Corrections Department

About

Welcome. Have a tip? Call law enforcement/911 or the DOC 24-hour tip line at 651-603-0026. For general info, the DOC main line is 651-361-7200, 8-4:30.

Story

The commissioner of corrections, as the chief administrative officer of the department, is responsible for operation of adult and juvenile state correctional facilities; provision of probation, supervised release, and parole services; administration of the state Community Corrections Act; and provision of assistance and guidance on a statewide basis in the management of criminal justice programs and facilities.

Responsibilities of the commissioner of corrections in Minnesota are much broader than is typical of most other states. For example, Minnesota is one of fewer than a dozen states where the commissioner is responsible for both adult and juvenile facilities. The commissioner is responsible for determinations regarding the parole of first-degree murderers; in most states, this function is the responsibility of a separate parole board. The provision of probation and parole services is also a function of a separate agency in many states.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections was created in 1959 to consolidate state correctional functions into one agency. A service and regulatory agency, the department has a broad scope of activities and responsibilities.

The department currently operates ten correctional facilities including eight for adults and two for juveniles. For adult offenders, a five-level classification system reflects the necessary level of control for offenders classified in each designation. The department continues to plan for an increasing prison population, based on projections determined by the agency and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

Mission

Reduce recidivism by promoting offender change through proven strategies during safe and secure incarceration and effective community supervision.