Find Criminal History Records in Swift County
Swift County criminal history records are managed by the Sheriff's Office and the District Court in Benson, Minnesota. The county is served by the 8th Judicial District and has a population of around 10,000. Criminal court records are searchable through the state's free MCRO system, and the Sheriff's Office provides a public jail custody page. Whether you are looking up an active case, checking on someone in jail, or requesting a background check, this guide explains the steps and where to go in Swift County.
Swift County Overview
Swift County Sheriff Criminal Records
The Swift County Sheriff's Office is led by Sheriff John Holtz. The office is at 301 14th St N Suite 4, Benson MN 56215. You can reach them at (320) 843-3133. The Sheriff handles law enforcement for the county and maintains arrest records, booking data, and jail custody information. For general records requests, start with the main office number or visit the website at swiftcounty.gov/sheriff.
Swift County runs a public jail custody page that shows who is currently in custody at the county jail. You can check it directly at mail.co.swift.mn.us/jail/custody.html. This is one of the more useful local tools in the county because it gives real-time custody data without requiring a phone call. Not every county in Minnesota offers this level of online access, so it is worth checking before contacting the jail directly.
The screenshot below is from the Swift County Sheriff's Office website, which is the main point of contact for law enforcement and jail records in the county.
The Sheriff's site includes contact details and links to county services for people who need to reach the jail or request records.
| Office | Swift County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 301 14th St N Suite 4, Benson MN 56215 |
| Phone | (320) 843-3133 |
| Sheriff | John Holtz |
| Website | swiftcounty.gov/sheriff |
Swift County Criminal Court Records
Swift County criminal cases are handled by the District Court in Benson, which is part of the 8th Judicial District. The court processes all charges filed in the county, from petty misdemeanors to felonies, and keeps records of hearings, judgments, and sentences. You can find Swift County case records online through Minnesota Court Records Online, which is free to use at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us.
MCRO lets you search by name or case number. Results include docket entries, hearing dates, case status, and filing information. The system covers active and closed cases. Some records are sealed by court order or restricted under state law, so not every case shows full details. If a case is not visible online, contact the court clerk in Benson to ask about accessing those records in person.
The screenshot below is from the Swift County court page on mncourts.gov, which has hours, contact info, and directions for the District Court in Benson.
The court page is the best place to confirm current hours and find out which clerk handles specific record types.
Under Minnesota Statute 13.82, law enforcement data including arrest records and incident reports are public. This covers booking data held by the Swift County Sheriff as well as case filings at the District Court. If you are searching for records related to a specific incident, both sources are worth checking.
Swift County Jail Custody and Warrant Records
The Swift County jail is run by the Sheriff's Office in Benson. The county provides a live custody page at mail.co.swift.mn.us/jail/custody.html that lists people currently held in the jail. This is a practical tool for checking on someone's custody status without calling. The list updates regularly and shows names and booking information for current inmates.
The screenshot below is from the Swift County jail custody page, which gives the public direct access to current inmate information.
If you need to send money to an inmate or arrange a visit, contact the Sheriff's Office directly at (320) 843-3133 for current procedures.
Swift County also participates in the VINE notification system at vinelink.com. Victims and others can register to receive alerts when an inmate's custody status changes, including release, transfer, or escape. The service is free and available any time.
The screenshot below is from Minnesota Court Records Online, which covers Swift County cases and is useful for checking warrant status and case outcomes in the District Court.
MCRO is the clearest path to finding case-level records for anyone with a pending or past case in Swift County court.
Background Checks and BCA Records
For a statewide criminal history search that includes Swift County, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is the main source. The BCA holds records on arrests, charges, and dispositions from across Minnesota. You can access background check services at bca.dps.mn.gov. Fees apply depending on the type of request. Personal record checks and third-party checks are both available, but the process and cost differ.
Minnesota Statute 13.87 controls how criminal history data is maintained and who gets access. Arrest data is generally public, but full records with dispositions may require a formal request. If you are checking your own record, the BCA allows you to request a personal history copy with proper ID.
Note: The DOC Offender Locator at coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer shows current and past Minnesota prison inmates, including anyone from Swift County who received a state prison sentence.
Swift County Criminal Record Expungement
People with criminal records in Swift County may be able to petition for expungement under Minnesota Statute 609A.02. Expungement seals the record from public access. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, when it happened, and whether all sentencing conditions were completed. Waiting periods vary based on the severity of the charge.
To file for expungement of a Swift County case, you petition the District Court in Benson. The petition must be served on the BCA, the arresting agency, and the prosecuting office. Each can object before the judge rules. If granted, the record is hidden from most public searches, but law enforcement and certain agencies can still access it under defined conditions.
Legal aid organizations in western Minnesota can help you determine if you are eligible and walk you through the filing process at the Swift County court.
Cities in Swift County
Swift County's largest city and county seat is Benson. All criminal cases from any city in Swift County are filed with the District Court in Benson.
No cities in Swift County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. Criminal records for Benson and all other communities in the county are handled through the Swift County District Court.
Nearby Counties
Swift County is in west-central Minnesota. It borders several counties, and if you are not sure where a case was filed, check where the incident happened.