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Perham, Minnesota Public Records

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Perham, Minnesota, you will be transported to the Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail 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 , Minnesota?
Perham, Minnesota is part of the Perham-Dent Public School District. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the district's most recent overall performance score was 79.2 out of 100. The district's graduation rate was 95.2%, and the average ACT score was 22.1.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota?
Perham is located in the Perham-Dent School District, which is part of the Minnesota Department of Education. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the district's most recent performance data shows that the district has an overall proficiency rate of 79.2%, with a graduation rate of 93.2%. The district also has an average ACT score of 22.3 and an average SAT score of 1090.
4
What are the crime statistics for , Minnesota?
The most recent crime statistics for Perham, Minnesota are from 2019. In 2019, there were a total of 39 reported crimes in Perham, including 1 murder, 1 rape, 4 robberies, 8 assaults, 11 burglaries, 11 thefts, and 1 arson.
5
What are the crime statistics for Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota?
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were a total of 28 reported crimes in Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota in 2019. Of those 28 reported crimes, there were 4 violent crimes, including 1 aggravated assault, 1 robbery, and 2 rapes. There were also 24 property crimes, including 1 burglary, 1 larceny, and 22 motor vehicle thefts.
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Minnesota Library?
The Perham Public Library in Otter Tail 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 Perham Minnesota Archives and Genealogy at https://www.mnhs.org/genealogy. Contact the Perham Public Library reference desk at (218) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota Library?
The Perham Public Library in Otter Tail 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 Perham Minnesota Archives and Genealogy at https://www.mnhs.org/genealogy. Contact the Perham Public Library reference desk at (218) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the , Minnesota Public Library located?
The Perham, Minnesota Library is located at:

Perham Area Public Library
225 3rd Ave SE
Perham, MN 56573
9
Where is the Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota Public Library located?
The Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota Library is located at:

Perham Area Public Library

120 2nd Ave SE
Perham, MN 56573
Phone: (218) 346-4688
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in , Minnesota?
Fingerprinting services in Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota are available through the Perham Police Department and the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (218) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota?
Fingerprinting services for Perham, Minnesota residents are provided at the Perham Police Department, which serves Otter Tail 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 Perham 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/.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from , Minnesota, and what information is provided in the records?
Perham, Minnesota vital records can be obtained from the Minnesota Department of Health. To obtain a vital record, you must submit a completed application form, a valid photo ID, and the applicable fee. The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All records include the name of the person, date of the event, and the county where the event occurred.
13
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, and what information is provided in the records?
Perham, Otter Tail County, Minnesota vital records can be obtained from the Otter Tail County Recorder's Office.

The vital records available from the Otter Tail County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You must also provide the full name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event.
14
About Police Reports
Police reports from Perham, Minnesota can be obtained from the Perham Police Department, located in Otter Tail 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 Perham 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/.
15
About background check
A background check in Perham, Otter Tail 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.