Wabasha County Jail Roster: Your Guide to Inmate Information

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

In the scenic bluffs along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, Wabasha County is a place where history and nature intertwine, with Wabasha as its county seat. For residents or families navigating the local justice system, the Wabasha County Jail Roster is an essential tool, providing a public list of inmates currently held at the county jail. This roster offers details like charges, booking dates, and bail amounts, helping you stay informed about local detentions. As of May 1, 2025, the Wabasha County Jail Roster is accessible online through the county’s official website or by calling the jail directly at (651) 565-3361. Let’s explore how to access this roster, what it includes, and why it’s a vital resource for Wabasha County residents.

What Is the Wabasha County Jail Roster?

The Wabasha County Jail Roster is a daily-updated record of inmates currently in custody at the Wabasha County Jail, located at 625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981. Managed by the Wabasha 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.

Wabasha County, with a population of around 21,387 as of the 2020 census, spans 550 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 Wabasha County Jail Roster Provide?

The Wabasha County Jail Roster offers a range of details about each inmate, making it easier for families and legal advocates to stay updated. According to the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office, the roster typically includes:

  • Inmate’s Full Name: Identifies the individual in custody.
  • Mugshot: Often included, depending on privacy policies.
  • Booking Date: When the inmate was admitted to the jail.
  • Hold Reason: The reason for detention, such as awaiting trial or serving a sentence.
  • Charge: Lists the offenses, such as drug possession, theft, or assault, along with severity (e.g., felony or misdemeanor).
  • Bail Amount: The bond required for release, if set by the court.
  • Status: Whether the inmate is still in custody or has been released.
  • Projected Release Date: If applicable, based on sentencing or bail status.

The Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office maintains this roster on its website, ensuring it’s accessible to the public. For example, a roster might list an inmate booked for second-degree assault with a $10,000 bail, providing families with the information needed to act. The roster’s details help families plan visits, arrange bail, or prepare for a loved one’s release, offering clarity in a challenging situation.

How to Access the Wabasha County Jail Roster

Accessing the Wabasha 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 Wabasha County Jail Roster is through the official Wabasha County Sheriff’s website at co.wabasha.mn.us. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a dedicated section where the roster is published, often in a searchable online format or PDF, updated daily. To search:

  1. Visit the Wabasha County Sheriff’s website and navigate to the Sheriff Services section.
  2. Look for the “Jail Roster” or “Inmate List” link under a tab like “Sheriff Services” or “Jail Information.”
  3. View the online list or download the PDF, if applicable.
  4. Enter the inmate’s first name, last name, or booking number to narrow your search, if the tool allows.

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 Wabasha County Jail at (651) 565-3361, available 24/7. The jail, located at 625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981, 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 4:00 p.m.) to request information directly.

Alternative Methods

For a broader search, Vinelink.com offers a national inmate tracking resource that includes Wabasha County. Local police departments, such as the Wabasha Police Department at (651) 565-3261, 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 Wabasha 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, such as to the Minnesota State Prison System for longer sentences. Overcrowding may also lead to transfers to nearby counties like Goodhue or Olmsted.

Understanding the Wabasha County Jail

The Wabasha County Jail is a medium-security facility designed to house inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than one year. Located in Wabasha, the county seat, the jail works closely with the Wabasha 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, led by Sheriff Rodney Bartsh, oversees the jail’s operations, ensuring inmates are treated with dignity while maintaining community safety. Wabasha County, spanning 550 square miles with a population of 21,387 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 Wabasha 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 Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, but schedules can change. Call (651) 565-3361 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, Wabasha County Jail, 625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981. 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 Wabasha County Jail Roster often provides the booking number needed for these interactions, making it a crucial starting point.

Why the Wabasha County Jail Roster Matters

In a community like Wabasha County, where the Mississippi River bluffs draw tourists and locals alike, 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.

Wabasha 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 550 square miles. The roster’s daily updates ensure accuracy, a necessity in a region where community events like the Wabasha-Kellogg Fall Festival or local river celebrations can sometimes lead to arrests, such as DUIs during festivities.

Challenges and Limitations

The Wabasha 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 (651) 565-3361 or using Vinelink can help if you’re struggling to find someone. While mugshots are often included, availability may depend on specific privacy policies.

The Broader Context: Jail Rosters in Minnesota

Wabasha County’s jail roster fits into Minnesota’s broader system of transparency, where counties like Watonwan, Meeker, and Cottonwood also maintain public rosters. These rosters balance public access with inmate privacy, providing essential details without compromising security. Wabasha 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 Wabasha often have higher per-capita incarceration rates due to limited resources for alternatives like probation, per BJS. Wabasha County’s jail, serving a population of 21,387, 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 Wabasha County

Wabasha County, with its scenic bluffs and historic charm, 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 Wabasha 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.