Meeker County Jail Roster: A Complete Guide to Inmate Information

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

Nestled in central Minnesota, Meeker County is a place where rolling farmlands meet small-town charm, with Litchfield as its county seat. For residents or families dealing with the local justice system, finding out who’s in custody at the Meeker County Jail can be a pressing concern. That’s where the Meeker County jail roster comes in—a public list that details inmates currently held at the jail, offering insights into their charges, booking dates, and more. As of May 1, 2025, the Meeker County jail roster is accessible online through the Meeker County Sheriff’s website or by calling the jail directly at (320) 693-5415. Let’s dive into how to access this roster, what it includes, and how it serves the community in Meeker County.

What Is the Meeker County Jail Roster?

The Meeker County jail roster is a daily-updated record of inmates currently in custody at the Meeker County Jail, located at 326 N Ramsey Ave, Litchfield, MN 55355. Managed by the Meeker 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 a loved one or stay informed about local arrests, the roster provides a clear snapshot of who’s behind bars and why.

Meeker County, with a population of around 23,400 as of the 2020 census, spans 645 square miles, including both rural areas and small communities like Litchfield and Dassel. The jail serves as a medium-security facility, housing both pre-trial detainees and those serving sentences typically under one year. The roster is a vital tool in a county where community ties run deep, ensuring residents can stay connected to the legal process.

What Information Does the Meeker County Jail Roster Provide?

The Meeker 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 theft, assault, or DUI, 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.

Unlike some Minnesota counties that publish mugshots, Meeker County typically does not include photos in its online roster due to privacy policies. However, you can request mugshots directly from the jail by calling (320) 693-5415. The roster’s details help families plan visits, arrange bail, or prepare for a loved one’s release, ensuring they have the information they need to navigate the justice system.

How to Access the Meeker County Jail Roster

Accessing the Meeker County jail roster is simple, with multiple methods to suit different preferences. Whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer a direct approach, here’s how to find the information you’re seeking.

Online Search

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

  1. Visit the Meeker County Sheriff’s website and navigate to the Jail Services section.
  2. Look for the “Jail Roster” or “Inmate List” link.
  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 Meeker County Jail at (320) 693-5415, available 24/7. The jail, located at 326 N Ramsey Ave, Litchfield, MN 55355, 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 jail in person during administrative hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to request information directly from the Sheriff’s Office.

Alternative Methods

For a broader search, Vinelink.com offers a national inmate tracking resource that includes Meeker County. Local police departments, such as the Litchfield Police Department at (320) 693-5415, may hold recent arrestees for up to 72 hours before transfer, so contacting them can help if the roster doesn’t list the individual. Additionally, the Minnesota Court Records Online application at mncourts.gov allows you to look up an offender’s court case for more context on their charges.

Why might an inmate not appear on the Meeker 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 like the Minnesota State Prison System for longer sentences. Overcrowding may also lead to transfers to nearby counties, such as Stearns or Kandiyohi.

Understanding the Meeker County Jail

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

The Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Brian Cruze, oversees the jail’s operations, ensuring inmates are treated with dignity while maintaining community safety. Meeker County, spanning 645 square miles with a population of 23,400 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 Meeker 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 Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, but schedules can change. Call (320) 693-5415 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, Meeker County Jail, 326 N Ramsey Ave, Litchfield, MN 55355. 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 Meeker County jail roster often provides the booking number needed for these interactions, making it a crucial starting point.

Why the Meeker County Jail Roster Matters

In a community like Meeker County, where rural life fosters close connections, the jail roster is more than a list—it’s a 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.

Meeker 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 patrols 645 square miles, serving both residents and visitors. The roster’s daily updates ensure accuracy, a necessity in a region where community events like the Meeker County Fair or local festivals can sometimes lead to arrests, such as DUIs during celebrations.

Challenges and Limitations

The Meeker County jail roster isn’t perfect. 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 (320) 693-5415 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

Meeker County’s jail roster fits into Minnesota’s broader system of transparency, where counties like Watonwan, Cottonwood, and Blue Earth also maintain public rosters. These rosters balance public access with inmate privacy, providing essential details without compromising security. Meeker 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 Meeker often have higher per-capita incarceration rates due to limited resources for alternatives like probation, per BJS. Meeker County’s jail, serving a population of 23,400, 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 Meeker County

Meeker County, with its mix of farmland and small towns, 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 Meeker 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.