Hennepin County Public Safety Facility (PSF)

You can support your loved ones at Hennepin Co Jail 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 Co Jail is a detention center located at 401 S 4th Ave 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 Public Safety Facility (PSF), located in downtown Minneapolis, serves as a critical hub for the county’s public safety and criminal justice systems. With a bed capacity of approximately 330 inmates, the PSF primarily functions as a pre-trial detention center, housing individuals awaiting court proceedings. In addition to its role in detention, the PSF facilitates collaboration among law enforcement agencies, judicial offices, and public safety services, ensuring efficient coordination and resource management to enhance community safety.

Distinct from the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center (ADC), which is focused on detainee care and housing with a capacity exceeding 500 beds, the PSF emphasizes administrative and operational support for public safety activities. By combining detention capabilities with essential law enforcement and judicial functions, the PSF plays a vital role in maintaining the seamless operation of the county’s criminal justice system.

The PSF’s infrastructure includes secure areas for law enforcement personnel, court-related services, and public access areas for conducting administrative tasks. Among its key functions is the coordination of inmate intake and processing in collaboration with the ADC. The PSF provides a secure environment for the initial stages of the criminal justice process, ensuring that detainees are properly processed and classified. This operational alignment between the PSF and the ADC ensures efficiency and security during high-stakes procedures such as booking, bail processing, and transportation.

In addition to its administrative and law enforcement functions, the PSF serves as a resource center for public safety initiatives. It houses critical communication systems and operational tools that facilitate rapid response to emergencies and efficient coordination among local and regional agencies. The facility’s design prioritizes security and accessibility, with designated areas for public interaction, such as bail payment offices, and secure zones restricted to law enforcement and judicial personnel.

The PSF also functions as a hub for professional development and training. Law enforcement officers and public safety staff utilize the facility for ongoing education in areas such as crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and inter-agency collaboration. By fostering continuous learning and professional growth, the PSF contributes to the development of skilled personnel equipped to handle the complexities of modern public safety challenges.

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.