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Information on Minnesota State Agencies, Boards, Task Forces, and Commissions

Compiled by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library

Corrections Department

Also known as:
Minnesota Department of Corrections
DOC
Active dates:1959 -
Authority:
Minn. Stat. 241.01
1959 Minn. Laws Chap. 263 Sec. 1
Rule(s):
Minn. Rules Chapters 2900-2965
Function:

Administers correctional institutions in Minnesota, and conducts rehabilitation programs and crime and delinquency prevention programs.

History:

The Corrections Department was established by the legislature in 1959 (Laws 1959 c263), bringing together in one department the functions formerly performed by the independent Youth Conservation Commission, the Board of Parole, and the Corrections Division of the Department of Public Welfare. The Youth Conservation Commission continued within a Youth Conservation Division until 1973. The Board of Parole and Probations was replaced by the Adult Corrections Commission operating as part of the Division of Adult Corrections (also until 1973).

A service and regulatory agency, the department has a broad scope of activities and responsibilities. The department operates state correctional facilities for adults and juveniles; provides probation, parole, and supervised release services; provides subsidies to local units of government through the state Community Corrections Act for community-based corrections services; and provides services and assistance to victims of crimes.
Related to:
Parole Board
Agency heads:

Will Turnbladh (1959-1965)
Ray Lappengaard (1965-1966)
James Alexander (1966-1967)
Paul Keve (1967-1971)
David Fogel (1971-1973)
Kenneth Schoen (1973-1978)
Jack Young (1979-1982)
Orville Pung (1982-1993)
Frank Wood (1993-1996)
Gothriel La Fleur (1996-1999)
Sheryl Ramstad Hvass (1999-2003)
Joan Fabian (2003-2011)
Tom Roy (2011-2019)
Paul Schnell (2019- )
Internet resource:
Minnesota Management & Budget Agency Profile
Corrections Department
Reports:
Performance Reports (1993 - )
Corrections Retrospective 1959-1999 (December 1999)
Guide to Minnesota Department of Corrections (1999)
Note: The Legislative Reference Library may have additional reports on or by this group available through our catalog.
Documents/Articles:
State disputes ICE claim: '1,360 criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota's custody'. St. Paul Pioneer Press, 1/17/2026.
Minnesota sheriffs respond to vote of no confidence in DOC commissioner. Rochester Post-Bulletin, 12/29/2025.
Minnesota Sheriffs' Association criticizes state Department of Corrections. Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), 12/23/2025.
Minnesota Sheriffs' Association gives vote of no confidence in corrections commissioner. St. Paul Pioneer Press, 12/23/2025.
Swift County, Minnesota DOC sued over treatment of transgender girl in foster care. Minnesota Reformer, 12/10/2025.
In its time left, Stillwater prison is experimenting with a new housing model. Star Tribune, 12/2/2025.
Stillwater prison 2.0: The DOC is testing 'earned living units' prior to 2029 closure. St. Paul Pioneer Press, 11/21/2025.
Two years after law passed, Minnesota still lacks early prison release program. Star Tribune, 10/15/2025.
Hundreds of DWI cases in doubt after breathalyzer goof. Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), 10/13/2025.
Prison health care costs up significantly as Minnesota's incarcerated population ages. Star Tribune, 9/7/2025.
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Record last updated: 10/31/2025
 

Please contact a librarian with any questions. The Minnesota Agencies database is a work in progress.

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