Hennepin County Adult Detention Center (ADC)

You can support your loved ones at Hennepin ADC on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 612-348-5112.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Hennepin ADC is a detention center located at 350 S 5th St Minneapolis, MN which is operated locally by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Hennepin County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Minneapolis Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Minnesota here.

The Hennepin County Adult Detention Center (ADC) serves as a critical component of the county's criminal justice system. As the largest pretrial detention facility in the state, the ADC operates with the primary goal of ensuring the secure custody and care of individuals who are arrested and awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to other correctional facilities. Its role extends beyond mere incarceration, as it also provides essential services aimed at upholding the rights and well-being of detainees while maintaining public safety.

The ADC consists of two interconnected buildings, collectively designed to house approximately 400 inmates at any given time. These facilities are equipped with modern security systems and infrastructure to manage detainees effectively and securely. The population at the ADC includes individuals arrested for alleged criminal activity, those awaiting court proceedings, and individuals serving short-term sentences for misdemeanor offenses. The facility’s operations are aligned with state and federal laws to ensure detainees’ constitutional rights are upheld during their stay.

One of the ADC’s primary functions is intake and processing. Upon arrival, detainees undergo a comprehensive booking process, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and background checks to verify identities and outstanding warrants. During this phase, medical and mental health screenings are conducted to assess detainees’ immediate needs. This process ensures that any urgent medical conditions are promptly addressed and that detainees are classified appropriately for housing assignments. Classification is crucial in minimizing potential risks and conflicts within the facility, as it determines where and with whom an individual is housed.

The ADC emphasizes the provision of essential services to meet the basic needs of detainees. These include three daily meals prepared on-site, access to healthcare services, and opportunities for legal representation. The facility employs a team of medical professionals, including nurses and mental health practitioners, who are available around the clock to address the physical and psychological needs of detainees. Additionally, the ADC facilitates communication between detainees and their legal counsel, ensuring that they can adequately prepare for court appearances and exercise their legal rights.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate workers are selected for community service programs based on their demonstrated good conduct, cooperation with facility staff, and adherence to institutional rules. These criteria ensure that only individuals who exhibit responsibility, reliability, and a commitment to positive behavior are allowed to participate. Participation in these programs not only benefits the community through valuable labor contributions but also offers inmates the chance to develop a strong work ethic, learn transferable job skills, and build a sense of accountability.

In certain cases, involvement in community service programs can contribute to a reduction in an inmate's sentence. This incentive reinforces the importance of maintaining good behavior while incarcerated and highlights the program's dual role in supporting both the community and the inmate's journey toward reintegration.

The ADC’s role extends beyond detention, as it also supports rehabilitative and reentry programs aimed at reducing recidivism. While the primary focus is on short-term custody, the facility collaborates with community organizations and social services to provide resources for education, substance abuse counseling, and mental health support. These programs help detainees prepare for reintegration into society and address underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Operationally, the ADC is managed by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees a team of correctional officers, medical personnel, and administrative staff. This team works together to ensure that the facility runs efficiently and safely while adhering to best practices in correctional management. Staff members receive ongoing training in areas such as de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and cultural competency to better serve the diverse population within the facility.

In conclusion, the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center plays a vital role in maintaining the balance between public safety and the fair treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system. By providing secure custody, essential services, and opportunities for rehabilitation, the ADC contributes to the broader goals of justice and community well-being. Its operations reflect a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of detainees while ensuring that the facility functions as an integral part of Hennepin County’s efforts to promote public safety and reduce crime.