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Farmington, Minnesota Public Records

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

Official Government Sources

Farmington Public Records Directory

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

About Farmington

The governing body of Farmington, Minnesota, is the Farmington City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving staggered four-year terms. The current council includes Mayor Rhonda Pownell, and Council Members Terry Donnelly, Jennifer K. Kelsey, and others, who represent the interests of the community.

For the fiscal year 2023, Farmington's approximate annual operating budget is $15.6 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.

The Farmington City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Farmington City Hall, located at 430 3rd Street, Farmington, MN 55024. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Farmington, Dakota County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Dakota County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Eagan Police Department, Burnsville Police Department, and Apple Valley Police Department. Each city department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its jurisdiction, handling local crime, and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations. These agencies collaborate on initiatives like joint task forces and information sharing to effectively address crime across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Dakota County Jail, located in Hastings, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate information can be accessed through the Dakota County Sheriff's Office website, which provides an online inmate lookup tool. Visitation at the jail is subject to specific rules, including scheduled times and identification requirements. The bond and bail process in Minnesota allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with the option to post bail directly at the jail or through a bail bondsman.

Court Records

Dakota County is served by the Dakota County District Court, located in Hastings. This court handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The District Court's jurisdiction covers all legal proceedings within the county, providing residents with access to justice and legal resources. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the Minnesota Judicial Branch's online services, allowing for convenient public access to court information and documents.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Dakota County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Dakota County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides statewide background checks. Residents can access criminal records by submitting requests to the appropriate agency, often requiring identification and a processing fee. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension offers a comprehensive background check service, which is particularly useful for employment and housing purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Dakota County are maintained by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. These records typically include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and booking information. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs the accessibility of public records, ensuring transparency while protecting individual privacy. Requests for arrest records can be made in person, by mail, or through online portals, depending on the agency's provisions.

Public Records Access

Public records in Dakota County are accessible under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which ensures transparency and public access to government information. The Dakota County Clerk's Office is a key resource for obtaining various records, including property records, marriage licenses, and probate documents. The office provides both in-person and online services, with typical turnaround times varying based on the type of record requested. The Dakota County Government Center in Hastings serves as a central location for accessing these public records.

Economy & Demographics

Dakota County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and education. Major employers in the county include Thomson Reuters, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, and the Independent School District 196. The county's strategic location near the Twin Cities metropolitan area enhances its economic opportunities, attracting businesses and fostering a robust job market. Dakota County's economic landscape is distinct for its blend of urban amenities and suburban living, making it an attractive destination for both businesses and residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Farmington, Minnesota, you will be transported to the Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota?
The Farmington School District is located in Dakota County, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the district has an overall score of 79.2 out of 100, which is above the state average of 75.7. The district has a graduation rate of 93.2%, which is higher than the state average of 83.2%. The district also has an average ACT score of 22.2, which is higher than the state average of 20.7.
3
What are the crime statistics for Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota?
According to the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, the total number of reported crimes in Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota in 2019 was 1,845. Of those, 1,717 were property crimes and 128 were violent crimes.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota Library?
The Farmington Public Library in Dakota 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 Farmington Minnesota Archives and Genealogy at https://www.mnhs.org/genealogy. Contact the Farmington Public Library reference desk at (651) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota Public Library located?
The Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota Library is located at 508 3rd Street, Farmington, MN 55024.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota?
Fingerprinting services for Farmington, Minnesota residents are provided at the Farmington Police Department, which serves Dakota 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 Farmington Police Department at (651) 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 Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records from Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota, you must contact the Dakota County Vital Records Office.

The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a record, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person listed on the record, and the appropriate fee.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Farmington, Minnesota can be obtained from the Farmington Police Department, located in Dakota 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 Farmington Police Department Records Division at (651) 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 Farmington, Dakota 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