Nobles County Inmate Search
How To Search for Inmate Records in Nobles County in 2026
NoblesRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to inmate records in Nobles County, Minnesota. Members of the public may access records that include booking details, custody status, charges, bond information, and facility location. The information presented reflects what is available through official government sources and may not capture every individual in custody or recently released. Record categories available through this resource include current inmate rosters, booking photographs, charge descriptions, and court-related information.
Records may be searched through official county and state resources, public access terminals at government offices, and online tools maintained by the Nobles County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The following methods outline how members of the public may conduct an inmate search at present.
1. County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Nobles County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate listing through its official file transfer portal. Members of the public may access the Nobles County jail inmate listing to view current custody information.
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the inmate listing directory on the Sheriff's Office server
- Open the Inmate_listing folder to access the current roster file
- Review the listing by inmate name or booking number
- Note the charges, custody status, and facility information displayed
Information displayed in the inmate listing includes:
- Full legal name
- Booking number
- Charges
- Bond information
- Facility location
- Booking date
- Custody status
The listing is updated on a regular basis; however, recent bookings may take several hours to appear. No mobile application is currently offered for this search tool.
2. State Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for state prison)
Individuals sentenced to state prison in Minnesota are tracked through the Minnesota Department of Corrections offender locator. This resource is distinct from the county jail roster and applies to individuals who have been convicted and transferred to a state correctional facility.
To search:
- Access the DOC public viewer search page
- Enter the individual's first name, last name, or offender ID number
- Review results for custody status, facility assignment, and projected release date
Information available through the state DOC search includes current facility, offense history, supervision status, and projected release date. Individuals held at the county jail on pre-trial status or serving short sentences will not appear in the state DOC system. Transfer from county jail to a state facility occurs after sentencing and processing, which may take several weeks.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator (for federal inmates)
Individuals charged with federal offenses and held in federal custody are not listed in county or state databases. Members of the public may use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator to search for federally incarcerated individuals. This tool is appropriate when the underlying offense involves federal law, such as immigration violations, federal drug charges, or crimes investigated by federal agencies. Information available includes the inmate's register number, age, race, sex, release date, and facility location.
Phone Search:
- Phone number for inmate information: (507) 372-8234 (Nobles County Sheriff's Office)
- Automated system availability: Staff-assisted inquiries during business hours
- Information needed: Inmate full legal name and date of birth
- Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
In-Person Inquiry:
Nobles County Sheriff's Office
315 10th Street
Worthington, MN 56187
Phone: (507) 372-8234
Nobles County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Visitors should present a valid government-issued photo identification. Staff at the front desk may provide current custody status, facility location, and basic booking information.
By Mail: Written requests for inmate information may be directed to the Nobles County Sheriff's Office at 315 10th Street, Worthington, MN 56187. Requests should include the full legal name of the individual, date of birth, and the specific information sought. Processing time varies and is subject to staff availability.
Search Tips:
- Use the individual's full legal name as it appears on official identification
- Try name variations, including nicknames, maiden names, and alternate spellings
- Include the date of birth to narrow results
- Search by booking number if available
- Check both current inmates and recently released individuals
- Recent bookings may take several hours to appear in the online system
- Individuals who have been transferred may not appear in the county roster
What If You Can't Find an Inmate:
- The individual may have been transferred to a state prison; check the Minnesota DOC offender locator
- The individual may be in federal custody; check the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator
- The individual may have been released
- The individual may be held in another county or jurisdiction
- A recent booking may not yet be reflected in the online system
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Contact the jail directly at (507) 372-8234 for confirmation
Are Inmate Records Public in Nobles County?
Inmate records maintained by the Nobles County Sheriff's Office are subject to public disclosure under Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act, codified at Minn. Stat. § 13.82, which governs law enforcement data and specifies what information is accessible to the public. Under current law, basic booking and custody information is classified as public data and is available to any member of the public upon request or through official online resources.
Information That Is Public:
- Current inmate roster and population
- Booking information, including date and arresting agency
- Criminal charges and charge descriptions
- Bond and bail amounts
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date, where available
Information With Restricted Access:
- Medical records and health conditions
- Mental health evaluations and treatment information
- Prescription medication records
- Detailed disciplinary records (may be restricted)
- Visitor contact lists (may be restricted)
- Confidential informant status
- Juvenile detention records
- Witness protection participant information
- Specific cell or housing unit assignments for security reasons
Why Inmate Records Are Public:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety notification
- Family and community notification of custody status
- Support for legal proceedings and court preparation
- Operational needs of the bail bond industry
Privacy Considerations: Minnesota law recognizes the need to balance public transparency with individual privacy protections. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13.01, the Government Data Practices Act establishes a framework for classifying government data, ensuring that sensitive personal information—including medical and mental health records—remains protected even when other custody information is publicly accessible. The release of booking photographs and charge information may carry consequences for individuals' employment and family relationships, and the law provides certain remedies for data subjects who believe their information has been improperly disclosed.
What Is Inmate Records in Nobles County?
Inmate records are official government documents created and maintained by correctional authorities to document the custody, charges, and status of individuals held in a detention facility. These records serve the purposes of institutional accountability, legal compliance, public safety, and administrative management. In Nobles County, inmate records are created at the point of booking and updated throughout an individual's period of custody.
The Nobles County Sheriff's Office serves as the official custodian of county jail inmate records. The Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains records for individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains records for individuals in federal custody.
The principal categories of inmate records include:
- Booking records: Created at the time of arrest and intake, documenting the individual's identity, charges, and initial custody information
- Custody records: Ongoing documentation of an individual's housing assignment, classification, and status while in custody
- Incarceration history: A cumulative record of all prior bookings, charges, and periods of custody within the jurisdiction
- Release records: Documentation of the date, manner, and conditions of an individual's release from custody
The distinction between county jail records and state or federal prison records is significant. County jail records pertain to individuals held pre-trial, those serving short misdemeanor sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to a state facility. State prison records apply to individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to terms served in a Minnesota Department of Corrections facility. Federal prison records apply to individuals convicted of federal offenses and housed in a Bureau of Prisons facility.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Nobles County
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Inmate or booking number
- Date of birth and age
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Booking photograph
- Identifying marks, scars, and tattoos
Custody Information:
- Current facility location
- Housing unit or cell block (may be limited for security reasons)
- Custody date and booking date
- Expected release date, if available
- Actual release date following release
- Custody status: in custody, released, or transferred
Charges and Legal Information:
- Current criminal charges
- Charge descriptions and statutory citations
- Case numbers
- Court jurisdiction
- Arrest date and arresting agency
- Warrant information, if applicable
Bond and Bail Information:
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash, surety, or no bond
- Bond status: posted or pending
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Court Information:
- Scheduled court dates
- Court location and division
- Hearing types
- Attorney information, where available
Sentence Information (for sentenced inmates):
- Conviction charges
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date, if applicable
- Good time credit calculations
Previous Custody History:
- Prior bookings within Nobles County
- Previous charges and case numbers
- Historical custody dates
Administrative Information:
- Classification level: minimum, medium, or maximum security
- Special housing needs or designations
- Work assignments, where applicable
- Program participation records
What's NOT Typically Included in Public Records:
- Medical history or active health conditions
- Mental health evaluations or treatment records
- Prescription medication information
- Detailed disciplinary incident reports
- Visitor contact information
- Inmate account balances
- Phone call logs
- Specific cell assignments retained for security purposes
Nobles County Prison System
The Nobles County jail system is operated by the Nobles County Sheriff's Office under the authority of the elected Sheriff. The facility serves as the primary detention center for the county, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short sentences, and individuals awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities.
Administration:
Nobles County Sheriff's Office
315 10th Street
Worthington, MN 56187
Phone: (507) 372-8234
Nobles County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office administers all aspects of jail operations, including intake, classification, programming, and release. State oversight of county jail operations is conducted by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, which inspects county facilities and establishes minimum standards for operations, staffing, and inmate services pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 641.15.
Facility Operations: The Nobles County jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor sentences, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state facilities, and individuals held on immigration detainers or other agency holds. Classification is conducted at intake to determine appropriate housing assignments based on the nature of charges, criminal history, and behavioral factors.
Inmate Services:
- Medical care provided on-site or through contracted health services
- Mental health services and crisis intervention
- Substance abuse programming
- Educational programming, including GED preparation
- Religious services and chaplaincy access
- Library and reading materials
- Recreation and physical activity
Legal Services:
- Law library access for self-represented individuals
- Coordination with the public defender's office
- Attorney visitation during designated hours
Reentry Programs: The Sheriff's Office coordinates with community organizations to provide pre-release planning, referrals to housing assistance, substance abuse treatment continuation, and employment support for individuals approaching release.
Oversight and Accountability: The Minnesota Department of Corrections conducts periodic inspections of county jail facilities and publishes inspection reports. Members of the public may submit complaints or concerns regarding jail conditions through the Minnesota DOC complaint process.
Types of Correctional Facilities in Nobles County
Nobles County Jail
Nobles County Jail
315 10th Street
Worthington, MN 56187
Phone: (507) 372-8234
Nobles County Sheriff's Office
The Nobles County Jail is the primary correctional facility serving Nobles County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanor offenders, felony holdovers awaiting transfer to state prison, and individuals held on other agency detainers. The facility operates under the supervision of the Nobles County Sheriff and is subject to state inspection standards.
Alternative Custody Programs
Home Detention and Electronic Monitoring The Nobles County Sheriff's Office administers electronic monitoring and home detention programs for eligible individuals. Eligibility is determined by the court and the Sheriff's Office based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and assessed risk level. Members of the public seeking information on this program may contact the Sheriff's Office at (507) 372-8234.
Work Release Work release programming allows eligible sentenced individuals to maintain employment while serving a sentence. Eligibility is subject to court approval and Sheriff's Office review. Participants are required to return to the facility outside of approved work hours.
State Prison Facilities
No state prison facility is physically located within Nobles County. Individuals convicted of felonies in Nobles County and sentenced to state prison are transferred to facilities operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The DOC operates multiple facilities throughout Minnesota, and placement is determined by classification, sentence length, and available capacity. Families and members of the public may use the Minnesota DOC offender search to locate individuals in state custody.
Federal Detention Facilities
No federal detention facility is located within Nobles County. Individuals charged with federal offenses may be held at federal facilities in other jurisdictions. The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov provides location and status information for federally incarcerated individuals.
Facility Contact Information Summary:
| Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Nobles County Jail | 315 10th Street, Worthington, MN 56187 | (507) 372-8234 |
| MN DOC (State Facilities) | 1450 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN 55108 | (651) 361-7200 |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | 320 First St NW, Washington, DC 20534 | (202) 307-3198 |
How To Find an Inmate in Nobles County for Free?
Members of the public may locate an inmate in Nobles County at no cost through several official government resources. No registration, subscription, or payment is required to access basic inmate information through official channels.
Free Online Resources:
1. Official County Inmate Roster
The Nobles County jail inmate listing is available at no cost and requires no registration. The roster includes current inmates, booking information, charges, bond amounts, facility location, and booking photographs. The listing is updated on a regular basis, though recent bookings may take several hours to appear.
2. State Department of Corrections Free Search
The Minnesota DOC offender locator provides free access to information on individuals in state prison custody. Historical incarceration information is available for individuals who have completed state sentences. The Minnesota DOC search for individuals and fugitives page also provides guidance on locating individuals and reporting fugitives, including a 24-hour tip line at 651-603-0026.
3. Federal Bureau of Prisons Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov is free and provides location and status information for individuals in federal custody.
4. Court Records Search
Court records for Nobles County are accessible through the Minnesota Judicial Branch case search. Court records may confirm custody status, upcoming court dates, and case disposition information.
Free Phone Information:
- Call (507) 372-8234 for staff-assisted inmate information
- No charge for basic inquiry
- Available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Free In-Person Search:
- Visit the Nobles County Sheriff's Office at 315 10th Street, Worthington, MN 56187
- Public access terminals may be available for self-service inquiry
- Staff assistance is available during regular business hours
- No fee is charged for basic information requests
What's Free vs. What Costs Money:
Always Free:
- Online inmate search through official county and state portals
- Current custody status inquiry
- Basic inmate information by phone or in person
- Court records access through the Minnesota Judicial Branch
Services That Cost Money:
- Sending money to an inmate through approved deposit services
- Video visitation through contracted vendors
- Phone calls placed by inmates through the facility's contracted phone provider
- Commissary orders placed on behalf of an inmate
- Certified copies of booking records or official documents
- Third-party background check services
Avoid Paid Services For:
- Basic inmate location, which is available free through official government sources
- Public court records accessible through the Minnesota Judicial Branch
- Booking photographs available at no cost on the official county roster
Scam Warning: Members of the public should exercise caution when using third-party websites that charge fees for information available at no cost through official government sources. Official inmate search tools are maintained by government agencies and accessible without payment. Members of the public are advised to verify that any website used for inmate searches displays a verified government domain before submitting personal information or payment.