Rice County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Rice County?
Inmate records in Rice County are official documents created and maintained by the Rice County Sheriff's Office and its detention facility to document the custody status, personal history, and institutional conduct of individuals held in county custody. These records are distinct from court records: the Rice County District Court maintains case files, docket entries, and judicial orders, while the jail maintains custody-specific documentation that begins at the moment of booking and continues throughout an individual's period of incarceration.
The record creation process follows a defined sequence. At intake, jail staff generate a booking record capturing the individual's identifying information, the arresting agency, and the charges alleged. That record is updated continuously to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical notations, and program participation. Upon release, the record is closed and archived. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain arrest and booking data as part of their official government records, establishing the legal foundation for how these documents are created, retained, and disclosed.
Rice County Sheriff's Office 715 2nd Street NW, Faribault, MN 55021 (507) 332-6204 Sheriff's Office - Rice County, MN
Are Inmate Records Public In Rice County?
Inmate records in Rice County are generally accessible to members of the public under Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government data are presumed public unless a specific statutory exception applies. Law enforcement arrest data, booking information, and current custody status fall within the category of public data under § 13.82, meaning any person may inspect or obtain copies of these records without demonstrating a particular need or interest.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster and jail population list
- Booking date, time, and arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Bail and bond amounts set by the court
- Expected release or next court appearance date
- Name of the facility where the individual is housed
- Mugshot photographs taken at booking (treated as public arrest data under Minnesota law)
Certain data elements remain classified as private or confidential, including medical and mental health records, juvenile records, and information that could compromise an ongoing investigation. The Rice County Jail publishes a current inmate list on its official website, providing the public with direct, no-cost access to basic custody information.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Rice County
Inmate records maintained by the Rice County Sheriff's Office contain multiple categories of data compiled from booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, hair and eye color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Current housing unit and cell assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, or held for another jurisdiction)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges and applicable statute citations
- Charge level (felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor)
- Case or complaint number associated with each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set by the court
- Bond type (cash, surety, or conditional release)
- Current bond status
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date and hearing type
- Presiding court and judicial officer
- Case number in the Rice County District Court
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence imposed
- Sentence start date and projected end date
- Credit for time served
- Work release or alternative supervision status
Release Information:
- Actual or projected release date
- Release type (bond posted, sentence served, transfer, or court order)
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Rice County Prison System
Rice County operates a local detention facility — the Rice County Jail — that serves as the primary correctional institution for the county. The jail functions as a pre-trial detention center for individuals awaiting court proceedings and as a sentenced facility for individuals serving terms of incarceration of up to one year, which is the standard maximum for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor sentences under Minnesota law. Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, which administers the state prison system separately from county jails.
The Rice County Sheriff's Office administers and operates the jail under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for the safety, security, and daily operations of the facility, including inmate classification, programming, and medical services coordination.
Rice County Sheriff's Office 715 2nd Street NW, Faribault, MN 55021 (507) 332-6204 Sheriff's Office - Rice County, MN
Types of Correctional Facilities In Rice County
Rice County's correctional infrastructure consists of the following facility:
Rice County Jail 715 2nd Street NW, Faribault, MN 55021 (507) 332-6204 Rice County Jail
The Rice County Jail is a county-operated detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, individuals held on immigration detainers, and persons awaiting transfer to state or federal custody. The facility is distinct from the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Faribault, which is a state prison operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections and located in the same city. Members of the public seeking an individual in state custody should use the Search for Individuals & Fugitives tool maintained by the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Who's in Prison In Rice County
The Rice County Jail houses several categories of individuals at any given time:
- Pre-trial detainees who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted, and who are unable to post bail or have been denied release
- Sentenced misdemeanants and gross misdemeanants serving court-imposed sentences of up to one year
- Individuals held on warrants issued by Rice County or other jurisdictions, including active warrants listed in the county's active warrants and jail lists
- Individuals held for other agencies, including federal immigration detainers or inter-jurisdictional holds
- Probation and supervised release violators awaiting a revocation hearing
Individuals serving felony sentences of more than one year are not housed at the Rice County Jail; they are committed to the custody of the Minnesota Department of Corrections and assigned to a state correctional facility based on classification.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Rice County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Rice County through several official channels. The following steps outline the current process:
- Online Jail Roster: Visit the Rice County Jail page on the county's official website. The roster is updated regularly and displays individuals currently in custody, including their name, charges, and booking date.
- Active Warrants List: The county publishes an active warrants list accessible through the Quick Links portal, which allows members of the public to review outstanding warrants by name.
- In-Person Request: Members of the public may appear in person at the Rice County Sheriff's Office at 715 2nd Street NW, Faribault, MN 55021, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to request booking records or custody information.
- Telephone Inquiry: The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (507) 332-6204 to confirm whether a specific individual is currently in custody.
- State-Level Search: For individuals who may be in state prison, the Minnesota Department of Corrections provides an offender search tool and accepts formal offender record requests through its official portal.
- Written Data Request: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, any person may submit a written request for government data to the Rice County Sheriff's Office. The agency is required to respond within ten business days of receiving the request.
How To Find an Inmate in Rice County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Rice County at no cost using the following methods:
- Rice County Jail Online Roster: The county publishes a free, publicly accessible inmate list at the Rice County Jail page. No account or fee is required.
- Active Warrants and Jail Lists: The county's Quick Links portal provides direct access to the current jail list and active warrants at no charge.
- Minnesota DOC Offender Search: For individuals in state custody, the Search for Individuals & Fugitives tool on the Minnesota Department of Corrections website is free to use and does not require registration.
- Telephone Inquiry: Calling the Rice County Sheriff's Office at (507) 332-6204 to confirm custody status is free of charge.
Third-party websites may aggregate inmate data and charge fees for access; members of the public are advised that official county and state government sources provide the same information at no cost.
How To Visit an Inmate In Rice County
Visitation at the Rice County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit
- Visits may be denied if the visitor is not on the approved list or if the inmate has lost visitation privileges due to disciplinary action
Visit Schedule:
- Visitation schedules are set by the facility and are subject to change; members of the public should contact the Rice County Jail at (507) 332-6204 to confirm current visiting hours before arriving
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, alcohol, or any contraband
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Food, beverages, or packages not authorized through official channels
Dress Code:
- Visitors are required to dress appropriately; clothing that resembles inmate uniforms or exposes excessive skin may result in denial of entry
Visit Types:
- The Rice County Jail currently offers in-person contact or non-contact visits and may provide video visitation options; members of the public should confirm available visit formats with the facility directly
Visit Restrictions:
- Individuals with active warrants, individuals on probation or supervised release (without prior approval from their supervising officer), and individuals with certain criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges
How To Send Money to a Rice County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Rice County Jail to allow the individual to purchase commissary items, make telephone calls, and cover other authorized expenses.
Methods:
- Online Deposits: The Rice County Jail utilizes a third-party commissary and payment service; members of the public should contact the facility at (507) 332-6204 or visit the Rice County Jail page for the current approved deposit platform
- Kiosk Deposits: A deposit kiosk may be available at the facility for cash or card transactions
- Money Order: Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be accepted by mail
Amount Limits: Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by the facility; members of the public should confirm current limits with the Sheriff's Office.
Fees: Third-party payment processors typically charge a transaction fee; the fee amount varies by method and provider.
What You Cannot Send: Cash sent directly through the mail, personal checks, and gift cards are generally not accepted.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials), telephone calls, and approved correspondence postage. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the trust account without a court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Rice County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Rice County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service.
Mailing Address: Inmate Full Legal Name, Booking Number Rice County Jail 715 2nd Street NW Faribault, MN 55021
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All incoming mail is inspected by jail staff for contraband and compliance with facility rules before delivery to the inmate
- Letters must be written on plain white paper; cards and letters with glitter, stickers, or embedded materials may be rejected
- The sender's full name and return address must appear on the envelope; anonymous mail is not accepted
- Photographs may be permitted in limited quantities; Polaroid photographs and photographs printed on photo paper with a glossy finish may be restricted
- Legal mail from licensed attorneys is treated as privileged correspondence and handled separately under applicable Minnesota law
- Packages, food items, and publications must be sent directly from an approved publisher or retailer; items sent from private individuals are generally not accepted
- Mail containing threats, coded language, or content that poses a security risk will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action or criminal referral
Members of the public are advised to confirm current mail policies with the Rice County Jail at (507) 332-6204, as facility rules are subject to revision.