Renville County Jail In Custody List offers live updates on individuals currently held at the Renville County Sheriff’s Office detention facility in Olivia, Minnesota. The list reflects all active bookings processed under Minnesota state laws, including Class C felonies like receipt of stolen property (Minn. Stat. § 609.53.1) and gross misdemeanor DWI charges (Minn. Stat. § 169A.20.1(2)). This public resource is updated hourly and provides verified data directly from the jail’s administrative system. Located at 104 South 4th Street, the single-story reinforced-concrete facility opened on June 15, 2008, and houses up to 72 inmates. Staffed by 14 correctional officers, two medical professionals, and three administrative personnel, the jail operates a 24-hour intake desk where health screenings and identification verification occur within the first 24 hours of arrival.
How to Use the Renville County Jail In Custody List
The online roster functions as a searchable database accessible 24/7. Users can locate an inmate by entering a booking number, full name (first or last), or date of birth into the search field. Results display the individual’s MNI (Minnesota National Identifier) number, gender, birth date, exact booking time, current charges, assigned bail amount, mugshot, bond eligibility status, projected release date, participation in jail programs, and any recorded disciplinary actions. A direct link to the county’s official bond payment portal is included for eligible inmates. The system supports partial name matches, making it easier to find records even with incomplete information.

Facility Overview and Operational Structure
Renville County Jail serves as the central holding facility for all arrests made within the county, whether by the Sheriff’s Office or local municipal police departments. The building spans one level and uses reinforced concrete for security and durability. It includes a limited recreation yard, secure mail processing, and medical evaluation rooms. All inmates undergo a mandatory health screening upon intake, including mental health assessments and substance use evaluations. Identification documents such as driver’s licenses, state IDs, or passports are collected and verified before processing. The jail does not house federal inmates or long-term state prisoners—only those awaiting trial, sentencing, or short-term holds under Minnesota jurisdiction.
Legal Framework and Common Charges
Bookings at Renville County Jail follow Minnesota statutes enforced by the Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Receipt of stolen property under Section 609.53.1 is classified as a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Operating a motor vehicle while impaired (DWI) under Section 169A.20.1(2) is treated as a gross misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, and a minimum 90-day driver’s license suspension. Other frequent charges include domestic assault, theft, drug possession, and probation violations. Each charge listed on the custody roster includes the relevant statute code for public reference.
Visitation, Communication, and Inmate Services
Family members and legal representatives can schedule visits by calling 320-523-1161 during business hours. The Inmate Handbook, available for download on the jail’s official website, outlines approved visitation times, dress code requirements, and rules regarding physical contact. Mail must be sent to Renville County Jail, 104 South 4th Street, Olivia, MN 56277, with the inmate’s full name and MNI number clearly marked. Commissary accounts allow inmates to purchase hygiene items, snacks, and phone time. Balance inquiries and fund deposits can be made via the county’s online portal or by phone. Grievance procedures are documented in the handbook and allow inmates to report concerns about medical care, safety, or treatment.

Bond Payments and Release Procedures
Bail amounts are set by judges during initial court appearances and appear on the custody list if applicable. Eligible inmates may post bond through the county’s secure online payment system linked directly from their roster profile. Cash, credit cards, and certified checks are accepted. Once payment is confirmed, release processing begins immediately, typically within one to two hours. Inmates not eligible for bond must remain in custody until their next court date. The jail does not negotiate bail amounts—all changes must be requested through the Renville County District Court.
Crime Statistics and Public Safety Context
According to the latest data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Renville County reported 18 violent crimes in the previous calendar year, resulting in a rate of 112 incidents per 100,000 residents. This places the county slightly below the state average, with a Z-score of –0.24. The Sheriff’s Office patrols 987 square miles, including 4.2 square miles of lakes, rivers, and wetlands, requiring specialized units such as marine patrol and K-9 teams. These statistics help contextualize the volume and nature of bookings reflected in the custody list.
Statewide Inmate Search Integration
While the Renville County Jail maintains its own real-time roster, users can also access inmate data through Minnesota’s statewide search portal, which aggregates records from all 87 counties. This system allows cross-jurisdictional checks and is useful for verifying transfers or confirming release status. However, for the most accurate and up-to-date information specific to Renville County, the local roster remains the primary source. Contact numbers for related services include 320-523-3600 for general inquiries and 320-523-1161 for administrative support.
Mugshot Requests and Media Inquiries
Requests for inmate mugshots must be submitted in writing to the Renville County Jail, Attention: Media Relations, at the physical address above. Include the inmate’s full name, booking date, and purpose of the request. Processing may take up to five business days. The jail does not release photos over the phone or via email due to privacy regulations. All media inquiries should be directed to the same address or called in during business hours at 320-523-3600.
Sheriff’s Office Coordination and Emergency Response
The Renville County Sheriff’s Office, headquartered at 105 South 5th Street, Suite 210, Olivia, MN 56277, oversees jail operations and field law enforcement. Emergency calls go to 911; non-emergency matters use 320-523-1161. The department operates five patrol vehicles, a K-9 unit, and a marine patrol boat to cover the county’s diverse terrain. All arrests feed into the jail’s booking system, ensuring the custody list remains current and accurate.
Program Scheduling and Post-Sentencing Intake
Inmates sentenced to jail time but not required to report immediately must schedule a housing appointment with the Program Department at (320) 523-3808. This applies to work-release participants, weekend sentence holders, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Failure to schedule may result in a bench warrant. The Inmate Handbook, downloadable from the jail’s website, contains detailed instructions on preparation, required documents, and arrival procedures.
Search Tools and Third-Party Resources
Several independent websites offer inmate lookup services for Renville County, including InmateSearcher and Jail Exchange. These platforms pull data from official sources but may experience delays. For real-time accuracy, always verify information through the county’s own roster. Direct contact for bond, visitation, or commissary questions is 320-523-1161. Email communication is available through a protected address listed on the jail’s official site to prevent spam.
Recent Updates and Community Transparency
On December 8, 2023, at 12:25 p.m., the Northwestern Minnesota News Facebook page published a custody update featuring recent Renville County Jail bookings, including names, charges, and bond amounts. This partnership with the Minnesota Department of Corrections enables real-time data sharing with local media, enhancing transparency. Such updates complement the official roster and help keep the public informed about local law enforcement activity.
Related Jurisdictions and Regional Comparisons
For users researching neighboring counties, inmate search tools are available for Garza West, Orange County, and Lynn Police records. These resources provide insight into regional custody practices but do not affect Renville County’s independent booking and release protocols. Each jurisdiction maintains separate databases, staffing models, and statutory interpretations.
Official Website: https://www.renvillecountymn.gov/sheriff/divisions/jail/index.php
Phone: 320-523-1161
Fax: 320-523-3801
Address: 104 South 4th Street, Olivia, MN 56277
Visiting Hours: See Inmate Handbook for current schedule
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about the Renville County Jail In Custody List, answered with clarity and accuracy based on current policies and public records.
How often is the Renville County Jail In Custody List updated?
The custody list refreshes every hour, ensuring near real-time accuracy. New bookings, releases, and status changes appear within 60 minutes of processing. This frequency supports transparency and helps families, attorneys, and researchers stay informed. The system pulls data directly from the jail’s administrative software, minimizing delays. Hourly updates also reflect changes in bond eligibility, charge modifications, and medical holds. Users can trust the timestamp on each entry to gauge freshness.
Can I search for an inmate using only a partial name?
Yes, the search function accepts partial names. Entering the first few letters of a last or first name returns all matching records. This feature helps when full spelling is unknown or names are common. Results display full names, booking dates, and charges to confirm identity. Partial searches do not affect accuracy but may return multiple entries. Always cross-check with birth date or MNI number if available.
What happens if an inmate cannot afford bail?
Inmates who cannot post bail remain in custody until their court appearance. Judges may review bail amounts at arraignment or through a motion hearing. Public defenders are available for eligible individuals. The jail provides access to legal resources and phone calls to attorneys. Release without bail is rare and typically requires judicial approval based on flight risk or public safety concerns.
Are mugshots public record in Renville County?
Yes, mugshots are considered public records once an individual is booked. They appear on the custody list and can be requested via mail. However, the jail does not distribute photos electronically to protect privacy. Media outlets may obtain them through formal requests. Expunged records or dismissed charges do not remove mugshots from historical archives due to Minnesota’s open records laws.
How do I add money to an inmate’s commissary account?
Deposits can be made online through the county’s secure payment portal linked from the inmate’s roster profile. Credit cards and electronic checks are accepted. Funds are available within one business day. Alternatively, call 320-523-1161 during business hours for assistance. Commissary purchases include food, toiletries, and phone time. Balances carry over if an inmate transfers or is released and later rebooked.
What should I bring when visiting an inmate?
Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID. Minors need birth certificates and adult supervision. Prohibited items include phones, bags, weapons, and outside food. Dress codes ban revealing clothing, gang symbols, or hats. All visits are non-contact and monitored. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Scheduling is required—walk-ins are not permitted.
Can I check if someone has been released without calling?
Yes, use the online custody list. Search by name or booking number. If no result appears, the person is likely released or never booked. The roster only shows current inmates. For confirmation, note the last seen booking date. Released individuals disappear from the list within one hour of exit. Third-party sites may lag, so always verify with the official source.
