Scott County

Scott County is located in south-central Minnesota along the Minnesota River, forming part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Scott County seat is Shakopee, a city situated approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. Established in 1853 and named after General Winfield Scott, Scott County includes approximately 368 square miles and has experienced substantial growth, with a population exceeding 150,000 residents as of recent estimates. Scott County is bordered by Hennepin County to the north, Dakota County to the east, and Carver County to the west. Major cities within Scott County include Shakopee, Prior Lake, Savage, Jordan, Belle Plaine, and New Prague. Scott County features diverse geography including river valleys, agricultural lands, and suburban development. Notable landmarks include Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee, Canterbury Park horse racing facility, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival site, and Murphy's Landing historic site. Scott County Government Center is located at 200 Fourth Avenue West in Shakopee, housing most county administrative offices including the County Recorder, County Clerk, and County Assessor. The Minnesota River forms a significant natural boundary and recreational resource. Scott County has transformed from a primarily agricultural region into a rapidly growing suburban area while maintaining substantial farmland, parks, and natural areas. Scott County is served by excellent transportation infrastructure including U.S. Highway 169, State Highway 13, and County Road 42, providing connectivity throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan region.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Mugshot photographs are generally available as part of booking records and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office.
• To request arrest records, individuals can submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
• Requests should include the subject's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
• Fees may apply for copies of reports.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Scott County, MN are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Sheriff's Office Records & Support Staff | Scott County, MN.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Scott County, MN are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Scott County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.

• Look up current inmates and booking information at Jail Roster | Scott County, MN.
• Sheriff's Office: County Sheriff | Scott County, MN.
• The bond and bail process allows release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.

• Copies of actual court documents require payment of fees: $10 for the first 50 pages and $0.25 per page thereafter.
• Certified copies cost an additional $14.
• In-person record requests can be made at the Court Administrator's Office during business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Scott County Law Library provides legal research resources for self-represented litigants and the public.

• Scott County offers full online property record searching through its website at www.scottcountymn.gov/recorder, providing free public access to recorded documents dating back many decades.
• Certified copies of documents require in-person or mail requests with a fee of $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The current fee is $26 for a certified copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $19 each.
• Death certificates cost the same and are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with property rights or claims.
• Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords for faster processing with credit card payment.
• The license costs $115 and is valid for six months.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The filing fee is approximately $50 and the certificate must be published in a qualified legal newspaper.
• The online system allows free searching of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations registered in Minnesota.