Data Practices Policies & Procedures

Minnesota Government Data Practices Act Information

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) regulates the management of government data that is collected, created, received or released by a governmental entity. The MGDPA can be found in Chapter 13 of Minnesota Statutes.

The Watonwan County Sheriff's Office has developed a Data Practices Policy and Procedures (PDF) and Records Maintenance Release Policy (PDF) to assist county personnel in managing county government data and responding to requests for data or information.  In order to receive data from the sheriff's office, you must complete the Data Request Form (PDF) and return the completed form to the sheriff's office.

Classification of Data on Individuals (PDF)

The MGDPA requires the county to prepare and post a list of the records or forms that include private or confidential data on individuals. These lists have been developed by each department within the county and are updated annually.