Lincoln County Booking Reports
Lincoln County Booking Reports are public records created by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in Ivanhoe, Minnesota, when someone is arrested and taken into county custody. Lincoln County is a small, rural county that borders South Dakota, with one of the lowest populations in Minnesota. This page covers how to search booking records, contact the sheriff, and find statewide tools for related record searches.
Lincoln County Booking Reports
About Lincoln County Booking Records
Lincoln County is one of Minnesota's smallest counties by population. With fewer than 6,000 residents, the county has a small law enforcement operation. The sheriff's office in Ivanhoe handles arrests and bookings for the county. Because of the limited facility capacity typical of very small rural counties, longer-term detainees may be transferred to a neighboring county's jail.
Despite the small scale, booking records are still public under Minnesota law. Minnesota Statute 13.82 requires that arrest data be classified as public and made available upon request. This applies to Lincoln County just as it does to larger counties. The sheriff's office must provide basic booking information when asked.
Lincoln County does not appear to offer a live online jail roster. The most reliable way to check current custody status is to call the sheriff's office directly at 507-694-1664. Staff can confirm whether someone is currently in custody and where they are being held if they have been transferred.
Note: Given the small population, the Lincoln County jail sees fewer bookings than larger county facilities. Statewide tools and the BCA may be especially useful for historical records searches in this county.
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The office is located at 319 N Rebecca Street in Ivanhoe. The sheriff handles patrol, civil process, and oversees detention operations. For booking record requests or custody status checks, this is the correct contact.
| Website | co.lincoln.mn.us |
|---|---|
| Address | 319 N Rebecca Street, Ivanhoe, MN 56142 |
| Phone | 507-694-1664 |
| Judicial District | 5th |
The county website at co.lincoln.mn.us provides department contact information and county government resources. For booking records specifically, the sheriff's office is the correct department. Written requests can be sent to 319 N Rebecca Street, Ivanhoe, MN 56142.
How to Request Booking Records
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act at Minnesota Statute Chapter 13 governs access to government records, including booking data. Section 13.82 classifies basic arrest data as public. Anyone can request Lincoln County booking records by contacting the sheriff's office.
For a formal written request, include the name of the individual you are searching for, the approximate date of arrest if you know it, and your contact information. Address the request to the Lincoln County Sheriff, 319 N Rebecca Street, Ivanhoe, MN 56142. The office must respond within a reasonable time. Basic arrest data is available at no charge.
If your request involves data protected under Section 13.87, such as active investigative records, the office may need to consult with the county attorney before releasing it. Once a case is closed, previously protected data may become accessible. If you believe a denial is improper, you can contact the Information Policy Analysis Division at the Minnesota Department of Administration.
BCA Criminal History Records
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes records from Lincoln County. Because Lincoln County does not publish a live online roster, the BCA may be one of the most practical tools for researching someone's arrest history in this jurisdiction.
Access the BCA at Minnesota BCA Criminal History Search. A fee applies for public record searches. The database covers arrests, charges, and dispositions from all 87 Minnesota counties. It is updated as agencies submit records, so there may be a short delay for recent bookings.
The BCA also allows searches using a Minnesota MNI number if you have one from a booking report. This can tie records across different agencies and time periods, which is useful for tracking someone's full history rather than just a single arrest.
Minnesota DOC for State Inmates
If someone arrested in Lincoln County was later sentenced to state prison, they will appear in the Minnesota Department of Corrections system. The county roster will no longer show them after transfer. The Minnesota DOC Offender Locator lets you search state prison inmates by name or DOC number. The tool is free and updated daily.
Lincoln County's small size means fewer cases result in state prison sentences compared to urban counties. But for those that do, the DOC system is the correct place to search. Combined with the county sheriff for current local custody and the BCA for criminal history, the DOC covers the state incarceration piece of the picture.
Court Records for Lincoln County Cases
Lincoln County criminal cases are handled by the 5th Judicial District. The district court processes all criminal matters, from arraignment through sentencing. Court records are separate from booking reports and held by the court administrator's office.
Search Lincoln County court cases at Minnesota Court Records Online. The portal is free for basic searches by name or case number. You can see charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. For certified copies or full case files, contact the Lincoln County court administrator in Ivanhoe.
Booking reports and court records work together. A booking report shows the arrest. A court record shows what the system did with it. Both are public records for most adult cases under Minnesota law.
VINE Custody Notification
VINE provides free custody status alerts for all Minnesota jails and state prisons, including Lincoln County. If an inmate has been transferred to a neighboring county's jail, VINE still tracks them. Register at VINELink or call 1-877-664-8463. You can receive alerts by phone, text, or email. The service runs 24 hours a day at no charge.
Statewide Aggregator Sites
Sites like Minnesota Jail Roster aggregate booking data from counties across Minnesota. Coverage for small counties like Lincoln can be inconsistent. These sites are best used as a starting point when you are not sure which county to search. Always verify any results with the official source at the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office or by calling 507-694-1664.
Nearby Counties
Lincoln County borders Lyon County to the east, Pipestone County to the south, Yellow Medicine County to the north, and South Dakota to the west. Use the links below to search booking records in neighboring Minnesota counties.