Cass County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Cass County in 2026
CassCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to inmate records, booking records, custody status, and related criminal justice documents. Members of the public seeking inmate records in Cass County may access information including current jail rosters, booking photographs, charge details, bond amounts, and custody status. Record categories available through official and supplementary sources include:
- Current inmate rosters
- Booking and arrest records
- Charge and case information
- Bond and bail records
- Court date schedules
- State prison and federal custody records
Records can be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Online Search Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail inmate roster that members of the public may use to locate individuals currently held at the Cass County Detention Center. To conduct a search:
- Access the jail register through the Cass County Sheriff's Office website or the direct PDF roster link
- Review the roster by scrolling through current in-custody listings
- Locate the individual by full legal name
- Note the booking date, charges listed, and facility housing designation
- Review bond and custody status as displayed
The roster displays personal identification information, current charges with statute citations, booking date and time, age, city and state of residence, and whether the individual is housed at the Cass County facility or transferred to another facility such as the Itasca County Jail. The roster is updated on a regular basis; recent bookings may require several hours to appear. No mobile application is currently available for this search.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For individuals serving sentences in Minnesota state prisons, the Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains a statewide offender search tool. Members of the public may search by name or offender identification number to locate individuals in state custody. The search returns information including facility location, offense history, supervision status, and projected release dates. The search for individuals and fugitives tool also identifies non-compliant predatory registrants and individuals under community supervision. County jail inmates serving pre-trial detention or short sentences are not listed in the state DOC database; those records remain with the county Sheriff's Office. Transfer from county jail to state prison following sentencing on a felony conviction typically occurs within several weeks of sentencing.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
For individuals convicted of federal offenses and sentenced to federal custody, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides a free public search tool. This resource applies only to individuals in federal custody and is not relevant for county jail or state prison searches. The locator returns the facility name, location, release date, and register number for federal inmates.
Phone Search:
Members of the public may contact the Cass County Jail directly at (218) 547-1424 to inquire about an individual's custody status. Staff can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody, the facility location, and general charge information. Callers should have the individual's full legal name and date of birth available. The jail operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
In-Person Inquiry:
Cass County Detention Center / Sheriff's Office
303 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1424
Detention Center / Jail
Members of the public visiting in person should bring valid government-issued photo identification. Staff at the front desk can confirm custody status, provide general charge information, and direct inquiries to appropriate personnel. Public access terminals may be available for court record searches.
By Mail:
Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Cass County Sheriff's Office at 303 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN 56484. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing times vary; written requests are not the preferred method for time-sensitive inquiries.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on government-issued identification
- Attempt name variations including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to distinguish between individuals with similar names
- Search by booking number if that information is available
- Check both current custody listings and recently released individuals
- Allow several hours for recent bookings to appear in online systems
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may be in state prison — search the Minnesota Department of Corrections offender database
- The individual may be in federal custody — search the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released since the last roster update
- The individual may be held in another county jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (218) 547-1424 for confirmation
Are Inmate Records Public in Cass County?
Inmate records maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82, which classifies arrest data, booking information, and custody status as public government data. Members of the public have the right to access this information without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population listings
- Booking information including date, time, and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and statute citations
- Bond and bail amounts set by the court
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location and housing designation
- Expected release date, where available
- Scheduled court dates
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records, which are protected under separate statutory provisions
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific security classification details that could compromise facility safety
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
The public disclosure of inmate records serves several recognized governmental interests. Government transparency requires that the public have access to information about individuals held in publicly funded facilities. Public safety is served by allowing community members to verify the custody status of individuals who may pose a risk. Family members and legal representatives rely on booking information to locate detained individuals promptly. The bail bond industry requires access to bond amounts and custody status to perform its licensed functions. Court proceedings depend on accurate and accessible custody records.
Privacy Considerations:
Minnesota law balances the public's right to access government data with protections for sensitive personal information. Medical and mental health records remain private regardless of an individual's custody status. The release of certain information, such as specific cell assignments, may be restricted where disclosure would compromise facility security or individual safety. Families of incarcerated individuals retain privacy interests in their own personal information even when the inmate's custody status is public.
What Is Inmate Records in Cass County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, legal status, and administrative classification of individuals held in detention facilities. These records serve as the official account of an individual's interaction with the county corrections system, from the moment of booking through release or transfer.
The Cass County Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of inmate records for individuals held at the Cass County Detention Center. The Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The distinction between record types is significant:
- Booking records document the initial intake process, including the date and time of arrest, arresting agency, charges presented, and personal identification information collected at the time of booking
- Custody records reflect the ongoing status of an individual's detention, including housing assignments, classification level, and any transfers between facilities
- Incarceration history encompasses the full record of an individual's prior bookings, charges, and periods of custody within the county system
- Release records document the date, time, and manner of an individual's release from custody, whether by bond posting, sentence completion, transfer, or court order
The distinction between county jail and state prison records is equally important. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial, those serving short misdemeanor sentences, and felony defendants awaiting transfer following sentencing. State prison records pertain to individuals serving felony sentences of more than one year in a Minnesota Department of Corrections facility. Federal prison records pertain to individuals convicted of federal offenses in United States District Court.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Cass County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number assigned at intake
- Date of birth and age at time of booking
- Sex and gender designation
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph taken at intake
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location and housing designation
- Housing unit or cell block (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date and time
- Expected release date, where available
- Actual release date following release
- Current custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current criminal charges with Minnesota statute citations
- Charge descriptions and offense classifications
- Associated case numbers
- Court jurisdiction and venue
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information, where applicable
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted, pending, or forfeited
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates and hearing types
- Court location and division
- Attorney information, where publicly available
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges and offense classifications
- Sentence length imposed by the court
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole or supervised release eligibility date, where applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within the county system
- Previous charges and case references
- Historical custody dates and release information
Administrative Information:
- Security classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum
- Special housing needs or designations
- Work assignment information, where publicly available
- Program participation records
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history, diagnoses, or treatment records
- Mental health evaluations or treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information and approved visitor lists
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs and communication records
- Specific cell assignments where disclosure poses a security risk
Cass County Prison System
Overview of the County Corrections System:
The Cass County Detention Center is operated by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences for misdemeanor offenses, and felony defendants awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities. The jail also conducts prisoner transports and provides courtroom security services, as noted on the Detention Center / Jail page of the county website.
Administration:
Cass County Sheriff's Office
303 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1424
Cass County Sheriff's Office
Facility Operations:
The Cass County Detention Center houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and individuals awaiting transfer to state facilities following felony sentencing. The facility operates a classification system to separate inmates by security level and legal status. Individuals who cannot be accommodated at the Cass County facility may be transferred to neighboring county jails, including the Itasca County Jail, as reflected in current jail roster records.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted medical personnel
- Mental health services and referrals
- Substance abuse program access
- Religious services and chaplaincy
- Recreation and physical activity opportunities
- Library and reading material access
Legal Services:
- Law library access for legal research
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation accommodations
Reentry Programs:
The facility supports pre-release planning to assist individuals transitioning back to the community. Referrals to substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and employment services are coordinated through county and state agencies.
Oversight and Accountability:
The Cass County Detention Center operates under the oversight of the Minnesota Department of Corrections, which conducts periodic inspections of county jail facilities pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 241.021. Grievance procedures are available to individuals in custody through the facility's administrative process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Cass County
Cass County Detention Center
Cass County Detention Center
303 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1424
Detention Center / Jail
The Cass County Detention Center is the primary county correctional facility, operated by the Cass County Sheriff's Office. The facility serves pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, and felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state prison. The jail also accepts transfers from neighboring jurisdictions when capacity allows and conducts prisoner transports throughout the region.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention / Electronic Monitoring
The Cass County corrections system may offer home detention or electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court based on offense type, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Inquiries regarding this program should be directed to the Cass County Sheriff's Office at (218) 547-1424.
Work Release
Work release programs allow eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria are established by the court and facility administration. Program availability is subject to facility capacity and individual assessment.
State Prison Facilities
No Minnesota Department of Corrections state prison facility is currently located within Cass County. Individuals sentenced to felony terms are transferred to state facilities operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections throughout the state. State prisons are distinct from county jails in that they house individuals serving sentences exceeding one year following felony conviction, rather than pre-trial detainees or short-term sentenced offenders.
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is currently located within Cass County. Individuals charged with or convicted of federal offenses are held in federal facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides public access to information about individuals in federal custody.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Cass County Detention Center | 303 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN 56484 | (218) 547-1424 |
| Minnesota DOC (State) | 1450 Energy Park Dr, St. Paul, MN 55108 | (651) 361-7200 |
How To Find an Inmate in Cass County for Free?
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Cass County Sheriff's Office publishes a current jail inmate roster that is completely free to access and requires no registration or account creation. The roster includes:
- Names and ages of all current inmates
- Booking date and time
- Charges with Minnesota statute citations
- City and state of residence
- Facility housing designation
- Transfer status to other facilities
The roster is updated on a regular basis; recent bookings may take several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Minnesota Department of Corrections offender search is available at no cost for locating individuals in state prison custody. The search tool provides historical information, current facility location, supervision status, and offense history for state-sentenced offenders.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator provides free public access to information about individuals in federal custody, including facility location, register number, and projected release date.
4. Court Records Search
Members of the public may search Minnesota court records through the Minnesota Judicial Branch public access portal to verify custody status through associated case records and confirm upcoming court dates.
Free Phone Information:
Members of the public may call (218) 547-1424 to request basic inmate information at no charge. Staff can confirm custody status, facility location, and general charge information during all hours of operation.
Free In-Person Search:
Cass County Sheriff's Office
303 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1424
Cass County Sheriff's Office
Staff assistance is available during business hours. No fee is charged for basic inmate information inquiries.
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
Always Free:
- Online inmate roster search
- Current custody status verification
- Basic inmate information by phone
- In-person information at the Sheriff's Office
- State DOC offender search
- Federal BOP inmate locator
Services That Cost Money:
- Sending money to an inmate's commissary account
- Video visitation services (fees set by vendor)
- Phone calls placed by inmates to outside numbers
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records
- Comprehensive background check reports
Scam Warning:
Members of the public should be aware that numerous commercial websites charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official government sources. The official Cass County jail roster, the Minnesota DOC offender search, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator are all free. Individuals should verify they are accessing an official .gov website before providing personal or payment information. Under Minn. Stat. § 13.03, government data that is classified as public must be made available without requiring payment beyond the actual cost of reproduction.
Individuals whose records appear in public databases and who wish to pursue removal of certain criminal records from public access may review the criminal expungement forms available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch, which govern the statutory process for sealing eligible criminal records under Minnesota law.