Wisconsin Arrest Records

Wisconsin Public Records /Wisconsin Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Wisconsin?

Yes, arrest records in Wisconsin are generally considered public under the Wisconsin Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39), which gives citizens broad rights to access government records. This means that basic arrest information—including the individual’s name, date of arrest, arresting agency, and the charges filed—can typically be obtained by the public. Many sheriff’s offices and police departments in Wisconsin provide inmate rosters or daily arrest logs on their official websites, and county jails often publish booking information as part of their public access requirements.

However, there are important limitations. Records involving juveniles, sealed or expunged cases, medical or mental health information, and law enforcement records tied to active investigations are exempt from disclosure. Additionally, while arrest logs are public, comprehensive criminal history records are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), Crime Information Bureau (CIB). Access to these full background checks requires a formal request, fees, and sometimes subject consent. This balance ensures public accountability while protecting sensitive personal information and ongoing law enforcement efforts.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Wisconsin?

Access to arrest records in Wisconsin is primarily governed by the Wisconsin Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes §§ 19.31-19.39. This law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

The Wisconsin Public Records Law declares that providing citizens with information about government affairs is "an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of officers and employees." The law creates a presumption of complete public access to government records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.

Additional laws that impact access to arrest records include:

Wisconsin Statutes § 165.83, which establishes the criminal identification, records, and statistics requirements
Wisconsin Statutes § 165.84, covering fingerprint and criminal identification requirements
Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35, which outlines access to records and fees
Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36, detailing limitations on access and withholding

The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides guidance on implementing these laws through its Public Records Law Compliance Guide, which helps agencies and the public understand their rights and responsibilities regarding public records.

What Information Is Included in a Wisconsin Arrest Record?

Wisconsin arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records serve as official documentation of an arrest and generally include the following details:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Aliases or known nicknames
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Photograph (mugshot) taken during booking
Fingerprints collected during processing
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer information
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Incident report details
Booking information
Detention facility information
Case numbers and court information
Disposition of the case (if available)
Bail or bond information

Arrest records represent documentation of an arrest only, not a determination of guilt. The information in these records is collected at the time of arrest and may be updated as a case progresses through the criminal justice system.

Some sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records, particularly details that might compromise ongoing investigations or violate privacy protections established under Wisconsin law.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Wisconsin in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Wisconsin can be accomplished through several official channels in 2025. The process varies depending on whether you're seeking your own records or those of another individual.

For Personal Records:

Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau (CIB) Submit a request for your own criminal history record by completing the Wisconsin Criminal History Request Form.

Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
Phone: (608) 266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Local Law Enforcement Agencies Contact the specific police department or sheriff's office that made the arrest. Most agencies have records departments that process public records requests.
County Clerk of Courts Visit the clerk's office in the county where the arrest occurred to request court records related to the case.

For Third-Party Records:

Submit a Public Records Request File a formal request under Wisconsin's Public Records Law with the appropriate agency. Requests should:
- Be made in writing (though not legally required)
- Clearly identify the records sought
- Include contact information for response
Visit in Person Many agencies allow in-person requests at their public counters during business hours.
Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP) Access court records related to arrests through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website.

When requesting records, be prepared to provide:

The full name of the individual
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest
Location or jurisdiction of arrest
Case number (if available)

Processing times vary by agency and request volume, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Some agencies may require identification verification, particularly for personal records.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally, making the process more convenient for residents and researchers. These online options provide varying levels of detail and accessibility:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, commonly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records for the circuit courts in Wisconsin. While not specifically an arrest records database, it contains case information that often includes arrest details when charges have been filed.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator The Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator allows searches for individuals currently under DOC supervision or incarcerated in state facilities. This resource provides information about current status but may not include detailed arrest records.
County Sheriff's Office Websites Many county sheriff's offices maintain online inmate locators or arrest logs. These typically show recent arrests and may include booking photos. For example:
- Dane County Sheriff's Office Inmate Locator
- Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
Wisconsin Department of Justice Portal The Wisconsin Department of Justice offers an online criminal history background check service. This fee-based service provides official criminal history information, including arrest data.
Municipal Police Department Websites Larger city police departments often maintain online arrest logs or daily bulletins. Check the specific department's website for available resources.

When searching online, be aware of these considerations:

Information may be limited compared to official records requests
Some online systems may require registration or fees
Not all arrests appear in online databases, particularly older cases
Information accuracy should be verified through official channels

For the most comprehensive and accurate information, combining online searches with formal records requests often yields the best results.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's Public Records Law establishes a broad right of access to government records, including arrest records. However, different requesters may have different levels of access:

General Public Access

Any person may request access to arrest records under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, regardless of citizenship or residency status. Requesters do not need to state a reason for their request or identify themselves, though some agencies may require contact information to process the request.

Enhanced Access for Specific Entities

Certain organizations and individuals may have enhanced access to arrest records:

Criminal Justice Agencies Law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and corrections officials have complete access to criminal history information for official purposes.
Government Agencies State and federal agencies may access records for employment screening, licensing, and regulatory functions.
Employers and Licensing Bodies Organizations may access criminal history information for background checks, subject to limitations under Wisconsin's Fair Employment Act.
Attorneys Legal representatives may access records related to their clients' cases.
Research Organizations Academic and research institutions may access anonymized data for statistical analysis with appropriate agreements.

Restricted Access

Access is limited or prohibited in certain circumstances:

Juvenile Records Records pertaining to individuals under 17 years of age are generally confidential under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396.
Expunged or Sealed Records Records that have been legally expunged or sealed are not available to the general public.
Ongoing Investigations Records related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld.
Privacy Concerns Information may be redacted to protect privacy when disclosure would cause substantial harm.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides guidance on access rights through its Open Government Resource Center.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Wisconsin?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Wisconsin typically involves fees, which vary depending on the agency providing the records and the method of access. These fees are authorized under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3), which allows agencies to charge the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and mailing of records.

Standard Fee Structure

Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History Records
- $7.00 per name-based background check (online)
- $10.00 per name-based background check (mail request)
- $15.00 per fingerprint-based background check
County Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments Fees vary by jurisdiction but typically include:
- $0.15-$0.25 per page for photocopies
- $5.00-$15.00 for certified copies
- $10.00-$25.00 for photographs or digital media
Wisconsin Circuit Court Records (CCAP)
- Online access is free
- Printed court records: $1.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 plus $1.25 per page
County Clerk of Courts
- Regular copies: $1.25-$1.50 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 plus per-page costs
- Search fees: $5.00-$20.00 per name/case

Fee Waivers

Under Wisconsin law, agencies may waive or reduce fees when doing so is in the public interest. Requesters may ask for a fee waiver by explaining how disclosure primarily benefits the general public rather than the requester personally.

Payment Methods

Most agencies accept:

Cash (in-person requests only)
Personal checks
Money orders
Credit/debit cards (varies by agency)
Online payment systems (for digital requests)

When requesting records, it's advisable to inquire about applicable fees in advance. Some agencies require prepayment before processing requests, particularly for larger document sets or when mailing is required.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wisconsin

Wisconsin maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record and the maintaining agency. The state follows established records retention policies that balance public access rights with practical storage considerations.

State-Level Record Retention

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains criminal history records indefinitely for most serious offenses. These records are preserved in the Crime Information Bureau's database and include:

Felony arrests and convictions: Maintained permanently
Misdemeanor arrests and convictions: Typically maintained for at least 20 years
Non-conviction data (arrests without convictions): Generally maintained for at least 7 years

These retention periods are established under the Wisconsin Public Records Board's General Records Schedules and specific departmental schedules.

Local Agency Record Retention

Local law enforcement agencies follow retention schedules that may include:

Arrest reports: Typically maintained for 7-10 years
Booking photographs: Usually kept for the same duration as the corresponding arrest record
Fingerprint cards: Often maintained for the life of the individual
Incident reports: Generally kept for 7-10 years

Court Record Retention

The Wisconsin Court System maintains records according to Supreme Court Rule 72, which establishes the following retention periods:

Felony case files: 50 years after entry of final judgment
Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Traffic and ordinance violations: 5-8 years after entry of final judgment
Court records related to juvenile cases: Until the subject reaches age 25 or 10 years after the final entry, whichever is later

Digital records in the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system may be maintained indefinitely, though display policies limit public access to older, less serious cases after specified time periods.

Exceptions to Standard Retention

Certain categories of records may have different retention requirements:

Records related to homicide cases: Maintained permanently
Sexual offense records: Extended retention periods (often 75 years)
Cases of historical significance: May be preserved permanently
Expunged records: Removed from public access according to court order

The Wisconsin Historical Society may preserve certain criminal justice records of historical value beyond standard retention periods.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Wisconsin Arrest Records?

When accessing arrest records in Wisconsin, certain information is commonly redacted or restricted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and sensitive data. These redactions are authorized under various provisions of Wisconsin law, particularly Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36, which outlines specific limitations on access to public records.

Commonly Redacted Information

Personal Identifiers
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Personal phone numbers and email addresses
- Home addresses (in certain circumstances)
- Dates of birth (may be partially redacted)
Sensitive Case Information
- Information about confidential informants
- Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
- Juvenile information (names and identifying details)
- Sexual assault victim identities
- Child abuse victim information
- Medical and mental health information
- Information obtained through electronic surveillance
Law Enforcement Techniques
- Specific investigative methods
- Undercover officer identities
- Tactical response details
- Security procedures
Other Protected Information
- Information subject to attorney-client privilege
- Records protected by federal law (HIPAA, FERPA)
- Information that would endanger public safety if released
- Computer security information
- Trade secrets or proprietary information

Statutory Restrictions

Several specific Wisconsin statutes restrict access to certain types of records:

Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396: Restricts access to juvenile records
Wisconsin Statutes § 905.09: Protects identity of informers
Wisconsin Statutes § 165.79: Restricts access to certain crime laboratory information
Wisconsin Statutes § 950.04(1v)(ag): Protects victim privacy

Balancing Test

Wisconsin agencies apply a "balancing test" when considering whether to redact information not specifically protected by statute. This test weighs the public interest in disclosure against the public interest in nondisclosure. Factors considered include:

Potential harm to reputation
Privacy interests
Public safety concerns
Chilling effect on future investigations
Administrative burden of redaction

When requesting records, be aware that redactions will be noted in the documents provided, typically with citations to the legal basis for withholding the information.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law provides several mechanisms for sealing or expunging arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes can help individuals minimize the long-term impact of arrests, particularly in cases that did not result in conviction or involved youthful offenders.

Expungement of Records

Expungement in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, which allows for the expungement of certain records when:

Eligibility Requirements:
- The offense was committed before the age of 25
- The maximum penalty for the offense does not exceed 6 years (Class H felony or less)
- The person successfully completed their sentence
- The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
Process for Expungement:
- If expungement was ordered at sentencing, it occurs automatically upon successful completion of the sentence
- The individual must file a petition with the court if seeking expungement that wasn't ordered at sentencing
- Forms are available through the Wisconsin Court System website
Effect of Expungement:
- Court records are sealed from public view
- Records are removed from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system
- The case is noted as expunged in the criminal history database

Removal of DNA Samples

Under Wisconsin Statutes § 165.77, individuals may petition for the removal of DNA samples and records if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The conviction was reversed, set aside, or vacated
The charges were dismissed

Juvenile Record Confidentiality

Juvenile records are generally confidential under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396. Additionally:

Some juvenile records may be automatically sealed when the individual reaches age 17
Certain serious offenses may remain accessible

Record Removal for Non-Convictions

While Wisconsin does not have an automatic process for sealing records of arrests that did not lead to conviction, individuals may:

Petition the arresting agency to remove records from their systems
Request that the Wisconsin Department of Justice update criminal history records to reflect non-conviction outcomes
File a petition with the court to seal records in the interest of justice

Practical Steps

To pursue sealing or expungement:

Obtain complete copies of your criminal records from:
- Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau
- The arresting agency
- The county clerk of courts
Determine eligibility based on:
- Age at time of offense
- Nature and severity of charges
- Case outcome
- Time elapsed since completion of sentence
Prepare and file appropriate petitions with:
- The court that handled the original case
- The Wisconsin Department of Justice
- Local law enforcement agencies
Attend any required hearings

Legal assistance is highly recommended for navigating these processes. The State Bar of Wisconsin or local legal aid organizations can provide referrals to attorneys experienced in record sealing and expungement.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law places several important limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts. These restrictions aim to balance public access to information with protections against unfair discrimination based on arrest history.

Employment Limitations

Under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA), employers face significant restrictions:

Employers generally cannot ask about or consider arrest records unless charges are pending
Employers cannot discriminate based on arrest records that did not result in conviction
Even conviction records can only be considered if the offenses are "substantially related" to the specific job
Employers must individually assess the relationship between the conviction and job duties

These protections are enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Equal Rights Division.

Housing Limitations

Wisconsin housing providers face similar restrictions:

Housing discrimination based solely on arrest records is generally prohibited
Landlords may consider pending charges or convictions substantially related to tenancy
The Wisconsin Open Housing Law provides additional protections

Licensing and Credentialing

Professional licensing bodies in Wisconsin:

Must follow the "substantial relationship" test when considering arrests and convictions
Cannot deny licenses based solely on arrest records without convictions
Must provide written reasons for denial based on criminal records
Must allow applicants to present evidence of rehabilitation

Commercial Background Checks

Companies providing background checks must comply with:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Wisconsin's Consumer Credit Transaction law
Requirements to ensure accuracy and completeness of records
Obligations to provide notice before taking adverse actions

Additional Protections

Ban the Box Provisions: Some Wisconsin municipalities have "ban the box" ordinances that prohibit asking about criminal history on initial job applications.
Expunged Records: Wisconsin law prohibits discrimination based on expunged records, which should not be disclosed or considered.
Private Use Restrictions: Using arrest records to blackmail, harass, or intimidate individuals is prohibited and may constitute criminal conduct.
Data Privacy Considerations: Organizations maintaining databases of arrest information must comply with data security and privacy requirements.

Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly used may file complaints with:

Organizations and individuals should consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with these complex and evolving limitations on the use of arrest records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Wisconsin

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Information Bureau
17 West Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice

State Department of Corrections

Wisconsin Department of Corrections
3099 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 240-5000
Wisconsin Department of Corrections

State Court System

Wisconsin Court System
110 East Main Street, Suite 215
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-1880
Wisconsin Court System

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP)
Online access to court records
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

Attorney General's Office

Wisconsin Department of Justice - Attorney General's Office
17 West Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-1221
Wisconsin Attorney General's Office

County Sheriff's Offices

Dane County Sheriff's Office
115 West Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6800
Dane County Sheriff's Office
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
821 West State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4766
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
Waukesha County Sheriff's Department
515 West Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7122
Waukesha County Sheriff's Department
Brown County Sheriff's Office
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920) 448-4200
Brown County Sheriff's Office
Racine County Sheriff's Office
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3100
Racine County Sheriff's Office
Kenosha County Sheriff's Department
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 605-5100
Kenosha County Sheriff's Department
Rock County Sheriff's Office
200 East US Highway 14
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 757-8000
Rock County Sheriff's Office
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
320 South Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5000
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office
4311 Jackson Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 236-7300
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office
Marathon County Sheriff's Office
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
(715) 261-1200
Marathon County Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments

Milwaukee Police Department
749 West State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 933-4444
Milwaukee Police Department
Madison Police Department
211 South Carroll Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-4275
Madison Police Department
Green Bay Police Department
307 South Adams Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-3200
Green Bay Police Department
Kenosha Police Department
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 656-1234
Kenosha Police Department
Racine Police Department
730 Center Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 635-7700
Racine Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Wisconsin

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Milwaukee Field Office
3600 South Lake Drive
St. Francis, WI 53235
(414) 276-4684
FBI Milwaukee

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Room 384
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 297-3707
U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. Courts – PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Online access to federal court records
(800) 676-6856
PACER