Access Stevens County Background Check Records
Stevens County background check records are available through the statewide BCA criminal history database, the Stevens County District Court in Morris, and the county Sheriff's Office. Located in west-central Minnesota, Stevens County is a rural county with a small population but maintains the same public record systems as all other Minnesota counties. Criminal history data, court filings, and DOC supervision records are all open to the public. This guide explains where each type of record is held, how to search online, and what to do when you need a certified copy or in-person access.
Stevens County Overview
BCA Criminal History Search
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains Minnesota's statewide criminal history database, free to search at chs.state.mn.us. Stevens County arrests and convictions are reported into this system by the Sheriff's Office and courts. Minnesota Statute 13.87 keeps conviction records public for 15 years after discharge. Arrest data is public under Statute 13.82. The search is free, requires no account, and works by name and date of birth. Records sealed under Statute 609A will not appear in public results.
The BCA database is the best first step for any Minnesota criminal history search. It covers all 87 counties in a single query. For certified results, you need to contact the BCA by mail with a $15 fee.
The BCA Public Criminal History portal is shown below and covers Stevens County along with every other Minnesota county.
Searches return results quickly. Certified records take about two weeks when ordered by mail.
Stevens County District Court
Stevens County District Court is located at 400 Colorado Avenue, Morris, MN 56267. The clerk's office number is 320-208-6600. The court is part of the 8th Judicial District and handles criminal, civil, family, and probate matters for the county. Court records are public by default unless sealed by a judge. Staff can help you look up case files, confirm hearing dates, and retrieve docket information. In-person visits are the most direct way to access full case documents. Copy fees apply for printed records.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 Colorado Avenue, Morris, MN 56267 |
| Phone | 320-208-6600 |
| Website | mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Stevens.aspx |
| Judicial District | 8th Judicial District |
| Case Types | Criminal, civil, family, probate |
The Minnesota Judicial Branch directory lists Stevens County court contact info and hours.
Call ahead before visiting to confirm current hours and any scheduling changes.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
MCRO at mncourts.gov/access-case-records/mcro provides free remote access to Stevens County court case data. You can search criminal and civil cases by name or case number without driving to Morris. The system shows case status, charges, and disposition information. Sealed records and juvenile matters are excluded from public results. MCRO is convenient for rural counties like Stevens where the courthouse may be far from where you live. Searches are free and instant.
MPA Remote Access
MPA Remote at pa.courts.state.mn.us is a second statewide court access system that covers case calendars and records. For Stevens County, checking both MCRO and MPA Remote gives the most complete picture of someone's court history. Both tools are free and do not require login for basic public access. MPA Remote is particularly helpful for checking upcoming hearing schedules and active case calendars in the county.
Stevens County Sheriff's Office
The Stevens County Sheriff's Office is located at 600 E 5th Street, Morris, MN 56267. The main number is 320-589-3141. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in unincorporated areas of the county and operates the county jail. Under Minnesota Statute 299C.10, the Sheriff is required to fingerprint individuals arrested for qualifying offenses and send that data to the BCA. This keeps the statewide criminal history database current with local Stevens County arrest activity as cases develop.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 600 E 5th Street, Morris, MN 56267 |
| Phone | 320-589-3141 |
| Jurisdiction | Unincorporated Stevens County and county jail |
| Fingerprint Reporting | To BCA per Statute 299C.10 |
Contact the Sheriff's Office directly for record requests. Some records may require a formal written Data Practices Act request. Call ahead to confirm what is needed.
DOC Offender Locator
The Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Locator at coms.doc.state.mn.us/PublicViewer is free and open to the public. It shows current custody and supervision status for anyone under DOC oversight in the state, including individuals with ties to Stevens County. You can search by name or DOC number. Results show facility location, supervision type, and status. Minnesota Statute 243.166 requires predatory offenders to register with local law enforcement and keep their address current, which supports accurate public record systems statewide.
The DOC Offender Locator is a key tool when checking someone's supervision status.
Results update regularly. Both name and DOC number searches are available.
Minnesota Data Practices Act
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act makes most government records accessible to the public on request. Criminal justice data, including arrests and court dispositions, is public by default. To request records from Stevens County, contact the Sheriff's Office or court clerk and submit a written request. Agencies must respond within ten business days. Records classified as private or confidential, such as juvenile case files or protected investigative materials, cannot be released. If you believe a denial is improper, you may appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings.
BCA Mail Requests
Certified criminal history records from the BCA can be ordered by mail. Write to Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, 1430 Maryland Avenue E, St. Paul, MN 55106. Include the full legal name and date of birth of the subject, and attach a $15 check or money order payable to the BCA. For questions, call 651-793-2400. Processing takes about two weeks. Certified records provide official documentation of a criminal history search, which is more authoritative than the free public online results. This option is available for anyone seeking records on a subject with ties to Stevens County.
Communities in Stevens County
Stevens County includes Morris, Cyrus, Donnelly, and other small communities. None currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. Records for all Stevens County communities can be searched using the county and state resources listed above.
Nearby Counties
Stevens County is bordered by several west-central Minnesota counties, each maintaining their own court and law enforcement records.