners
The Sherburne County Jail operates as a regional correctional center with 732 licensed beds, making it one of Minnesota’s largest county detention facilities. It houses individuals detained by Sherburne County law enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and several multi-agency task forces. In fiscal year 2023, the jail recorded 202 booking events, maintained an average daily population of 451 inmates, and reached a peak total population of 609. Of these, 543 were male and 39 female, reflecting broader national trends in incarceration demographics.
Federal detainees often comprise more than half of the daily population due to partnerships with ICE and the U.S. Marshals. These individuals may be held for immigration violations, federal warrants, or interjurisdictional transfers. The facility employs over 120 staff members, including correctional officers, medical personnel, administrative workers, and support teams. Services include commissary accounts, prepaid phone systems, secure email messaging compliant with Minnesota regulations, and religious accommodations.
Visitation Rules, Hours & Approval Process
Visitation at the Sherburne County Jail occurs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with each visitor allotted a 30-minute session per inmate. All visitors must present a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID) and appear on the inmate’s pre-approved visitor list. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Holiday closures include Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day; visits resume the next business day.
To schedule a visit, contact the jail directly at 763-241-4500 or use the online appointment system if available. Visitors are subject to search and must follow dress code guidelines—no revealing clothing, gang-related symbols, or electronic devices beyond basic phones (which must remain off). Food, gifts, and cash cannot be brought inside. All interactions are monitored for safety and security. Failure to comply with rules may result in permanent visitation bans.
Mailing Guidelines & Electronic Communication Options
Inmates may receive mail at the following address: [Inmate’s Full Name], [Booking Number], Sherburne County Jail, 13880 Business Center Drive, Elk River, MN 55330. Letters must include the sender’s full name and return address. Packages, cash, stamps, or contraband are not accepted. All incoming mail is inspected for security reasons. Legal correspondence marked “Attorney-Client Privileged” is opened only in the presence of the inmate.
For electronic communication, the jail partners with a secure email service that allows family and friends to send messages via a web portal. Messages are printed and delivered during regular mail distribution. Inmates can reply using jail-provided forms. Phone calls are collect or prepaid only; rates vary by provider. Video visitation may be available for approved visitors during designated times. All communications are subject to monitoring except privileged legal contacts.
Bail, Bond & Release Information
Bail amounts and bond types are listed in each inmate’s record. Common bond types include cash bonds, property bonds, and surety bonds arranged through licensed bail agents. If a bond is posted and approved, the inmate becomes eligible for release pending court appearance. The Inmate & Jail Records Office verifies bond status and release eligibility but cannot provide legal advice. For bond-related questions, contact the office at 763-765-3800 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Release times depend on processing schedules and court orders. Weekends and holidays may delay releases even if bonds are posted. Some inmates are held without bail due to severity of charges, flight risk, or federal holds. Always confirm release status before traveling to the facility. Misinformation from unofficial sources can lead to wasted trips or emotional distress.
Privacy, Accuracy & Legal Disclaimers
The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office clearly states that inmate locator data is provided for informational purposes only. It reflects booking and processing activity, not guilt, innocence, or final adjudication. Individuals should never rely solely on jail records to assess someone’s legal standing. Errors can occur due to data entry delays or system updates. If you believe information is incorrect or violates privacy rights, submit a written request to the Sheriff’s Office legal department for review.
Third-party websites may republish jail data but often lack real-time accuracy. Always verify critical details through official channels. The county is not liable for damages arising from use of locator information. This policy aligns with Minnesota Statute 13.85, which governs public access to law enforcement data while protecting individual rights.
Contact Information & Office Hours
For general inquiries, call the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office at 763-765-3500 or toll-free at 800-433-5245. Email requests can be sent to info@sherburne.mn.gov. The Inmate & Jail Records Office handles specific record verifications at 763-765-3800 during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The physical address for all jail-related matters is 13880 Business Center Drive Northwest, Suite 100, Elk River, MN 55330.
Staff assist with booking confirmations, release status checks, bond conditions, and visitation approvals. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead ensures faster service. For emergencies, dial 911. Non-emergency law enforcement matters should go through the main sheriff’s line. Written correspondence should include the inmate’s full name, booking number, and specific request details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sherburne County Inmate Search
Many people have similar questions when trying to locate or communicate with someone in custody. Below are detailed answers based on official policies and recent data. These responses reflect current procedures as of 2024 and are verified against the Sheriff’s Office website and Minnesota Department of Corrections reports.
How often is the inmate search database updated?
The Sherburne County Inmate Search portal refreshes every 15 minutes during operational hours, ensuring near real-time accuracy. New bookings appear within minutes of processing, and releases are logged immediately after completion. This frequent update cycle helps families and legal representatives stay informed without unnecessary delays. However, technical issues or high-volume periods may cause brief lags. For time-sensitive matters, calling the Inmate & Jail Records Office at 763-765-3800 provides the most current verbal confirmation. Always cross-reference online data with official phone verification when making critical decisions about visitation or legal strategy.
Can I search for an inmate using only their first name?
No, the system requires either a full legal name (first and last), a valid booking number, or a case identifier. Partial names or nicknames will not return results. This policy prevents false matches and protects privacy. If you’re unsure of the exact spelling, try common variations or contact the records office for assistance. Booking numbers are assigned at intake and appear on arrest receipts or court documents. Case identifiers come from charging paperwork filed by prosecutors. Without one of these three elements, the search cannot proceed.
Are ICE detainees included in the public inmate search?
Yes, federal detainees held under ICE custody are listed in the same roster as county inmates. Their records show “ICE” as the supervising agency and may include immigration hold notations. However, some sensitive details—like country of origin or asylum status—are withheld for privacy and security. Release dates for ICE detainees depend on federal proceedings, not local courts, so they may remain longer than typical county inmates. Always check the agency field in the search results to understand who controls the individual’s custody.
What happens if an inmate has multiple charges from different agencies?
Each charge appears separately in the inmate’s record, labeled by agency (e.g., Sherburne County Sheriff, U.S. Marshals, BIA). Bail amounts are listed per charge, and bond eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Some charges may allow release on bond while others—especially federal warrants—do not. The “reason for detention” field explains why the person remains in custody, such as “federal hold” or “no bond set.” Attorneys should review all charges to determine release options. The jail cannot override court or federal decisions on bond.
How do I get added to an inmate’s approved visitor list?
Only the inmate can add visitors through the jail’s internal system. Newly booked individuals receive paperwork to designate up to five approved visitors. Once submitted and processed, names appear in the visitation database. Visitors must wait 24–48 hours after approval before scheduling. The jail does not accept visitor requests from third parties. If your name isn’t listed, contact the inmate directly via mail or phone to be added. Minors must be listed and accompanied by a guardian. Approval is final unless revoked by the inmate or jail administration.
Can I send money to an inmate’s commissary account?
Yes, funds can be deposited online through the jail’s authorized payment portal, by phone using a credit card, or via money order mailed to the facility. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Online deposits are instant; mailed money orders take 3–5 business days to process. Commissary balances appear in the inmate’s record and can be checked during searches. Funds support purchases of snacks, hygiene items, and phone time. Refunds upon release are issued by check within 10 business days. Always use the inmate’s full name and booking number when sending money.
Is mugshot data removed after release?
No, booking photos remain in the system for historical and legal purposes, even after release. Minnesota law permits retention of arrest records regardless of outcome. However, the inmate’s status changes to “released” in the locator, and active charges are cleared. Third-party sites may continue hosting images, but the official county portal only shows current detainees. If a photo causes harm due to wrongful arrest, individuals can request removal through the Sheriff’s Office legal department, though approval is not guaranteed.
Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office
13880 Business Center Drive Northwest, Suite 100
Elk River, MN 55330
Phone: 763-765-3500 | Toll-Free: 800-433-5245
Email: info@sherburne.mn.gov
Inmate Records: 763-765-3800 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
Visitation Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (30 min/session)
