Sheriff's Office FAQs
- How do I obtain a permit to carry a firearm in public?
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Find information on and an application to obtain permit to carry a handgun in public at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Pages/firearms-permit-to-carry.aspx
- How do I obtain a permit to purchase a firearm?
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The law regarding obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun has not changed.
To obtain a permit to purchase a handgun you must apply at the Sheriff's Office Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. You must be 21 years of age, a resident of Rice County and have a Minnesota driver's license confirming your Rice County address. The permit will be processed within seven days from the time you apply. The criminal history of each applicant is checked. A record of conviction for certain crimes will be cause for denial of a permit.
To obtain an application for the permit, visit https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/administrative/Pages/firearms-permit-to-purchase-transfer.aspx
- What if I have a hunter, snowmobile or ATV trespassing on my property?
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Trespass is the most frequent complaint landowners have against the recreational public. Always ask permission before entering private land.
Those who are trespassing are guilty of a misdemeanor, which is punishable by fines up to $1,000 and a sentence of 90 days in jail. If a landowner has a problem with trespassers, they should call the Sheriff's Office and a deputy or game warden will investigate the complaint.
To contact non-emergency 24-hour dispatch, call 507-334-4391 or toll free 866-727-5299. - What rules govern the use of ATV in Rice County?
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The use of ATVs in Rice County is governed by Minnesota State Statute 84.928 Operation Requirements; Local Regulation.
In Rice County is it unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle in county public rights-of-way from March 1 to Aug. 1. Find county ordinance 210 here.
- Does Rice County have an illegal drug problem?
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Any amount of illegal drug activity could be considered a problem but Rice County is no different than any other urban/rural county.
We are aware of the presence and are addressing the situation on multiple fronts. The Sheriff's Office has been an active participant and advocate of a two-pronged approach to combating the war on drugs: aggressive enforcement as well as early education of our youth to the dangers of drugs and other risky behaviors
Anyone suspecting illegal drug activity should call and ask to be directed to a Sheriff's drug investigator at 507-334-4391 or the toll-free anonymous tip line at 866-968-8477.
- How can I provide information on criminal activity?
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Contact Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-8477 or www.CrimeStoppersMN.org.
It provides a safe place for residents to provide anonymous information about crime and fugitives. It delivers your information to the proper authorities to investigate without revealing your identity. If the information you provide leads to a felony arrest, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
- How do I contact a witness/victim coordinator?
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Contact Melissa Evans
- What are the most common crimes in Rice County?
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The most common crimes in Rice County are property crimes such as burglary; theft; criminal damage to property; and issuance of worthless checks, which make up the majority of all reported crimes in the County. Rice County maintains a low crime rate and the Sheriff's Office has a traditionally high clearance rate.
To report a crime, contact the anonymous 24-Hour Tip Line of the Rice County Sheriff's Office at 1-866-968-8477.
- What if I have a hunter, snowmobile or ATV trespassing on my property?
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Trespass is the most frequent complaint landowners have against the recreational public
Always ask permission before entering private land. Those who are trespassing are guilty of a misdemeanor, which is punishable by fines up to $1000 and a jail sentence of 90 days. If a landowner has a concern about people trespassing on their land, all they need to do is to call the Rice County Sheriff's Office and a deputy or game warden will respond to investigate the complaint.
To contact non-emergency 24 Hour Dispatch Sheriff, call 507-334-4391, or toll-free 866-727-5299.
- How do I contact Investigations?
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Contact the Investigations Unit of the Rice County Sheriff's Office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 507-332-6024.
- What agencies/offices are located inside of the Rice County Law Enforcement Center?
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The Rice County Law Enforcement Center is located at 118 3rd Street NW in Faribault. The Law Enforcement Center is also known as the LEC and the Rice County Sheriff's Office. The LEC houses the following agencies/offices:
- Rice County Civil Process
- Rice County Community Corrections
- Rice County Emergency Management
- Rice County Investigations
- Rice County Jail
- Rice County Records Division
- Rice County Sheriff's Office
For more information, please call the Law Enforcement Center at: Faribault Phone: 507-334-4391, Northfield Phone: 507-645-9576, or Lonsdale Phone: 507-744-5185. - What are the Civil Process office hours?
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The office hours of the Civil Process Unit of the Rice County Sheriff's Office are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call Civil Process at 507-332-6009.
- Does the Rice County Jail differ from the Minnesota Correctional Facility or Faribault Prison?
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Yes, we are completely different and separate entities. The phone number for the Faribault Prison is 507-334-0700. For more information, please contact The Rice County Jail at 507-332-6021.
- What is "Huber Law"?
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"Huber Law" or work release allows a person sentenced to jail to work at their regular place of employment during their normal working hours but they must return to the jail during their non-working hours. This opportunity is available at the discretion of the court and the inmate must pay the County $20 per day for this privilege for those sentenced in Rice County. There is an up charge for those sentenced outside Rice County.
For more information, please contact the Jail at 507-332-6021. - What is "Pay for Stay"?
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Pay for Stay is a legislation which allows counties to charge a daily fee to convicted inmates. This daily fee, or per diem, is intended to offset some of the costs of incarceration. In December 2002, Rice County began charging $20 a day for inmate stays. In addition to the per diem rate, Rice County also bills the inmate for a booking fee of $10 and for reimbursement of any medical costs incurred while in custody. Unpaid invoices are submitted to a billing company for processing. Uncollected accounts are referred from there to a collection agency.
For more information, please contact the Jail at 507-332-6021.
- How do I contact a witness/victim coordinator?
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Contact
- How do I get a copy of a police or accident report?
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To obtain a copy of a police or accident report, stop by in person 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the:
Law Enforcement Center
118 3rd Street NW
Faribault, MN, 55021
Make a request by mail, or by phone at 507-332-6003.
Your insurance company can also request the report but we must have a signed authorization from you before any records may be released.
For more information, please call the Law Enforcement Center at Faribault Phone: 507-334-4391, Northfield Phone: 507-645-9576, or Lonsdale Phone: 507-744-5185. - How do I get an eviction started?
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To start the eviction process, you need to either stop by The Court Administrator's Office located at:
The Rice County Courthouse
218 3rd Street NW
Faribault, MN 55021
Or, call The Court Administrator's Office at 507-332-6107. - How do I receive a copy of my driving record?
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Local Law Enforcement Agencies are not allowed to provide driving records. You may obtain a copy through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division
- Where do I pay my traffic ticket?
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To pay a traffic ticket, either follow the instructions on the ticket or go to the Minnesota Court Payment Center. You can contact the Minnesota Payment Center by calling 1-800-657-3611, or visiting the
- Who do I contact to obtain a Restraining Order or an Order For Protection?
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To obtain a Restraining Order or an Order For Protection, you should contact one of the following:
The Court Administrator's Office
Rice County Courthouse
218 3rd Street NW
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone: 507-332-6107
Hope Center
1003 7th Street NW
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone: 507-332-0882 or the Toll Free Phone: 800-607-2330
- How do I contact a witness/victim coordinator?
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Contact
- How do I get enrolled in "Citizen Alert"
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Individuals with disabilities who need assistance can register by calling Jill Bondus at 507-451-8232.
You can enroll online at - How do I pick up found or recovered property?
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To pick up property stolen from you and recovered, you must call 507-332-6040 to make an appointment. Evidence and property release hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. No property or evidence will be released without proper authorization and prior appointment.
- How is contract policing different than having your own police department?
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With contracting you do not have a local police chief although deputies often work long-term within the respective contract communities. The Sheriff's Office provides the administrative and supervisory capacity that normally is the responsibility of the police chief. We feel this can offer an advantage by allowing for a uniformity of policies, procedures, training, and equipping of personnel. This reduces overhead and makes contracting more cost effective. The resources of a larger department also offer more flexibility with personnel issues. Contract cities are encouraged to form local police commissions to work with the Sheriff's office on local law enforcement issues.
For more information, please contact the Sheriff at 507-332-6034. - What are your fees for service?
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There are different fees for each type of process. For a complete list of fees, please view the
- What common court processes does the Sheriff's Office Civil Division help facilitate?
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For a complete list of common court processes, please visit the
- What types of surfaces are best for developing latent prints?
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Latent prints can be developed from a variety of surfaces using the proper technique but some of the easier surfaces to work with are clean, non-porous surfaces such as metal or glass.
For more information, please call Investigations at 507-332-6023. - When do I call 911?
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Please visit the