Cottonwood County Jail Roster: How to Find Inmate Information

Posted: May 1, 2025 | By US Prison Guide Team

In the wide-open spaces of southwestern Minnesota, Cottonwood County is a rural gem where agriculture thrives, and communities like Windom and Mountain Lake hold tight to their small-town roots. For residents navigating the local justice system, the Cottonwood County jail roster is a critical resource, offering a public list of inmates currently held at the county jail. Whether you’re checking on a loved one or researching local arrests, this roster provides details like charges, booking dates, and bail amounts. As of May 1, 2025, the Cottonwood County jail roster is accessible online through the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s website or by calling the jail at (507) 831-1375. Let’s explore how to access this roster, what it includes, and why it matters in Cottonwood County.

What Is the Cottonwood County Jail Roster?

The Cottonwood County jail roster is a daily-updated record of inmates currently in custody at the Cottonwood County Jail, located at 905 3rd Ave, Windom, MN 56101. Managed by the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office, this roster is a public resource designed to promote transparency and assist families, legal representatives, and residents in tracking inmate information. Whether you’re trying to locate someone in custody or stay informed about local detentions, the roster offers a clear snapshot of who’s behind bars and why.

Cottonwood County, with a population of around 11,517 as of the 2020 census, covers 649 square miles, making it a predominantly rural area with a close-knit community. The jail serves as a medium-security facility, housing both pre-trial detainees and those serving sentences typically under one year. The roster is an essential tool in a county where trust in local government is vital, ensuring residents can stay connected to the legal process.

What Information Does the Cottonwood County Jail Roster Provide?

The Cottonwood County jail roster offers a range of details about each inmate, making it easier for families and legal advocates to stay updated. While the exact format may vary, the roster generally includes:

  • Inmate’s Full Name: Identifies the individual in custody.
  • Booking Number: A unique identifier for each inmate’s record.
  • Charges: Lists the offenses, such as drug possession, theft, or assault, along with severity (e.g., felony or misdemeanor).
  • Booking Date: When the inmate was admitted to the jail.
  • Release Date: If applicable, based on sentencing or bail status.
  • Bail Amount: The bond required for release, if set by the court.

Mugshots are not typically included in the online roster due to privacy policies, but you can request them by contacting the jail directly at (507) 831-1375. The roster’s details help families plan visits, arrange bail, or prepare for a loved one’s release, providing clarity in a challenging situation.

How to Access the Cottonwood County Jail Roster

Accessing the Cottonwood County jail roster is straightforward, with multiple methods to suit different needs. Whether you prefer online searches or direct contact, here’s how to find the information you’re seeking.

Online Search

The most convenient way to check the Cottonwood County jail roster is through the official Cottonwood County Sheriff’s website at co.cottonwood.mn.us. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a dedicated section where the roster is published, often in PDF format, updated daily. To search:

  1. Visit the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s website and navigate to the Sheriff Services section.
  2. Look for the “Jail Roster” link, typically under a tab like “Sheriff Services” or “Jail Information.”
  3. Download the PDF or use the online inmate search tool, if available.
  4. Enter the inmate’s first name, last name, or booking number to narrow your search.

If the roster isn’t available online, you can use the Minnesota Department of Corrections Inmate Locator at mncourts.gov to search for inmates in county jails or state prisons. This service allows partial name searches if you’re unsure of the exact spelling.

Contacting the Jail Directly

If online searches don’t yield results, you can call the Cottonwood County Jail at (507) 831-1375, available 24/7. The jail, located at 905 3rd Ave, Windom, MN 56101, is staffed around the clock. When calling, have the inmate’s full name or booking number ready to expedite the process. You can also visit the Sheriff’s Office in person during administrative hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to request information directly.

Alternative Methods

For a broader search, Vinelink.com offers a national inmate tracking resource that includes Cottonwood County. Local police departments, such as the Windom Police Department at (507) 831-6134, may hold recent arrestees for up to 72 hours before transfer, so contacting them can help if the roster doesn’t list the individual. The Minnesota Court Records Online application at mncourts.gov also allows you to look up an offender’s court case for additional context on their charges.

Why might an inmate not appear on the Cottonwood County jail roster? They could be in the booking process, which can take a few hours, or they might have been transferred to another facility due to overcrowding or specific charges. Calling the jail or using Vinelink can help resolve these discrepancies.

Understanding the Cottonwood County Jail

The Cottonwood County Jail is a medium-security facility designed to house inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. Located in Windom, the county seat, the jail works closely with the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office, local courts, and social service agencies to ensure secure detention while enhancing public safety. The facility handles a range of offenders, from those charged with minor misdemeanors like disorderly conduct to more serious felonies like assault.

The Sheriff’s Office oversees the jail’s operations, ensuring inmates are treated with dignity while maintaining community safety. Cottonwood County, spanning 649 square miles with a population of 11,517 as of 2020, relies on the jail to manage local detentions efficiently. The jail’s capacity isn’t publicly specified, but it typically houses a small number of inmates at any given time, reflecting the county’s relatively low crime rate compared to urban areas.

Visitation and Inmate Services

If you find someone on the Cottonwood County jail roster, you might want to visit or communicate with them. The jail has specific rules to ensure safety and order:

  • Visitation Hours: Visits are typically held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, but schedules can change. Call (507) 831-1375 to confirm. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list, and you’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Phone Calls: Inmates can make outgoing collect calls between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Calls may be monitored, and recipients must accept collect call charges.
  • Mail: Send mail to: Inmate’s Full Name, Cottonwood County Jail, 905 3rd Ave, Windom, MN 56101. Include your return address, and avoid sending contraband. Books or magazines must come directly from publishers.
  • Inmate Funds: Money orders can be sent to the same address, including the inmate’s booking number, to help them purchase commissary items.

These services allow families to maintain contact, but always verify rules with the jail, as policies can shift. The Cottonwood County jail roster often provides the booking number needed for these interactions, making it a crucial starting point.

Why the Cottonwood County Jail Roster Matters

In a rural community like Cottonwood County, where agriculture and small-town values dominate, the jail roster is a vital tool for transparency and support. Families use it to locate loved ones, arrange bail, or plan visits, while legal advocates rely on it to track clients. The roster also enhances public safety by identifying individuals in custody, such as those charged with serious offenses, allowing residents to stay informed.

Cottonwood County’s commitment to transparency aligns with Minnesota Statute 641.05, which mandates public disclosure of jail rosters. This practice fosters trust in a county where the Sheriff’s Office serves both residents and visitors across 649 square miles. The roster’s daily updates ensure accuracy, a necessity in a region where community events like the Cottonwood County Fair or local festivals can sometimes lead to arrests, such as DUIs during celebrations.

Challenges and Limitations

The Cottonwood County jail roster isn’t without challenges. If an inmate isn’t listed, they might still be in booking, a process that can take hours, especially during high-volume arrest periods. They could also be in local police custody for up to 72 hours before transfer, or moved to another facility due to overcrowding. Calling the jail at (507) 831-1375 or using Vinelink can help if you’re struggling to find someone. Additionally, mugshots aren’t typically available online, but you can request them by contacting the jail directly.

The Broader Context: Jail Rosters in Minnesota

Cottonwood County’s jail roster fits into Minnesota’s broader system of transparency, where counties like Watonwan, Meeker, and Blue Earth also maintain public rosters. These rosters balance public access with inmate privacy, providing essential details without compromising security. Cottonwood County’s roster, while simple, reflects the county’s small size, yet it’s as robust as those in larger areas, offering key information like charges and bail amounts.

The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics notes that rural counties like Cottonwood often have higher per-capita incarceration rates due to limited resources for alternatives like probation, per BJS. Cottonwood County’s jail, serving a population of 11,517, handles a range of offenders, from those awaiting trial to those serving short sentences. The roster’s daily updates ensure residents stay informed, a practice that’s vital in a community where trust in local government is key.

Staying Informed in Cottonwood County

Cottonwood County, with its agricultural heart and small-town spirit, is a place where community matters. The jail roster, alongside other sheriff services like emergency alerts and property tax information, keeps residents connected to the legal process. Whether you’re a family member, a legal advocate, or a concerned citizen, the Cottonwood County jail roster offers a window into who’s in custody and why, helping you navigate a challenging situation with clarity. Check online, call the jail, or visit in person—the information is there to keep you in the know.