Goodhue County Jail
County Jail | Goodhue County County — Minnesota | Goodhue County Minnesota Sheriff's Office
Goodhue County Jail is a medium-security correctional facility located in Red Wing, Goodhue County County, Minnesota. Operated under the Minnesota Department of Corrections system, this facility houses both male and female inmates with a current population of 88 inmates and a total capacity of 170. Administrator Captain Brian Coleman oversees daily operations at the facility, which serves the detention and correctional needs of Goodhue County and the surrounding region. The jail houses pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings as well as sentenced individuals serving shorter-term commitments.
Families of those incarcerated at Goodhue County Jail can perform a Goodhue County Jail inmate search to locate loved ones, learn about visiting procedures, send money to inmate commissary accounts, and access Goodhue County Jail arrest records. The facility's Red Wing location provides convenient access for families traveling from the Twin Cities metropolitan area and southeastern Minnesota communities who need to maintain contact with inmates through visits, mail correspondence, and phone communication.
Goodhue County Jail Red Wing MN stands out among Minnesota county correctional facilities for its substantial capacity-to-population ratio, currently housing 88 inmates in a facility designed for 170, allowing for enhanced classification and housing flexibility. Located in historic Red Wing along the Mississippi River, the jail serves Goodhue County's predominantly rural population while remaining accessible to families from urban centers. The facility's medium-security classification enables it to house a diverse inmate population requiring various custody levels, from minimum-security work release candidates to higher-security pre-trial detainees. This operational flexibility allows Goodhue County to maintain local custody of most offenders rather than transferring them to state facilities, helping families maintain closer connections during incarceration and supporting successful community reintegration upon release.
Goodhue County Jail Data & Statistics:
| Year Last Renovated | -1 |
| Avg. Daily Population | -1 |
| Maximum Capacity | -1 |
| Total Confined | 88 |
| Confined Males (18+) | -1 |
| Confined Females (18+) | -1 |
| Full-Time Employees | 49 |
| Part-Time Employees | 1 |
| Total Employee Salaries | $-1 |
| Assaults on Staff | -1 |
| On Work Assignment | -1 |
| In Education Programs | -1 |
*Statistical data from census.gov
The inmate population at Goodhue County Jail typically consists of individuals charged with or convicted of offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. As a county-level facility, Goodhue County Jail houses primarily pre-trial detainees awaiting court appearances, individuals serving sentences of one year or less, probation and parole violators, and those awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities. The population mix includes both male and female inmates housed in separate sections of the facility. Common offense types include DWI violations, drug-related crimes, property offenses, domestic assault, and other crimes affecting Goodhue County communities. The facility also manages special populations requiring medical monitoring, mental health services, and protective custody arrangements. Inmate demographics generally reflect the county's population characteristics, with additional representation from individuals arrested while traveling through the area on Highway 61 and other major routes passing through Red Wing.
Housing units at Goodhue County Jail are designed to accommodate the facility's medium-security classification and diverse inmate population. Inmates are assigned to housing based on gender, security level, criminal charges, and behavioral history. The facility utilizes both individual cells and dormitory-style housing units, with separation between pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates as required by law. Male and female inmates occupy completely separate housing sections with dedicated recreation and programming spaces. Inmates receive three meals daily prepared in the facility kitchen according to nutrition standards and dietary requirements including medical, religious, and allergy accommodations. Recreation opportunities include scheduled access to indoor dayrooms and outdoor recreation yards when weather permits. Medical care is provided through nursing staff and contract physicians who conduct sick call, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate emergency care. Mental health services address psychiatric needs, crisis intervention, and medication management. Inmates have access to a formal grievance process to address concerns about conditions of confinement, and all housing areas are monitored for safety and security.
Goodhue County Jail offers programming designed to address the criminogenic needs of the inmate population and prepare individuals for successful reintegration into Goodhue County communities. Educational services include GED preparation and testing for inmates lacking high school diplomas, with instructional materials and tutoring available. Substance abuse programming addresses chemical dependency issues prevalent among the jail population through group counseling, educational sessions, and peer support. Faith-based programming provides spiritual guidance and support through chaplaincy services and volunteer religious groups serving various denominations. Cognitive behavioral interventions help inmates develop decision-making skills, anger management techniques, and responsible thinking patterns. Re-entry planning services connect soon-to-be-released inmates with community resources including housing assistance, employment opportunities, and continuing treatment programs. These programs specifically serve the needs of Goodhue County residents by connecting participants with local service providers and support networks that will be available after release, increasing the likelihood of successful community reintegration.
Work assignments at Goodhue County Jail provide inmates with structured activities and opportunities to develop work skills while supporting facility operations. Eligible inmates with appropriate security classifications can work in various assignments including kitchen duties assisting with meal preparation and cleanup, laundry operations maintaining linens and inmate clothing, facility maintenance performing cleaning and minor repairs, and grounds keeping during suitable weather. These work assignments help maintain the facility while teaching inmates responsibility, time management, and work ethic. Inmates who participate in work programs may earn good time credits that can reduce their sentence length or improve their institutional standing. Work opportunities are assigned based on security classification, behavior, and facility needs, with medium-security inmates generally eligible for most institutional work assignments under appropriate supervision.
Goodhue County Jail has served the Red Wing Minnesota community's correctional needs for decades, though the exact founding date of the current facility is not definitively documented in available records. The jail evolved alongside Goodhue County's law enforcement and judicial systems as Red Wing developed from a Mississippi River town into a regional center. Like many Minnesota county jails, the facility has undergone modifications and operational updates over the years to meet changing correctional standards, population demands, and legal requirements. The current facility at 430 West 6th Street represents Goodhue County's commitment to maintaining local detention capabilities for its residents. Throughout its history, the jail has adapted to serve changing correctional philosophies, transitioning from purely punitive detention to incorporating rehabilitative programming and re-entry services. Today, Goodhue County Jail continues its essential role in the Minnesota correctional system by providing secure, humane detention for individuals charged with or convicted of crimes in Goodhue County while supporting public safety and inmate rehabilitation efforts.
Families wishing to visit inmates should first verify current Goodhue County Jail visiting hours by contacting the facility directly, as schedules may vary and are subject to change based on facility operations and security needs. Visitors must present approved government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport upon arrival. The facility maintains strict dress code requirements prohibiting revealing clothing, gang-related attire, and clothing resembling inmate uniforms. Visitors may need to complete a visitor registration process and be placed on the inmate's approved visitor list before their first visit. Scheduling procedures should be confirmed in advance, as some facilities require appointments while others operate on first-come, first-served basis during designated hours. Upon arrival, visitors proceed through entry screening including metal detectors and possible searches of personal belongings. Lockers may be available for storing prohibited items. Families traveling to Red Wing should plan adequate time for check-in procedures and confirm specific requirements before making the trip.
To send mail to an inmate at Goodhue County Jail, families must use the correct Goodhue County Jail mailing address format: inmate's full name, booking or ID number, Goodhue County Jail, 430 West 6th Street Red Wing, MN 55066. All incoming mail is inspected for security purposes, and prohibited items will be rejected. Correspondence should not contain cash, stamps, stickers, or other unauthorized enclosures. Books and magazines must typically come directly from approved publishers or vendors to ensure they have not been altered. Families can establish prepaid phone accounts to receive calls from inmates, as inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Some facilities also offer email messaging and video visitation services through contracted vendors, though availability at this specific facility should be confirmed. These communication options help families in Goodhue County and beyond maintain important connections with incarcerated loved ones throughout their detention period.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Goodhue County Jail maintains a solid safety record with zero reported staff assaults and operates at 52% capacity, reducing overcrowding stress on staff and inmates. As a medium security facility, it balances security with humane conditions. Families visiting should expect standard security procedures including ID verification and bag checks. Call ahead at the facility to confirm current visiting hours and any pandemic-related restrictions before planning your visit.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Red Wing, Minnesota is a historic river town located in southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River, approximately 50 miles southeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The area offers regional charm with nearby hotels and highway access via US Route 61 and Highway 63. Visitors traveling from the Twin Cities should plan approximately one hour drive time. Red Wing provides basic lodging and dining options for families requiring overnight stays, with the jail positioned conveniently downtown.