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Carlton, Minnesota Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Carlton, Minnesota.

Official Government Sources

Carlton Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Carlton, Minnesota government websites.

About Carlton

The governing body of Carlton, Minnesota, is the Carlton City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving four-year terms. The current members include Mayor Bruce K. Kelsey and Councilors John E. Heller, David J. Kelsey, Mary K. Kelsey, and John D. Lentz.

For the fiscal year 2023, Carlton's approximate annual operating budget is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives. The city’s financial planning aims to ensure sustainable growth and adequate service delivery to its residents.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Carlton City Hall, located at 300 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton, MN 55718. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Carlton County is provided by the Carlton County Sheriff's Office and several city police departments, including the Cloquet Police Department and the Moose Lake Police Department. The sheriff's office handles law enforcement in rural areas, while city departments focus on municipal law enforcement. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Carlton County Jail, also known as the Carlton County Detention Center, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested or are serving short sentences. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for individuals currently held in the facility. Visitation rules are specific to the jail and typically require scheduling in advance. In Minnesota, the bond or bail process allows arrested individuals to be released pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the detention center.

Court Records

The Carlton County District Court, located in the city of Carlton, serves as the primary judicial authority in the county. It handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the court's administrative office, with many records available online for public convenience. The district court is part of Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District, which oversees the administration of justice in the region.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Carlton County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Carlton County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal history checks for employment or personal reasons, and the bureau offers an online portal for accessing certain public records. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in the county.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Carlton County are maintained by the Carlton County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the sheriff's office, and they contain details such as the nature of the offense, date of arrest, and personal information of the arrestee. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, public access to arrest records is facilitated, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.

Public Records Access

Public records in Carlton County can be accessed under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The Carlton County Clerk's Office is a key resource for obtaining various public records, including property records, marriage licenses, and court documents. The office provides both in-person and online services, with typical turnaround times depending on the nature of the request. The county also offers an online portal for accessing certain records, enhancing transparency and public access to government information.

Economy & Demographics

Carlton County's economy is characterized by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Major employers in the county include Sappi Fine Paper in Cloquet and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, which operates several enterprises. The county's proximity to Duluth also influences its economic landscape, providing residents with additional employment opportunities in the larger metropolitan area. Tourism is another important sector, driven by the county's natural attractions and outdoor recreational activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Carlton, Minnesota, you will be transported to the Carlton County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Carlton County Court. Under Minnesota law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The Carlton County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota?
The Carlton School District is located in Carlton County, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the district has an overall score of 73.2 out of 100 for the 2018-2019 school year. This score is based on student performance on state assessments, graduation rates, and other indicators.
3
What are the crime statistics for Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota?
According to the Carlton County Sheriff's Office, the crime rate in Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota is low. In 2019, there were a total of 8 reported crimes in Carlton, with 0 violent crimes, 0 property crimes, and 8 other crimes.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota Library?
The Carlton Public Library in Carlton County, Minnesota provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Minnesota government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which governs access to government documents in Minnesota. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Carlton Minnesota Archives and Genealogy at https://www.mnhs.org/genealogy. Contact the Carlton Public Library reference desk at (218) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota Public Library located?
The Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota Library is located at:

Carlton County Library

405 Walnut Avenue
Carlton, MN 55718
Phone: (218) 384-9160
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota?
Fingerprinting services for Carlton, Minnesota residents are provided at the Carlton Police Department, which serves Carlton County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Carlton Police Department at (218) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) at https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota, you will need to contact the Carlton County Recorder's Office.

The vital records available from the Carlton County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. You will need to provide proof of identity and a fee to obtain these records.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Carlton, Minnesota can be obtained from the Carlton Police Department, located in Carlton County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, most police reports are public records in Minnesota, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Carlton Police Department Records Division at (218) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/.
9
About background check
A background check in Carlton, Carlton County, Minnesota typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Minnesota. Criminal background checks are processed through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Minnesota residents. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides official criminal history checks at https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026