Minnesota Department of Corrections

06/12/2026

MCF-Shakopee’s Voices of Hope choir recently presented a concert that was both moving and healing while highlighting some of the impacts of domestic violence.

Under the direction of Amanda Weber, the choir performed a concert entitled The Strength Within, in partnership with Women's Advocates.

Immerse yourself in this impressive performance:

On April 19, 2026 at MCF-Shakopee, under the direction of Amanda We...

06/08/2026

Find your future in state government at the State of Minnesota Career Fair on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saint Paul College. Connect with people from the MN Department of Corrections (DOC), get one-on-one resume help and learn about different career paths. Register in advance to save time at the door: bit.ly/mn-career-fair

06/05/2026

MCF–Moose Lake held a Memorial Day ruck march to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Participants carried the American flag and the POW/MIA flag through the facility grounds. The march served as a solemn reminder of the purpose of Memorial Day and the responsibility to remember those who did not come home.

The event also highlighted the American Legion Post established at MCF–Moose Lake along with the Sons of the American Legion Squadron. These groups give incarcerated veterans and supporters a structured way to remain connected to service, honor military sacrifice, and contribute to something larger than themselves.

The ruck march was a meaningful Memorial Day observance and a strong example of service in action.

06/01/2026

Incarcerated individuals at MCF-Shakopee and Rush City recently took part in a national literary event with the Freedom Reads organization.

At each facility, there was a discussion session followed by the opportunity to cast a vote for the Inside Literary Prize, the nation’s only major book award judged entirely by people serving prison sentences. Later in the day, an author read and engaged with attendees.

Freedom Reads also installed libraries with 500 curated books in Shakopee’s living units, expanding meaningful access to literature.

“Our goal is to put one of these Freedom Reads libraries in every prison within every housing unit in every prison in America,” said Craig Gore with Freedom Reads.

WCCO attended the event at Shakopee. Learn more:

Created by Freedom Reads, a nonprofit organization in Connecticut, the Inside Literary Prize is the first major U.S. book award decided exclusively by incarcerated readers.

05/29/2026

Happening tomorrow in Minneapolis! Join Art from the Inside for Spoken Heart: From My Heart to Yours

Attendees will view work from incarcerated artists and learn about the stories behind each piece. They will also have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on art activity of their own, creating a postcard to send messages to the artists.

The free event is Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church 1200 South Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis.

Learn more:

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1200 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 May 30, 2026 / 1-4pm Spoken Heart: From My Heart to Yours Join us for Spoken Heart: From My Heart to Yours , a heart-centered creative experience. Guests are invited to view the powerful artwork featured in the

05/25/2026

Today, on Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

05/22/2026

Newspapers have long served as an important resource for what occurs in our communities. This holds true for the community within the walls of Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater. The Prison Mirror is the longest-running prison newspaper in the country, chronicling nearly 140 years of history and stories from the inside.

While MCF-Stillwater is slated to close in 2029, this iconic newspaper will likely continue publishing at another DOC facility.

KARE 11 visited the facility to learn about this unique publication:

Behind the walls of the Stillwater correctional Facility, four men are rapidly typing.

05/19/2026

DOC leaders held a virtual town hall May 14 to provide an update on the implementation of the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (MRRA). View here:

Commissioner Paul Schnell and key MRRA and DOC leaders provided updates on the implementation of the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act and answer...

05/18/2026

Join us for a virtual public hearing on the proposed 2911 Jail Standards Rule on May 28 at 9 a.m. This is an opportunity to share your feedback, ask questions, and participate in the rulemaking process. Access hearing details and participation instructions on our rulemaking website: https://mn.gov/doc/about/rulemaking/meetings.jsp

05/14/2026

Tonight! Virtual Town Hall: Minnesota Rehabilitation & Reinvestment Act (MRRA)

Join us at 6:30 p.m. for updates on the implementation of MRRA. Commissioner Paul Schnell and key MRRA and DOC leaders will provide important information and take part in a Q&A session.

To access the Town Hall, join at the following link. Passcode 369910.

https://doc-mn-us.zoomgov.com/j/1612528721?pwd=OLAY2cmUfyIGAsCQViKczHOr8mMWFQ.1