Todd County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Todd County in 2026
ToddRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Todd County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, inmate rosters, criminal case filings, and booking photographs, though completeness and currency of data may vary by source and record type.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Todd County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota court system's public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies. The following sections detail available methods for locating arrest records.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Todd County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking records generated during criminal and non-criminal investigations. Members of the public may access the Todd County daily inmate roster, which is updated regularly and lists individuals currently held at the Todd County Jail. The roster includes the arrestee's name, address, charges, and applicable statute references. The Sheriff's Office records division also processes formal data practices requests for additional arrest documentation, including body worn camera footage pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13.825.
2. Local Police Departments
Several municipalities within Todd County maintain their own police departments, including the Long Prairie Police Department. Individual city departments may publish arrest press releases or maintain records available upon written request. Requestors seeking records from a specific municipal arrest should direct inquiries to the relevant city police department in addition to the Sheriff's Office.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings. The Minnesota Judicial Branch case records portal allows members of the public to search district court case records by party name. Courthouse public access terminals provide the most complete access to electronic district court records and are available at the Todd County Courthouse. Searching by an arrestee's name may return associated criminal case filings, charge details, and hearing schedules.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a criminal history request through the Minnesota BCA public records portal. The BCA database includes arrests from jurisdictions statewide. A fee applies to public criminal history requests; current fees are listed on the BCA website. Law enforcement agencies and authorized entities may access more complete records through the state's secure systems.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Todd County Sheriff's Office
115 3rd St S
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-7748
Todd County Sheriff's Office
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies are assessed per page in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Police Departments:
Long Prairie Police Department
216 Central Ave N
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-2157
Records requests at municipal police departments follow the same data practices framework as the Sheriff's Office. Requestors should submit a written request identifying the subject and the nature of the records sought.
Clerk of Court:
Todd County District Court – Clerk of Court
221 1st Ave S
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-7800
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Access Case Records
The Clerk of Court maintains criminal case files associated with arrests processed through the county. Case file inspection is available during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page; current fee schedules are posted at the courthouse.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Todd County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 115 3rd St S, Long Prairie, MN 56347. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Todd County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (320) 732-7748. Staff can provide limited information by phone, including custody status and general booking information. Requestors seeking detailed records may be directed to submit a written data practices request or visit the office in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal data practices requests on behalf of clients. Records subject to discovery in active criminal proceedings are governed by the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of records not otherwise available through standard public access channels.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Todd County
Arrest records in Todd County are classified as public government data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82, which specifically governs law enforcement data. Under current law, certain arrest data — including the arrested person's name, date and time of arrest, charges, and booking information — is designated as public from the moment of arrest. This framework reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability in law enforcement.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Minnesota law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation data that would compromise an ongoing inquiry
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Minnesota's data practices framework balances the public's right to know with individual privacy interests. The First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest — which reflects probable cause, not a finding of guilt — and a criminal conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and housing providers using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Minnesota law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records in employment decisions, particularly where charges did not result in conviction. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt.
What's in Todd County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Minnesota statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in standard public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time if released
- Release conditions if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not fully public under Minnesota law
- Court records: Document legal proceedings following arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Aggregate data from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Todd County?
Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, government entities may charge for copies of public data but may not charge for time spent retrieving or reviewing records for inspection purposes. Members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge.
Current Fee Structure:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies | $0.25 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Inspection (in person) | No charge |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Minnesota law |
Fees may vary slightly by office. The Todd County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court each maintain their own fee schedules consistent with state law. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order; requestors should confirm accepted methods before submitting payment.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in circumstances where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated. Requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing with the records request.
The following records are available at no cost through online access:
- Daily inmate roster (available as a public PDF on the county website)
- Court case index searches via the Minnesota Judicial Branch public portal
- Basic booking information viewable at public access terminals at the courthouse
How To Delete Arrest Records in Todd County
Under Minnesota law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement (statutory sealing or destruction of records) and sealing (restricting public access by court order). These are distinct remedies. Expungement under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02 may result in the sealing of records held by the court and executive branch agencies, including law enforcement. Destruction of records is a more limited remedy available in specific circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Expungement May Be Granted:
- Charges were dismissed after completion of a diversion program or stay of adjudication
- The case was resolved by acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- The prosecutor declined to file charges following arrest
- A conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal
- The petitioner has completed the sentence for certain eligible offenses and a waiting period has elapsed
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the Minnesota BCA and the court file from the Todd County District Court Clerk.
- Determine eligibility under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02, which sets out qualifying offense categories and waiting periods.
- Complete the petition for expungement using forms available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch self-help center.
- File the petition with the Todd County District Court and pay the applicable filing fee (fee waivers are available for qualifying petitioners).
- Serve copies of the petition on all agencies holding records subject to the petition, including the Sheriff's Office, BCA, and any other named agencies.
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will consider the petition and any agency objections.
- If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all named agencies to seal or destroy their records within 60 days.
Contact Information for Expungement Matters:
Todd County District Court – Clerk of Court
221 1st Ave S
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-7800
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Access Case Records
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota BCA
It is important to note that expungement under Minnesota law seals records held by state and local agencies but does not automatically remove records from federal databases such as the FBI's National Crime Information Center, nor does it compel removal from third-party commercial databases.
What Happens After Arrest in Todd County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Todd County Jail, which is operated by the Todd County Sheriff's Office.
Todd County Jail
215 1st Ave S
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-7748
Todd County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and the complexity of the arrest. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identifying information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Minnesota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and no later than 36 hours after arrest (excluding weekends and holidays for certain offenses). At the first appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are reviewed
The hearing may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are accessible through the Minnesota Judicial Branch case records system.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release. Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release takes one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Todd County Public Defender's Office
221 1st Ave S, Suite 302
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-4470
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage; the Minnesota State Bar Association provides attorney referral services. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Todd County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine probable cause, resulting in an indictment if the matter proceeds.
Arraignment follows charging, at which the defendant enters a formal plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and pretrial dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (suppression, dismissal), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (drug court, mental health court, veterans court), plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment, or a combination.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 36 hours (excluding applicable exceptions)
- Misdemeanors: Resolution within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: Resolution within several months to over a year depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Minnesota and U.S. Constitutions
Important Contacts:
Todd County Attorney's Office
215 1st Ave S
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-4469
Todd County District Court – Clerk of Court
221 1st Ave S
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-7800
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Access Case Records
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone other than counsel
- Contact family or a trusted individual for bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Todd County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Minnesota is governed by state law, the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule, and policies of individual agencies. Under current law, the retention period varies based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency holding the record.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Minnesota BCA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
- Part of the subject's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court
- State repository retains indefinitely
- Appear on background checks subject to FCRA limitations
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of several years; specific periods vary by agency policy
- Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
- State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
- May remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement
Acquittals:
- Court records: Retained permanently in most electronic systems
- Local law enforcement: Retained subject to agency retention schedules
- Eligible for expungement petition under Minnesota law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum period per agency policy
- May be eligible for expungement or administrative removal in certain circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule. Physical records may be transferred to archival storage after active retention periods expire.
Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch logs are retained for extended periods, and court electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis in most instances. Mugshot databases maintained by third parties are not subject to the same retention controls as official agency records.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when charges are dismissed or expungement is granted. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but enforcement is the responsibility of the subject or the Federal Trade Commission.
Retention by Agency:
Todd County Sheriff's Office
115 3rd St S
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-7748
Sheriff's Office Records
Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.
Todd County District Court – Clerk of Court
221 1st Ave S
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: (320) 732-7800
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor case files are retained for varying periods based on disposition. Electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis in the court's case management system.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (State Repository)
1430 Maryland Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota BCA Criminal History
The BCA maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by jurisdictions statewide. Retention is permanent for most records unless modified by court order.
FBI Database:
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by state and local agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; part of the subject's permanent criminal history
- Dismissal: Records remain unless expunged; local retention varies by agency
- Expungement: Local and state records sealed or destroyed per court order; FBI database may retain with a notation; third-party databases may not update
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or upon petition
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Minnesota law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records without conviction in employment and housing decisions. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all commercial databases, and subjects should monitor their records following any court order.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Todd County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (320) 732-7748 or submit a written data practices request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.