Swift County MN Jail Roster: Live Inmate Search & Charges

Swift County MN Jail Roster provides up-to-date details on every person currently held in custody, including booking numbers, full legal names, charge descriptions, bond amounts, court dates, and projected release times. The roster pulls live data from the county’s electronic inmate management system and is updated each shift by jail staff to ensure accuracy for families, attorneys, law enforcement, and the public. Whether you’re verifying someone’s location, checking bail options, or confirming a court appearance, this official resource delivers fast, reliable information straight from the Swift County Sheriff’s Office in Benson, Minnesota.

How to Search the Swift County MN Jail Roster

To find an inmate on the Swift County MN Jail Roster, start by calling the jail directly at 320-843-3133. You’ll need the person’s full legal name and their Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) ID number if available. The clerk will confirm whether the individual is in custody, provide current charges, bond status, and next court date. Alternatively, you can visit the Law Enforcement Center in person at 301 14th Street N, Suite 4, Benson, MN 56215 during business hours or fax a request to 320-843-2299. Online access is also available through the county’s official custody portal, which refreshes hourly with new bookings, releases, and updates.

What Information Is Included in the Roster?

The Swift County MN Jail Roster lists essential details for each detainee to help users quickly identify and track individuals. Each entry includes the inmate’s full name, booking number, date and time of arrest, charge description with Minnesota statute reference, bond amount (if set), scheduled court appearance, and estimated release date. For example, common charges like “Disorderly Conduct – Offensive/Abusive/Boisterous” under Minnesota Statutes 609.72(3) carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Similarly, “Assault–4th Degree” (609.2231) may result in 90 days confinement, a $1,500 fine, and mandatory restitution. All cited individuals must appear in district court within 30 days.

Facility Details: Location, Capacity, and Operations

The Swift County Jail operates as a medium-to-maximum security facility within the Law Enforcement Center in Benson, the county seat. It features a 120-bed general population wing and a separate 30-bed segregation unit for high-risk or disciplinary cases. A dedicated medical wing staffed by a contracted nurse provides basic healthcare services, while the visitation area accommodates up to 50 guests per shift. The jail processes approximately 525 bookings daily—nearly 10,500 per year—handling everything from misdemeanors to felony holds. Intake operates 24/7, ensuring timely processing of arrests made by local police, state patrol, or sheriff deputies.

Bond Payments and Financial Services

Families and representatives can post bond electronically using Visa, MasterCard, or debit cards. Payments are processed instantly once the caller provides the offender’s full legal name and DOC ID. No cash or checks are accepted over the phone. For in-person payments, visit the jail lobby during business hours. Bond amounts vary based on charge severity and judicial discretion. Once posted, the inmate is typically released within one to two hours, depending on paperwork completion. Refunds for unused bond funds are issued after case resolution, minus administrative fees as permitted by state law.

Sheriff’s Office Leadership and Oversight

Sheriff John Holtz leads the Swift County Sheriff’s Office, overseeing all jail operations, court security, patrol services, and criminal investigations. His department enforces traffic laws, responds to emergency calls, investigates accidents and drownings, and runs community programs like “Neighborhood Watch” and school safety presentations. The sheriff’s team collaborates closely with the Minnesota State Patrol and other agencies to maintain public safety across Swift County’s rural townships and incorporated cities. All roster data is managed under his authority and audited regularly for compliance with state regulations.

Common Charges and Legal Consequences

Most entries on the Swift County MN Jail Roster involve misdemeanor offenses, though felony holds are not uncommon. Typical charges include disorderly conduct, fourth-degree assault, DWI, theft under $1,000, and domestic abuse. Each charge carries specific penalties defined by Minnesota law. For instance, misdemeanor convictions may lead to jail time, fines, probation, community service, or mandatory counseling. Felony charges often result in longer sentences, higher fines, and permanent criminal records. All individuals listed must appear in Swift County District Court within 30 days of citation or arrest. Failure to appear can trigger bench warrants and additional charges.

Visitation Rules and Scheduling

Visitation at the Swift County Jail follows strict guidelines to ensure safety and order. Visitors must present valid photo ID and be listed on the inmate’s approved contact list. Sessions are scheduled by appointment only, typically lasting 30 minutes. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Prohibited items include cell phones, bags, weapons, and outside food. Dress codes require modest clothing—no revealing outfits, gang symbols, or offensive language. Violations may result in denied entry or suspension of visitation privileges. Check with the jail clerk for current scheduling procedures and any temporary restrictions.

Data Accuracy and Update Frequency

The Swift County MN Jail Roster is refreshed every shift—approximately three times per day—by trained jail clerks who verify all entries against official booking records. This ensures that families, lawyers, and agencies receive the most current information possible. However, minor delays may occur during peak intake periods or system maintenance. The roster includes a disclaimer stating that data is for informational purposes only and should not replace official court documents. For legal proceedings, always obtain certified records from the Swift County Clerk of Court.

Contact Information and Official Resources

For immediate assistance, call the Swift County Jail at 320-843-3133 or the Sheriff’s Office at the same number. Fax inquiries to 320-843-2299. The official website for custody records is https://mail.co.swift.mn.us/jail/custody.html, which hosts the live roster. Additional resources include the Minnesota Judicial Branch portal for court schedules and the DOC website for statewide inmate searches. All links are verified and maintained by Swift County IT staff.

Historical Context and Community Role

Established in the early 1970s, the Swift County Jail has served the region for over 50 years, adapting to changes in law enforcement practices and population needs. Named after former Governor Henry Adoniram Swift, the county spans western central Minnesota with postal codes including 56208, 56215, 56226, 56231, 56249, 56252, and 56271. The jail plays a vital role in community safety, offering not just detention but also reentry support, substance abuse referrals, and coordination with social services. Its strategic location in Benson allows efficient transport to regional courts and medical facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I search the roster online without calling?
A: Yes. Visit the official custody page at https://mail.co.swift.mn.us/jail/custody.html for real-time inmate listings. The page updates hourly and includes names, charges, and bond details.

Q: How often is the roster updated?
A: The Swift County MN Jail Roster is refreshed each shift—about every 8 hours—by jail clerks. Major updates occur after new bookings, releases, or court rulings.

Q: What if I don’t know the inmate’s DOC ID?
A: You can still search using the full legal name. However, providing the DOC ID speeds up the process and reduces errors, especially for common names.

Q: Are mugshots available online?
A: Mugshots appear on third-party sites like JailExchange, but the official county roster does not publish photos due to privacy policies. Request images through formal channels if needed for legal purposes.

Q: Can I send mail to an inmate?
A: Yes. Address letters to: [Inmate Name], c/o Swift County Jail, 301 14th Street N, Suite 4, Benson, MN 56215. Include your return address. Packages are not accepted.

Q: Is there a fee to view the roster?
A: No. Access to the Swift County MN Jail Roster is free via phone, fax, in-person, or the official website. Beware of unofficial sites that charge for basic information.

Q: What happens if someone isn’t listed?
A: They may still be in transit, undergoing intake, or held under a different jurisdiction. Call the jail to confirm status or check nearby county rosters.

Official Links and Direct Access

Facility Address and Contact Summary

Swift County Jail
Law Enforcement Center, Suite 4
301 14th Street N
Benson, MN 56215
Phone: 320-843-3133
Fax: 320-843-2299
Sheriff: John Holtz
Visiting Hours: By appointment only (call ahead)
Bond Payments: Accepted via debit/credit card over the phone or in person