The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) investigates complaints about regional and local correctional facilities licensed by the Department of Corrections. These include: 
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.
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.
First follow the facility grievance process. All facilities are required to have one.
If you believe facility staff have engaged in misconduct, contact the sheriff or county corrections department responsible for the facility.
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/.
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.
