10-212 - Administrative Subpoenas

Policy

The county attorney has the authority to subpoena records relevant to law enforcement investigations. Records may be obtained from telephone companies, utilities, chemical suppliers, hotels and motels and businesses engaged in transportation, storage and delivery. (Minn. Stat. §388.23)

Guidelines to utilize this Administrative Subpoena power for cases under investigation have been provided to the department by the Hennepin County Attorney. See the section titled Requests for Normal and After-Hours Administrative Subpoenas.

For Qwest Communications subpoena processing information, see section titled Qwest Communications Subpoenas, Search Warrants and Court Orders. 

• Investigation: A structured process of gathering, examining, and evaluating facts and evidence to determine what occurred, assess compliance with laws and policies, and support appropriate actions or decisions.
• Limited English Proficiency: Designates individuals whose primary language is not English and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. LEP individuals may be competent in certain types of communication (e.g. speaking or understanding), but still be LEP for other purposes (e.g. reading or writing). Similarly, LEP designations are context specific. An individual may possess sufficient English language skills to function in one setting, but may find these skills are insufficient in other situations.
• Search Warrant: A document issued by the Court authorizing the police to enter and search a person, premises, location or vehicle for purposes of evidence recovery.
• Subpoena: An official court order for an individual to appear in court. The Subpoena remains in effect until the case is over or the Issuing Authority excuses the individual under Subpoena.