You have the right to see data held by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension under a state law called the “Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.” That law directs the BCA to provide policies and procedures to tell you how to make a request and how the BCA will respond.
To help you understand what data the BCA keeps, a data inventory has been prepared.
As a member of the public, you have the right to see public data held by the BCA. Accessing Government Data tells you how to make that kind of request.
In addition, you have certain rights to see data about you. Accessing Data on Individuals tells you how to use those rights. Depending on your circumstances, you may use one of the following forms to make a request.
Data Request by Data Subject - Minnesota
Data Request by Data Subject - other state resident
Informed Consent for Release of Data - Minnesota
Informed Consent for Release of Data - other state resident
Data Request by Parent or Guardian
Data Request on Decedent
Data Request by an Organization
Data Request for Confidential Data
For information on how long the BCA retains data please see the following approved records retention schedules.
BCA Business Shared Services Schedule
BCA Forensic Science Services Schedule
BCA Investigations Schedule
BCA Minnesota Justice Information Services Schedule
BCA Training and Auditing Schedule
Important note: if you need a criminal background check, you need to follow the process described on the Criminal Background Check page.