The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office maintains a joint Police Records Division for the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and the Albert Lea Police Department. Requests for records can be made daily from 7:30 AM until 5 PM Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.  The Records Division is located:  

Freeborn County Government Center

411 South Broadway, PO Box 170

Albert Lea, MN. 56007

Phone: 507-377-5245

Inquiries regarding government data created, maintained or disseminated by the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office or the Albert Lea Police Department can be requested in writing to the Records Division, in person or by phone.

Requests regarding data clearly classified as “public” may be received and processed by the support staff in the Records Division. Disputes regarding release of data will be referred to the senior support staff or a supervisor.

Background checks can be performed for the public.  The fee in our office for the local background check is $10, payable in advance, and takes 10 days to complete.

Copies of sheriff’s office or police department reports can be obtained at the Records Division. Regular reports that can be released, and are under no further investigation, can be obtained for $.25 cents per page.  Accident reports can be obtained for $3.00.  Reports can be obtained for child custody hearings, Order for Protection and Harassment Order filings.  Reports reference an arrest can not be obtained until the subject has made their first appearance or per the City Attorney or County Attorney.

Gun Permits to Purchase or Carry can be obtained from the Records Division.  A Permit to Purchase form must be filled out and returned to the records section for processing.  If a previous permit is still in effect, that will suffice. There is no charge for a Gun Permit to Purchase.  A Permit to Carry needs a driver’s license, certificate of gun training and $100 fee.  Both permits take 7-10 days to complete. Background checks are completed on both types of permits.