Dakota County Jail

To search for an inmate in the Dakota County Jail, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 651-438-4700 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up any offender's court case online with the Minnesota Court Records Online application.

Dakota County Jail Inmate Search

The Dakota County Jail maintains an average of 350 offenders in custody on any given day. The Dakota County Jail has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year Dakota County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 7,800 offenders.

The following charts of Dakota County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the Dakota County Corrections Department, the state of Minnesota Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in Dakota County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for Dakota County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Dakota County Jail? What is the Schedule?

Dakota County Jail Inmate Visitation Schedule

1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
651-438-4700

• First, you must register for visits online with Inmate Canteen.
  
• It is the inmate's responsibility to notify their visitors of the time they have selected.
• No phone calls from the public are accepted inquiring about the time an inmate has selected for visits.
• You must be on time for a visit, or NO visit. No exceptions.
• Visits are for 20 minutes.
• You have to be 18 to set up a visit. Valid, picture ID from the government is required. Minor children can visit with a parent or guardian, but may require a birth certificate.
• Dress profssionally, and non-seductively.. or NO visit will be allowed.

Attorney Visits

8:00AM - 11:00AM
1:00PM - 4:00PM
​​​​​​​7:00PM - 5:00AM

Dakota County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for 'At the Jail' Visitation with Inmates.



For best results use Google Chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on Inmate Video Visitation:

• Register or Log in to your account
• Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to visit.
• Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
• Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.
  
  Video Visitation must be done from a computer using Google Chrome and an updated Adobe Flash player. Before starting this process you must make sure that your Adobe Flash player is fully updated and that you are using Google Chrome. First... Set up Flash, then restart your computer and then go to Google Chrome on your desktop or laptop computer and log on to Inmate Canteen.
  Steps Inmate canteen Visitation:
  1. Go to www.inmatecanteen.com on a computer (not supported on mobile devices i.e. tablets, cell phones, etc)
  2. Log in, select your inmate, and select the Video Visit an Inmate option.
  3. You will be required to fill out a form, submit a driver's license picture and a picture of your face. Once submitted, Dakota County Jail will either approve or deny it.
  4. Once approved you will be all set to video visit!
  NOTES: Make sure you are allowing flash player to run in google chrome by selecting the lock icon to left of the browser. Flash Player needs to be set to “allow”. Then you can refresh the page and it should be good to go. If flash player is being blocked you will not be able to take a picture or see any video during the visitation. When you click on the video visitation link on the website, please visit the Audition Room to test your equipment. To find the Audition Room, please click on 'Video Visit an Inmate' and it will be located on the top of your screen. Here you can test and verify that your webcam and microphone are working. We highly recommend a hard line for video visiting, unstable internet can result in poor visit qualities.

How to Have Remote Video Visits with an Inmate in Dakota County

To register and sign up for a remote visitation account with Inmate Canteen to communicate with your Dakota County Jail inmate, follow the instructions below:

• Register and create an account with your Dakota County inmate using Inmate Canteen.
• 
• Inmate Canteen has excellent quality video visits between your home device and a video terminal in the inmate's housing area at Dakota County Jail.
• You can also send and receive secure messages and use them to make and receive phone calls with your Dakota County inmate.
• This is a fee based service.

Instructions for Inmate Video Visitation:
- Register or Log in to your account
- Select Dakota County Jail and the inmate you wish to visit.
- Select the "Video Visit an Inmate" option
- Follow the prompts on screen to schedule the visit.

For all the information you need to know, including instructions, policies, tips and solutions to possible issues regarding visiting with an inmate (both at the jail and remotely) in Dakota County, visit our full page guide. 

NOTE: All video visits are recorded and stored. Whatever you talk about, can and will be used against your inmate in court. Never discuss their pending criminal case!
Also, be warned that some video visits providers are collecting voice prints for a database which law enforcement agencies are building.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dakota County Jail’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 651-438-4700 for further assistance.

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Dakota County Jail?

Dakota County Jail Inmate Visitation Schedule

1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
651-438-4700

• First, you must register for visits online with Inmate Canteen.
  
• It is the inmate's responsibility to notify their visitors of the time they have selected.
• No phone calls from the public are accepted inquiring about the time an inmate has selected for visits.
• You must be on time for a visit, or NO visit. No exceptions.
• Visits are for 20 minutes.
• You have to be 18 to set up a visit. Valid, picture ID from the government is required. Minor children can visit with a parent or guardian, but may require a birth certificate.
• Dress profssionally, and non-seductively.. or NO visit will be allowed.

Attorney Visits

8:00AM - 11:00AM
1:00PM - 4:00PM
​​​​​​​7:00PM - 5:00AM

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dakota County Jail’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 651-438-4700 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Dakota County Jail?

Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:
NOTE: Dakota County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.
1. Register or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen.
2. Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
3. Select the "Purchase Items" option.
4. Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Dakota County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Dakota County Jail follow these steps:

• Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
• 
• Select Minnesota, then Dakota County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
• Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
• Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
• Maximum spend is $125.00.
• NOTE: Dakota County Jail may at times only allow online deposits for your inmate to purchase their own commissary locally. 

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Dakota County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Dakota County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dakota County Jail’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 651-438-4700 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Dakota County Jail?

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from Dakota County Jail

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from Dakota County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your Dakota County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dakota County Jail’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 651-438-4700 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Dakota County Jail, and what can I send them?

Dakota County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Dakota County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Dakota County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
(Inmate Name)
Dakota County Law Enforcement Center
P.O. Box 247J
Hastings, MN 55033

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
(Inmate Name)
Dakota County Law Enforcement Center
P.O. Box 247J
Hastings, MN 55033

Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Dakota County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Dakota County Jail standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
(Inmate Name)
Dakota County Law Enforcement Center
P.O. Box 247J
Hastings, MN 55033

Dakota County Jail Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Dakota County Jail allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.

Envelopes
The Dakota County Jail also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
(Inmate Name)
Dakota County Law Enforcement Center
P.O. Box 247J
Hastings, MN 55033

Legal Mail

Send all legal Mail to this Address:
(Inmate Name)
Dakota County Law Enforcement Center
P.O. Box 247J
Hastings, MN 55033

Newspapers
Local or national newspapers may also be mailed to the inmate as long as they are mailed directly from the newspaper publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The Dakota County Jail allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address below.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Dakota County Jail standards will be disposed of. No more than three books may be shipped at any one time.
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
(Inmate Name)
Dakota County Law Enforcement Center
P.O. Box 247J
Hastings, MN 55033

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dakota County Jail’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 651-438-4700 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Dakota County Jail, and what can I purchase?

Dakota County Jail uses the services of Inmate Canteen for Online Commissary Purchases for an Inmate.

NOTE: Dakota County Jail may only allow online deposits for local commissary purchasing.

For best results use google chrome as your browser for accessing Inmate Canteen.
Instructions on purchasing commissary items for an inmate:

• Register or Log in to your account
• Select the facility where the inmate is located and the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
• Select the "Purchase Items" option
• Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.

How to Send a Carepack Commissary Package Directly to an Inmate in Dakota County

To send a commissary carepack (food, snacks and goods) directly to an inmate in Dakota County Jail follow these steps:

• Register to create an account, or Log in to your account at Inmate Canteen if you already have one.
• 
• Select Minnesota, then Dakota County Jail, and then the inmate you wish to purchase commissary items for.
• Select the "Purchase Commissary Items" option.
• Follow the prompts on screen to purchase items for an inmate.
• Maximum spend is $125.00.

For all information, tips and to see the hundreds of available items for shipping Commissary packages to an inmate in Dakota County Jail, or to see how deposit money so that your inmate can purchase their own commissary, check out our Commissary Instructions Page for Dakota County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dakota County Jail’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 651-438-4700 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Dakota County Jail using an Online Messaging Service?

How to Send a Secure Email Message to an Inmate in Dakota County

To send a secure email message to an inmate in Dakota County Jail follow these steps:

• Register with Inmate Canteen to create an account or log in if you already have one.
• Select Minnesota, then select Dakota County Jail, and then the inmate you want to send your message to.
• Add money to your account.
• Verify your email.
• Send message.
• NOTE: All messages between you and your Dakota County inmate will be permanently recorded and seen by the staff and could be used against your inmate in court.

For all information on how to Text/Email an Inmate in Dakota County Jail, the costs, rules, policies and more check out our Secure Messaging Guide for Dakota County.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dakota County Jail’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 651-438-4700 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Dakota County Jail have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Dakota County Jail’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 651-438-4700 for further assistance.

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding Dakota County?