Faribault County Jail
County Jail | Faribault County County — Minnesota | Faribault County Minnesota Sheriff's Department
Faribault County Jail is a minimum to medium security detention facility located at 320 Dr. H. Russ Street in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Corrections and administered locally by Faribault County, this facility opened in 2009 to serve the detention needs of the county. With a capacity of 62 beds and currently housing approximately 28 inmates, the jail serves male offenders. Jail Administrator Joe Anderson oversees daily operations and staff management at this modern correctional facility.
Families seeking information about inmates housed at Faribault County Jail can search arrest records and inmate rosters through county resources. Loved ones can send money to inmates, schedule visitation, and communicate through approved channels. Understanding the facility's procedures for mail, phone calls, and in-person visits helps maintain important connections during incarceration.
Faribault County Jail stands out in the Minnesota correctional system as a relatively new facility that opened in 2009, making it one of the more modern county detention centers in southern Minnesota. Located in Blue Earth, the county seat of Faribault County, the jail serves a predominantly rural area along Interstate 90. The facility's current population of approximately 28 inmates reflects the smaller county population it serves, operating at less than half its 62-bed capacity. This lower occupancy rate allows for more individualized attention and programming compared to overcrowded urban jails, while its modern construction incorporates updated safety features and detention standards established in the 21st century.
Faribault County Jail Data & Statistics:
| Avg. Daily Population | 15 |
| Total Confined | 14 |
| Full-Time Employees | 20 |
| Part-Time Employees | 15 |
| On Work Assignment | 3 |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, Census of State and Federal Adult Correctional Facilities, 2019. State and federal prison facilities only.
Faribault County Jail houses a male inmate population ranging from minimum to medium security classifications. The facility primarily serves pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings in Faribault County courts, as well as sentenced inmates serving shorter jail terms typically under one year. Offenses represented include misdemeanor and felony charges ranging from DUI and drug possession to property crimes and probation violations. The jail also temporarily holds individuals awaiting transfer to Minnesota state prisons after sentencing. Given the rural character of Faribault County, the inmate population often includes individuals struggling with substance abuse issues, particularly methamphetamine and alcohol-related offenses. The facility may also house inmates from neighboring counties through inter-county agreements when bed space allows, though this represents a smaller portion of the overall population.
Faribault County Jail provides housing in a modern facility constructed in 2009 with updated safety and security features. Inmates are housed in cells or dormitory-style units based on their security classification and behavior. The facility provides three meals daily prepared according to Minnesota detention standards, with accommodations for medical and religious dietary requirements. Inmates have access to scheduled recreation time, though outdoor recreation opportunities may be limited during harsh Minnesota winters. Medical services are available for routine healthcare needs, sick call, and medication management, with more serious medical issues referred to local healthcare providers in Blue Earth or nearby communities. Mental health screenings occur during intake, with referrals for counseling services as needed. The jail maintains a formal grievance procedure allowing inmates to address concerns about conditions, staff interactions, or facility operations through written requests reviewed by administrative staff. Families should understand that as a county jail rather than a long-term prison, programming and amenities are more limited than state correctional facilities.
As a county jail serving shorter-term inmates, Faribault County Jail offers more limited programming compared to state prisons, though educational and treatment services are available. GED preparation materials and tutoring may be accessible for eligible inmates seeking to complete their high school equivalency. Substance abuse education and counseling programs address the significant addiction issues affecting many inmates, with an emphasis on awareness and early intervention. Religious services and pastoral visits are coordinated for inmates seeking spiritual support during incarceration. The facility provides access to law library materials and legal resources for inmates preparing for court proceedings. Re-entry planning assistance helps sentenced inmates prepare for release, including referrals to community resources, housing assistance information, and employment preparation. Given the facility's smaller size and population, programming is often delivered through individual counseling, educational materials, and periodic group sessions rather than comprehensive long-term curricula.
Inmate work assignments at Faribault County Jail focus primarily on maintaining facility operations rather than large-scale production or industries. Eligible inmates may be assigned to kitchen duties assisting with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup under staff supervision. Janitorial work crews maintain cleanliness throughout housing units, common areas, and administrative spaces. Laundry duties include washing linens, towels, uniforms, and inmate clothing. Some inmates may assist with facility maintenance tasks under direct supervision. These work assignments provide inmates with structure, responsibility, and sometimes modest compensation credits, while reducing operational costs for the county. Unlike larger state facilities, Faribault County Jail does not operate significant prison industries or external work crews.
Faribault County Jail opened in 2009 as a modern replacement for the county's previous detention facilities that no longer met contemporary standards for inmate housing and security. The construction project addressed the need for updated infrastructure in Blue Earth, the Faribault County seat located in south-central Minnesota. The new jail was designed to serve the detention needs of this rural agricultural county with a capacity of 62 beds, reflecting projected population requirements based on county demographics and crime trends. The facility incorporated modern security technology, improved safety features, and better living conditions than older county jails constructed decades earlier. Since opening, the jail has maintained relatively stable operations under the oversight of Jail Administrator Joe Anderson and the Faribault County Sheriff's Department. The facility continues to serve as the primary detention center for Faribault County, housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates while maintaining its role in the regional criminal justice system of southern Minnesota.
Visitation at Faribault County Jail requires advance scheduling and visitor approval. All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list and provide valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or state ID. Visitors should follow the facility's dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, clothing resembling inmate uniforms, and items that could pose security concerns. Minors typically require accompaniment by a parent or legal guardian. Visits are conducted either through video visitation or in-person contact visits depending on the inmate's classification and facility policies. The jail maintains specific visitation schedules that vary by housing unit. Families should call the facility in advance at the administration office to confirm current visitation hours, scheduling procedures, and any recent policy changes before traveling to Blue Earth.
Mail sent to inmates at Faribault County Jail should be addressed with the inmate's full legal name, booking number if known, followed by Faribault County Jail, 320 Dr. H. Russ Street, Blue Earth, MN 56013. All incoming mail is subject to inspection for contraband and prohibited items. Books and magazines must typically be sent directly from approved vendors or publishers rather than from individuals. Inmates have access to phone privileges through the facility's telephone system, which requires establishing a prepaid phone account or accepting collect calls. Families should check with the facility regarding approved phone service providers and account setup procedures. Some county jails in Minnesota offer electronic messaging services, though families should verify current communication options directly with Faribault County Jail administration.
Many correctional facilities let families send books and magazines to an inmate — but almost all of them require the items to be brand-new and shipped directly from the retailer. Anything sent secondhand or repackaged at home is usually rejected at the mailroom. Ordering from a retailer that ships direct is the standard way to get reading material in.
- Must ship new, directly from the retailer — you can't forward it yourself.
- Softcover / paperback only at most facilities (hardcovers are commonly banned).
- No used or third-party marketplace sellers — new copies only.
- Limits on quantity per package and how many packages may be pending.
- Address it to the inmate's full committed name and ID number.
- Use the facility's mailroom address, which can differ from the public address.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Faribault County Jail maintains a safe environment with zero reported staff assaults and operates at 45% capacity, indicating well-managed operations and reduced overcrowding stress. The minimum-medium security classification and modern 2009 infrastructure support secure yet humane conditions. Families visiting should expect standard security protocols; arrive early, bring valid ID, and confirm visiting hours by phone beforehand.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Blue Earth, Minnesota is a rural community in Faribault County in south-central Minnesota, approximately 90 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The town is accessible via US Highway 169 and offers basic amenities including gas stations and dining options. The nearest major city is Mankato, about 25 miles west. Limited hotel options exist in Blue Earth; visitors often stay in nearby Mankato or Owatonna. The facility's Dr. H. Russ Street location is centrally situated within the county.