Reporting Stalking to Minnesota Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Minnesota.
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Minnesota resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Minnesota's Harassment Restraining Order covers stalking by anyone, including a stranger, through civil court.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Minnesota State Patrol (find your local district)
Via dps.mn.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line
1-800-247-0390
Statewide help for crime victims, including referrals and emergency funds.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Minnesota — Statewide Agencies
Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety — Crime Victim Justice Unit
800-247-0390
Victim rights information and assistance navigating the criminal justice system.
dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp ↗Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board
651-201-7300
Toll-free 1-888-622-8799 · covers medical, counseling, and lost-wage expenses.
dps.mn.gov ↗Minnesota Safe at Home (Address Confidentiality Program)
Via Secretary of State
Helps survivors of stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault keep their address confidential.
sos.state.mn.us ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Minnesota.
Your District Court
Find yours via mncourts.gov
File a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) for stalking by anyone, or an Order for Protection (OFP) for a family or household member.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Restraining & Protective Orders in Minnesota
Harassment Restraining Order (HRO): a civil court order for stalking or harassment by anyone, regardless of your relationship to them.
Order for Protection (OFP): used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or other family or household member.
DANCO: if criminal charges are filed, a judge can also issue a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order as part of the criminal case.
Minnesota Judicial Branch
Online court forms and a self-help center for both HRO and OFP petitions.
mncourts.gov ↗Where to file
Your county District Court.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the Crime Victim Justice Unit.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your county District Court and ask for a Harassment Restraining Order petition.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition with the court.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary order quickly, often without the other party present.
- 5The order is served on the other party by law enforcement — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC)
1-844-880-1574
24/7, statewide — for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Child abuse or neglect (county-based)
Varies by county or Tribal Nation
Contact the child protection agency where the child lives — find yours via mn.gov/dhs.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Minnesota State Patrol (find your local district) | Via dps.mn.gov | Emergency |
| Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line | 1-800-247-0390 | Emergency |
| Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety — Crime Victim Justice Unit | 800-247-0390 | Statewide |
| Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board | 651-201-7300 | Statewide |
| Minnesota Safe at Home (Address Confidentiality Program) | Via Secretary of State | Statewide |
| Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) | 1-844-880-1574 | Specialized |
| Child abuse or neglect (county-based) | Varies by county or Tribal Nation | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Minnesota
How do I report stalking in Minnesota?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Minnesota?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Minnesota?
Harassment Restraining Order (HRO): a civil court order for stalking or harassment by anyone, regardless of your relationship to them. Order for Protection (OFP): used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or other family or household member. DANCO: if criminal charges are filed, a judge can also issue a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order as part of the criminal case.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Minnesota?
Filing fees vary by court in Minnesota, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Minnesota?
Yes — Minnesota has a crime victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. See the statewide agencies section of this guide for the contact.
What counts as stalking under Minnesota law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Minnesota, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Minnesota if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Minnesota?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Minnesota?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Minnesota reporting guide?
You can download the free Minnesota reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Minnesota-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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