Mower County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Mower County?
Inmate records in Mower County are official documents created and maintained by the Mower County Sheriff's Office and the Mower County Jail to document individuals who are or have been held in custody within the county's correctional system. These records are distinct from court records: while the Mower County District Court maintains case files related to criminal proceedings, charges, and judicial decisions, the jail and sheriff's office maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention status and movement through the local correctional system.
The record creation process begins at the point of booking or intake, when a person is first received into custody. At that stage, facility staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record physical descriptors, and initiate a formal custody file. The record is updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to applicable retention schedules and public access laws.
Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain arrest and booking data as part of their official records obligations. This statute governs what information must be collected, how it is classified, and the extent to which it is accessible to the public.
Mower County Sheriff's Office 201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912 (507) 437-9400 Mower County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Mower County?
Inmate records in Mower County are generally accessible to the public under Minnesota law. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.01 et seq., establishes that government data is presumed public unless classified otherwise by statute or federal law. Law enforcement records, including arrest data and booking information, are specifically addressed under § 13.82, which designates certain categories of arrest and detention data as public.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to members of the public:
- Current inmate roster: The Mower County Jail publishes a regularly updated list of inmates in custody, which identifies individuals currently held at the facility.
- Booking and arrest records: Date, time, and location of arrest, as well as the arresting agency.
- Charges filed: The specific criminal charges associated with each individual's detention.
- Bond and bail amounts: Financial conditions of release, where applicable.
- Expected release dates: Projected or scheduled release information, subject to change.
- Housing facility: The name of the facility where the individual is currently held.
Certain data elements remain non-public, including active investigative data, medical records, and information that could compromise the safety of victims or witnesses, as provided under § 13.82, subd. 7.
What's Included Inmate Records in Mower County
Mower County inmate records contain a structured set of data fields compiled from the point of booking through release. The following categories represent the standard components of a complete inmate record:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, hair and eye color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number or FBI number, where assigned
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency (e.g., Mower County Sheriff's Office, Austin Police Department)
- Current housing unit or cell assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges and applicable statutes
- Charge severity (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor)
- Case or complaint number
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set by the court
- Bond type (cash, surety, conditional release)
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court appearance date
- Presiding court and judicial officer
- Case number assigned by the Mower County District Court
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence imposed
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
- Conditions of sentence (work release, electronic monitoring)
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Actual release date and time
- Release type (completion of sentence, bail posted, transfer, court order)
- Conditions of release, if any
Mower County Prison System
Mower County operates a local jail system designed to house individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process, including pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and individuals serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses. This structure is distinct from the Minnesota state prison system, which is administered by the Minnesota Department of Corrections and houses individuals convicted of felony offenses sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
The Mower County Jail is the primary detention facility within the county and operates under the authority of the Mower County Sheriff. The facility is co-located with the Mower County Justice Center, which also houses the Mower County Courthouse and related law enforcement offices.
Mower County Jail 201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912 (507) 437-9400 Mower County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Mower County
Mower County's correctional infrastructure consists of the following facility types:
Mower County Jail The Mower County Jail is the county's primary detention facility, located within the Justice Center complex in Austin, Minnesota. It houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and persons held on immigration or inter-jurisdictional detainers.
201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912 (507) 437-9400 Mower County Sheriff's Office
Austin Police Department Holding The Austin Police Department operates a law enforcement center adjacent to the Justice Center and may temporarily hold individuals following arrest prior to transfer to the county jail for formal booking.
500 4th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912 (507) 437-9400 Austin Police Department
Minnesota Department of Corrections Facilities Individuals convicted of felony offenses in Mower County may be transferred to a state correctional facility operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Members of the public may use the offender locator search tool to locate individuals held within the state prison system.
1450 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN 55108 (651) 361-7200 Minnesota Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Mower County
The Mower County Jail holds several categories of individuals at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest population — persons who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted or who are awaiting trial and have not posted bail. The facility also holds individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of up to one year. Additionally, the jail may house individuals on holds from other jurisdictions, including federal immigration detainers, out-of-county warrants, and probation or parole violation holds.
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to more than one year are typically transferred to a Minnesota Department of Corrections facility. Members of the public seeking to locate individuals held within the state system may use the Minnesota DOC's public registrant search or the offender locator tool. The Minnesota DOC also maintains a resource for searching individuals and fugitives statewide.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Mower County in 2026
Members of the public may access Mower County inmate records through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Online Jail Roster: The Mower County Sheriff's Office publishes a regularly updated PDF roster of inmates currently in custody. This document is available at no cost and requires no registration. It lists individuals currently held at the Mower County Jail along with their charges and booking information.
In-Person Records Request: Members of the public may appear in person at the Mower County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to request inmate records. The office is located at 201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912. Public counter hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though individuals are advised to confirm current hours by telephone at (507) 437-9400.
Written or Telephone Request: Requests for specific inmate records may be submitted in writing or by telephone to the Mower County Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13.03, government agencies are required to respond to data requests promptly and in the most expedient manner possible.
State-Level Searches: For individuals who may have been transferred to a state facility, the Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains a publicly accessible offender locator that allows searches by name or offender ID number.
How To Find an Inmate in Mower County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are currently available for locating an inmate held within Mower County or the broader Minnesota correctional system.
- Mower County Jail Roster: The official jail inmate roster is publicly available online at no charge and is updated on a regular basis.
- Minnesota DOC Offender Locator: The Minnesota Department of Corrections offender locator provides free public access to information on individuals held within state correctional facilities.
- Minnesota DOC Public Registrant Search: The public registrant search tool allows members of the public to search for registered offenders supervised by the Minnesota DOC.
- Fugitive and Individual Search: The Minnesota DOC also provides a dedicated page for searching individuals and fugitives, including a 24-hour tip line at (651) 603-0026 for reporting information on fugitives.
- In-Person Inquiry: Members of the public may contact the Mower County Sheriff's Office directly at (507) 437-9400 or visit the facility at 201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912 during public counter hours to inquire about an individual's custody status at no cost.
How To Visit an Inmate In Mower County
Visitation at the Mower County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Mower County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public seeking to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures: All visitors must be pre-approved by the facility before a visit is permitted. Visitors are required to present valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Individuals with active warrants or who are on probation or parole may be denied visitation privileges.
Visit Schedule: Visitation schedules are set by the Mower County Jail administration and are subject to change. Members of the public are advised to contact the facility directly at (507) 437-9400 to confirm current visitation days and times before arriving.
What to Bring:
- Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Unauthorized packages or items for the inmate
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated symbols or insignia is prohibited. The facility reserves the right to deny entry to visitors who do not comply with the dress code.
Visit Types: The Mower County Jail currently offers in-person contact or non-contact visitation, depending on the inmate's classification and housing assignment. Video visitation options may also be available; members of the public should confirm availability with the facility.
Visit Restrictions: Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules, pending disciplinary proceedings, or at the discretion of jail administration for security reasons. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and may be subject to additional approval requirements.
How To Send Money to a Mower County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Mower County Jail through methods authorized by the facility. Inmate trust accounts allow individuals in custody to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, cover the cost of telephone calls, and pay for other authorized services.
Accepted Methods:
- In-person deposits: Funds may be deposited in person at the Mower County Jail using an authorized kiosk or at the facility's designated intake window. Cash, money orders, or cashier's checks may be accepted depending on current facility policy.
- Online or telephone deposits: The Mower County Jail may utilize a third-party service provider for remote deposits. Members of the public are advised to contact the facility at (507) 437-9400 to confirm the current approved deposit platform and any associated fees.
- Money orders by mail: Money orders made payable to the inmate, with the inmate's full name and booking number clearly noted, may be mailed to the facility at 201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912.
Amount Limits: Deposit limits, if any, are established by the Mower County Jail administration and are subject to change. Members of the public should confirm current limits directly with the facility.
Fees: Third-party deposit services may charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not typically charge a fee for receiving funds, but service provider fees vary by method and amount.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted and may be confiscated.
- Personal checks are generally not accepted.
- Funds from unverified or anonymous sources may be rejected.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases, telephone services, and approved personal items. Trust account funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court-ordered obligations unless specifically directed by a court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Mower County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates held at the Mower County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff pursuant to applicable jail regulations and Minnesota law.
Mailing Address: All mail must be addressed to the inmate using their full legal name and booking number:
Inmate Full Name / Booking Number Mower County Jail 201 1st Street NE Austin, MN 55912
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All letters must be written on plain white paper. Colored paper, glitter, stickers, or other embellishments are generally prohibited.
- Envelopes must be standard white envelopes with no padding, lining, or metallic elements.
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; however, Polaroid photographs, photos with explicit content, or images depicting weapons or illegal activity are prohibited.
- Books and publications, if permitted, must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer and must be new, softcover editions. Hardcover books are typically not accepted.
- All mail is subject to review for contraband, coded language, or content that poses a security risk to the facility.
- Mail that does not comply with facility rules will be returned to the sender or destroyed, depending on the nature of the violation.
- Legal mail from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged correspondence and is handled under separate procedures to protect attorney-client communications, consistent with constitutional protections.
Members of the public are advised to contact the Mower County Jail at (507) 437-9400 to confirm current mail policies before sending correspondence, as rules are subject to revision by facility administration.