Red Lake County

Red Lake County is located in northwestern Minnesota, established in 1896 from portions of Polk County. The county seat is Red Lake Falls, situated along the Red Lake River, which gives the county its name. Red Lake County encompasses approximately 432 square miles, making it one of Minnesota's smaller counties by land area. According to recent census estimates, the population is approximately 4,000 residents, reflecting a rural, agricultural character.

• The Red Lake County Assessor's office provides property valuation services.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Red Lake County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county, especially in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing efforts and works closely with local schools and organizations to promote safety. Notable programs include the D.A.R.E. program and a community watch initiative aimed at reducing crime through citizen involvement.

Police Departments

Red Lake County is served by the Red Lake County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Red Lake Falls and Plummer. The Red Lake Falls Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Law enforcement in Red Lake County is primarily provided by the Red Lake County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 124 Langevin Avenue NW, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (218) 253-2996 and maintains a professional staff responsible for patrol, investigations, civil process, and jail operations. The Red Lake County Jail, located within the Law Enforcement Center, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.

• Municipal law enforcement within the county includes the Red Lake Falls Police Department, which provides services to the city of Red Lake Falls.
• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, though certain private data may be redacted.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office, as Minnesota law classifies booking photographs as public data once an individual is charged.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documents.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Red Lake County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Red Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history information. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, offering details about registered offenders residing in the county.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Red Lake County are maintained by the Red Lake County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Red Lake County Jail, located in Red Lake Falls, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and a requirement for visitors to be on an approved list.

• The bond and bail process follows Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for cash bail or bond through a bail bondsman.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Red Lake County are taken and retained by the Red Lake County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. Individuals seeking to view mugshots can request them through the Sheriff's Office, although not all mugshots may be publicly accessible due to privacy laws. Minnesota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of records.

Red Lake County is served by Minnesota's Ninth Judicial District Court, with the Red Lake County Courthouse located at 124 Langevin Avenue NW, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750. The court can be reached at (218) 253-2598. The District Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate matters arising in Red Lake County. This includes felony and gross misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters exceeding small claims limits, divorce and family law proceedings, juvenile delinquency and child protection matters, and estate administration.

• Case information and court records can be accessed through Minnesota's statewide system, though in-person requests can be made at the Court Administrator's office in Red Lake Falls.
• Fees for certified copies and document retrieval are set by Minnesota Statutes Section 357.021, with certified copies typically costing $14 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
• The Ninth Judicial District provides some online access through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) at www.mncourts.gov, though comprehensive searching may require in-person visits.

Property and land records for Red Lake County are maintained by the Red Lake County Recorder's Office, located at 124 Langevin Avenue NW, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750, phone (218) 253-2996. The Recorder's Office is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments. These records are public under Minnesota Statutes Section 386.02 and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

• The fee schedule for copies follows Minnesota statutory requirements, typically $1 per page for uncertified copies and additional fees for certified documents.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail with proper identification and payment.

Vital records for Red Lake County are managed at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Red Lake County can be obtained through the Red Lake County Clerk's Office, located at the Red Lake County Courthouse, 124 Langevin Avenue NW, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750. The office can be reached at (218) 253-2598. Minnesota vital records are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144, which restricts access to protect privacy while allowing access to authorized individuals.

• The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $26, and processing typically takes one to two weeks for in-person or mail requests.
• Death certificates are similarly restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a documented legal interest, with the same $26 fee structure.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $115, and there is a five-business-day waiting period before the license becomes valid.
• Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained for $9.
• Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are maintained by the District Court and must be requested through the Court Administrator's office.

Business and licensing records in Red Lake County are handled through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. For local business name registrations, assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As), and certain business licenses, the Red Lake County Clerk's Office at 124 Langevin Avenue NW, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750, serves as the filing location. Phone (218) 253-2598 for information about local business filings and fees.

• However, most formal business entity formations—including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations—must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
• Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in Red Lake County are processed through the Red Lake County Zoning Administrator and Building Official, located at the county courthouse.

Elections in Red Lake County are administered by the Red Lake County Auditor-Treasurer, who serves as the chief election official. The elections office is located at the Red Lake County Courthouse, 124 Langevin Avenue NW, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750, and can be reached at (218) 253-2598. Voter registration in Minnesota is available online at mnvotes.ov, the official website of the Minnesota Secretary of State, up until 21 days before an election.

• After that deadline, eligible voters can register in person at their county elections office or register on Election Day at their polling place with proper proof of residence.
• Minnesota requires voters to provide identification or have another registered voter vouch for them.
• In the 2024 general election, Red Lake County, like most rural Minnesota counties, saw voter turnout in the range of 70-78 percent of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of Minnesota.
• Absentee voting in Red Lake County can be requested through the Minnesota Secretary of State's online absentee ballot application system or by contacting the County Auditor-Treasurer directly.
• Minnesota allows no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.

Red Lake County's economy is fundamentally agricultural, rooted in the fertile soils of the Red River Valley that support extensive crop production. The county's primary economic sectors include agriculture, government services, education, healthcare, and retail trade. Major crops include wheat, sugar beets, soybeans, corn, and potatoes, with many family farms operating across the county's rural landscape.

• Sugar beet production is particularly significant, with farmers contracting with American Crystal Sugar Company, a major regional employer with processing facilities in nearby counties.
• Census estimates, Red Lake County's median household income is approximately $54,000 to $58,000, somewhat below the Minnesota state median.
• The county's strategic location within a major agricultural region provides economic stability, though population decline and aging demographics present ongoing challenges.

Court Records: ✅ Online (District) | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 6/10 — Red Lake County provides access to most public records, though many services require in-person visits or phone contact due to limited online infrastructure typical of small rural counties.

Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Red Lake County, Minnesota.