Local Correctional Facilities

The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) investigates complaints about regional and local correctional facilities licensed by the Department of Corrections. These include: 

• City and county jails 
• Detention centers 
• Juvenile secure detention facilities  
• Juvenile residential facilities

See Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 241.91 for more information about the types of regional and local correctional facilities under OBFC jurisdiction. 

Local facilities do not include state prisons, also called Minnesota Correctional Facilities. See the Minnesota Prisons page for more information about complaints about state prisons. 

Complaints Process for Local Correctional Facilities 

The process for making a complaint with the OBFC about a local facility is different than a Minnesota Correctional Facility (state prison). This is because the Ombuds for Corrections shares jurisdiction for local facilities with the Department of Corrections Inspection and Enforcement unit.  

1. Complete the Grievance Process 

First follow the facility grievance process. All facilities are required to have one. 

2. Contact Local Authorities 

If you believe facility staff have engaged in misconduct, contact the sheriff or county corrections department responsible for the facility.   

3. Contact the DOC Inspection & Enforcement Unit (I&E) 

If you believe the facility is violating state law or policy, and are not satisfied with the local response, contact the Department of Corrections Inspection and Enforcement unit. The OBFC is required to refer complaints about local facilities to the Contact Department of Corrections Inspection and Enforcement unit. If you make a complaint with us first, we will provide you with information to contact I&E about your complaint. 

Find more information about I&E at https://mn.gov/doc/about/office-inspector-general/inspection-enforcement-licensing/.

4. Contact the Ombuds for Corrections  

Contact the Ombuds for Corrections when a local correctional facility is following the law and rules, but you believe it has been unreasonable, unfair, inefficient or otherwise problematic. You may also contact the Ombuds for Corrections about systemic issues in local correctional facilities. 

Information on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Use of Local Jail Facilities in Minnesota

The Immigration and Custom Enforcement Department of the federal government (ICE) contracts with certain local jail facilities in Minnesota for the detention of individuals who are under the control of ICE.

Federal Facility Jurisdiction

The Minnesota Office of the Ombuds for Corrections does not have jurisdiction over federal detention facilities, which means our office cannot investigate complaints regarding federal facilities. If you have concerns about someone housed in a federal ICE detention facility, you may contact the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman. https://www.dhs.gov/office-immigration-detention-ombudsman.

Local Facility Jurisdiction

Both the Minnesota Ombuds for Corrections and Department of Corrections Inspections and Enforcement Unit (I&E) have jurisdiction regarding local jail facilities in Minnesota. ICE contracts with some local jail facilities in Minnesota for individuals who are on a federal hold. This means our office may be able to investigate complaints regarding local facilities that are housing individuals being detained by ICE.

The Ombuds for Corrections can investigate concerns related to the conditions of confinement or concerns about the treatment of people in local facilities, including access to medical care or concerns about nutrition. We cannot investigate the reason a person is being held, how long they are held, or court proceedings. We cannot provide legal advice. If you have a concern about someone being housed in a local facility, follow the complaints process above. 

Información sobre el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) Uso de las instalaciones penitenciarias locales en Minnesota.