Minnesota State Prisons

Overview

Minnesota has a structured and well-organized state prison system managed by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC). The system includes several correctional facilities that vary in security levels and inmate populations.

Minnesota operates 10 state prisons:

1. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Oak Park Heights

2. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater

3. Minnesota Correctional Facility – St. Cloud

4. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee (the only women’s prison)

5. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Lino Lakes

6. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Faribault

7. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Moose Lake

8. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Red Wing

9. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Togo

10. Minnesota Correctional Facility – Willow River

Minnesota Prison Management Structure

The Minnesota DOC is responsible for overseeing the state’s prisons. The DOC is led by a Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor. The department is organized into various divisions, each responsible for different aspects of prison management, including security, inmate services, and rehabilitative programs.

Incarceration Rate

As of the latest data, Minnesota has an incarceration rate of approximately 185 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average. This reflects the state’s emphasis on alternative sentencing and rehabilitative efforts.

Locating a Prisoner

To locate a prisoner in the Minnesota prison system, you can use the Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Locator, an online tool that provides information on the custody status and location of individuals incarcerated in Minnesota state prisons.

Family Visitation Rules

Visitation rules in Minnesota prisons are designed to maintain security while allowing inmates to maintain family ties:

Scheduling: Visits must be scheduled in advance.

Identification: Visitors are required to provide valid photo identification.

Dress Code: Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code to ensure appropriate attire.

Duration and Frequency: Visits may be limited in duration and frequency, depending on the specific facility and the inmate’s security classification.

Behavior: Visitors and inmates must follow all facility rules to ensure visits are conducted in a safe and orderly manner.Classification of Prison Security Levels

Parole and Factors Considered

Parole decisions in Minnesota are made by the Minnesota Department of Corrections and consider several factors:

Behavior in Prison: Inmate’s conduct and participation in programs.

Nature of the Crime: Severity and circumstances of the offense.

Risk Assessment: Likelihood of reoffending.

Rehabilitation Efforts: Engagement in educational and vocational programs.

Victim Impact Statements: Consideration of the impact on victims and their families.Educational and Vocational

Minnesota Prison Programs

Minnesota prisons offer a variety of educational and vocational programs aimed at reducing recidivism and preparing inmates for successful reentry into society:

Education:

• General Education: GED preparation and testing.
• Higher Education: College courses and degree programs in partnership with local colleges.
• Vocational Training: Programs in carpentry, welding, culinary arts, and other trades.
• Life Skills: Courses in financial literacy, parenting, and anger management.

Rehabilitative Programs:

Minnesota’s rehabilitative programs are comprehensive and cater to various needs:

• Substance Abuse Treatment: Programs addressing addiction and substance use disorders.
• Mental Health Services: Counseling and psychiatric services for inmates with mental health issues.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Programs aimed at changing negative thinking patterns.
• Faith-Based Programs: Spiritual guidance and support from various religious groups.
• Reentry Programs: Assistance with job placement, housing, and community integration.

Pros and Cons of the Minnesota State Prison System

PROS

• Low Incarceration Rate: Reflects effective use of alternative sentencing and rehabilitative efforts.
• Comprehensive Programs: Offers a wide range of educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs.
• Focus on Rehabilitation: Emphasis on reducing recidivism through various support programs.
• Structured Parole System: Thorough and considerate parole decision process.

CONS

• Overcrowding Issues: Some facilities face overcrowding, which can strain resources.
• Resource Limitations: Budget constraints may limit the availability and quality of some programs.
• Geographic Disparities: Lack of uniformity in prison rules and services.

Minnesota Prison News: (Fox-9 -Minneapolis – Saint Paul)

Minnesota State Prison and Jail Deaths Under Increased Scrutiny:

Sources and References:

• Minnesota Department of Corrections Official Website:
  • General information about the Minnesota DOC, its facilities, and programs.
  • Minnesota Department of Corrections
• Incarceration Rate Data:
  • The Prison Policy Initiative provides detailed statistics on incarceration rates.
  • Prison Policy Initiative – Minnesota
• Offender Locator Tool:
  • The Minnesota DOC’s online tool for locating prisoners.
  • Offender Locator
• Visitation Rules and Guidelines:
  • Specific rules and guidelines for visitation across Minnesota state prisons.
  • Visiting Information
• Prison Security Levels:
  • Information on the different security levels at Minnesota correctional facilities.
  • Minnesota Correctional Facilities
• Educational and Vocational Programs:
  • Overview of educational and vocational training programs available to inmates.
  • Educational Services
• Rehabilitative Programs:
  • Comprehensive list of rehabilitative programs offered by the Minnesota DOC.
  • Rehabilitation Programs

More Information On Minnesota State Prisons:

Fairbault Correctional Facility

Fairbault Correctional Facility
1101 Linden Lane
Faribault, Minnesota  55021-6400

Telephone: (507)-334-0700

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Fairbault Correctional Facility
1101 Linden Lane
Faribault, Minnesota  55021-6400

Lino Lakes Correctional Facility

Lino Lakes Correctional Facility
7525 Fourth Avenue
Lino Lakes, Minnesota  55014

Telephone: (651)-717-6100

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Lino Lakes Correctional Facility
7525 Fourth Avenue
Lino Lakes, Minnesota  55014

Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility

Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility
5329 Osgood Avenue North
Stillwater, Minnesota  55082-1117

Telephone: (651)-779-1400

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility
5329 Osgood Avenue North
Stillwater, Minnesota  55082-1117

Red Wing Correctional Facility

Red Wing Correctional Facility
1079 Highway 292
Red Wing, MN 55066

Telephone: (651)-267-3600

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Red Wing Correctional Facility
1079 Highway 292
Red Wing, MN 55066

Rush City Correctional Facility

Rush City Correctional Facility
7600 – 525th St.
Rush City, Minnesota 55069

Telephone: (320)-358-0400

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Rush City Correctional Facility
7600 – 525th St.
Rush City, Minnesota 55069

Shakopee Correctional Facility

Shakopee Correctional Facility
1010 West Sixth Avenue
Shakopee, Minnesota 55379

Telephone: (952)-496-4440

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Shakopee Correctional Facility
1010 West Sixth Avenue
Shakopee, Minnesota 55379

St. Cloud Correctional Facility

St. Cloud Correctional Facility
2305 Minnesota Boulevard S.E.
St. Cloud, MN 56304

Telephone: (320)-240-3000

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​St. Cloud Correctional Facility
2305 Minnesota Boulevard S.E.
St. Cloud, MN 56304

Stillwater Correctional Facility

Stillwater Correctional Facility
970 Pickett Street
Bayport, Minnesota 55003-1490

Telephone: (651)-779-2700

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Stillwater Correctional Facility
970 Pickett Street
Bayport, Minnesota 55003-1490

Togo Correctional Facility

Togo Correctional Facility
62741 Co Rd. 551
Togo, MN 55723

Telephone: (218)-376-4411

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Togo Correctional Facility
62741 Co Rd. 551
Togo, MN 55723

Willow River/Moose Lake Correctional Facility

Willow River/Moose Lake Correctional Facility
1000 Lake Shore Drive
Moose Lake, Minnesota 55767

Telephone: (218)-485-5000

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Willow River/Moose Lake Correctional Facility
1000 Lake Shore Drive
Moose Lake, Minnesota 55767

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