Free Wisconsin Arrests, Criminal, Probation, & Warrant Records

Free Wisconsin Arrest Records & Criminal Records Search
Access Wisconsin Records: background checks, warrants, probation and parole, court records, and all criminal and arrest records.

Search Wisconsin criminal records through official channels quickly and efficiently.

Whether you’re searching for Wisconsin arrest records, mugshots, criminal records, probation and parolee information, arrest warrants, sex offenders, or seeking a background check report, this information is readily accessible to the public once you know what to look for.

Begin the search and find the information you seek by following the resources and links in this article.

Are Criminal & Arrest Records Publicly Available in Wisconsin?

Statute 19.35 within the Wisconsin State Legislature states that criminal records are publicly accessible, and anyone has the right to inspect, copy, and receive copies of records.

The steps for finding free Wisconsin state records offer detailed information on obtaining various types of public records, while the information below is geared towards arrest and criminal record information.

No matter what’s what’s being searched for, it’s important to keep in mind that under the Wisconsin Department of Justice Statute Chapter 165.82, there will be a criminal history search fee for most type of record checks.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. As outlined under Wisconsin Statute 938.396, juvenile records must be kept separate from adult records and will not be accessible to the public.1 Additionally, other records that have been sealed or expunged will not be publicly accessible.

Other statutes and agencies like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) limit the reporting of criminal background checks, both of which will be covered in depth below.

Arrest Records vs Criminal Records Searches: Explained

Even though criminal and arrest records may be similar, they have apparent differences that are important to be aware of.

Wisconsin arrest records will show details, including whether an individual was arrested, taken into custody, held for investigation, and whether or not they were indicted for any offense.2 These results will be more limited and, in some cases, will only show suspicion that a crime was committed without proof of guilt.

On the other hand, a criminal record will always provide significantly more information, including arrest details which will find out someone’s charges in jail, the case outcome, information on sentencing and jail admissions, and information on probation or parolee databases.

To go even further, these records will also show historical data making them a useful tool to check if someone has a criminal record from years ago.

Simply put, criminal records provide much more information after the arrest occurred, and arrest records simply find out if someone is in custody, and helps individuals find out what someone was arrested for.

How To Run a Free Wisconsin Arrest Records Search To See Who’s in Jail, Mugshots & the Reason for Detainment

There are different ways to find out if someone was arrested in Wisconsin, from searching WI county jail inmate records to directly contacting the county sheriff’s office by phone. The first step to determine who’s in jail is to find out where the arrest occurred.

Then check county jails and the sheriff’s office’s inmate search tools, when applicable, as these often show daily arrest reports for free.

To find out if someone is in jail, it’s of utmost importance to consider where they were arrested and to have their legal first and last name.

Look Up Arrests in Wisconsin Through County Jails’ Online Inmate Rosters & the County Sheriff’s Offices

When the county where the arrest occurred is known, an effective way to look up Wisconsin arrest records is by using the county jail inmate search tool, if applicable, or by contacting that county’s sheriff’s office.

The table below lists every Wisconsin’s County sheriff’s office inmate search tools if they have one, their contact information, the jail’s contact if it’s any different, and an X or ✓ to indicate whether or not they display mugshots:

County Inmate Search Tool or Contact Page County Jail or Sheriff’s Office Phone Number Shows Mugshots?
Adams County County Jail: 608-339-4239
Sheriff’s Office: 608-339-3304
X
Ashland County County Jail:  715-682-7050
Sheriff’s Office: 715-685-7640
X
Barron County County Jail: 715-537-5559
Sheriff’s Office: 715-537-3106
Bayfield County County Jail: 715-373-6117
Sheriff’s Office: 715-373-6120
X
Brown County County Jail: 920-448-4250
Sheriff’s Office: 920-448-4200
Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office: 608-685-4433 X
Burnett County County Jail: 715-349-2128
Sheriff’s Office: 715-349-2121
Calumet County County Jail: 920-849-1447
Sheriff’s Office: 920-849-2335
X
Chippewa County County Jail: 715-726-7704
Sheriff’s Office: 715-726-7712
X
Clark County County Jail: 715-743-5380
Sheriff’s Office: 715-743-3157
X
Columbia County County Jail: 608-742-6476
Sheriff’s Office: 715-743-3157
X
Crawford County County Jail: 608-326-8414
Sheriff’s Office: 608-326-0241
X
Dane County Sheriff’s Office: 608-284-6800
Dodge County County Jail: 920-386-3734
Sheriff’s Office: 920-386-3726
X
Door County County Jail: 920-746-5652
Sheriff’s Office: 920-746-2400
X
Douglas County County Jail: 715-395-1375
Sheriff’s Office: 715-374-2615
Dunn County County Jail: 715-232-2220
Sheriff’s Office: 715-232-1348
X
Eau Claire County County Jail: 715-839-4702
Sheriff’s Office: 715-839-4709
X
Florence County Sheriff’s Office: 715-528-3346 X
Fond du Lac County County Jail: 920-929-3394
Sheriff’s Office: 920-929-3390
X
Forest County County Jail: 715-478-3390
Sheriff’s Office: 715-478-3331
X
Grant County County Jail: 608-723-6372
Sheriff’s Office: 608-723-2157
X
Green County County Jail: 608-328-9430
Sheriff’s Office: 608-328-9400
X
Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office: 920-294-4059 X
Iowa County Sheriff’s Office: 608-930-9500 X
Iron County Sheriff’s Office: 715-561-3800 X
Jackson County County Jail: 715-284-5357
Sheriff’s Office: 715-284-5357
X
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: 920-674-7310 X
Juneau County County Jail: 608-847-9419
Sheriff’s Office: 608-847-5649
X
Kenosha County County Jail: 262-605-5800
Sheriff’s Office: 262-605-5100
Kewaunee County County Jail: 920-388-7157
Sheriff’s Office: 920-388-3100
X
La Crosse County County Jail: 608-785-9630
Sheriff’s Office: 608-785-9629
X
Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office: 608-776-4870 X
Langlade County County Jail: 715-627-6444
Sheriff’s Office: 715-627-6411
X
Lincoln County County Jail: 715-536-6275
Sheriff’s Office:715-536-6272
Manitowoc County County Jail: 920-683-4228
Sheriff’s Office: 920-683-4200
X
Marathon County County Jail: 715-261-1700
Sheriff’s Office: 715-261-1200
Marinette County County Jail: 715-732-7630
Sheriff’s Office: 715-732-7600
X
Marquette County Sheriff’s Office: 608-297-2115 X
Menominee County Sheriff’s Office: 715-799-3357 X
Milwaukee County Adult Jail: 414-226-7070
Sheriff’s Office: 414-278-4788
Monroe County County Jail: 608-269-8759
Sheriff’s Office: 608-269-2117
X
Oconto County County Jail: 920-834-6918
Sheriff’s Office: 920-834-6900
X
Oneida County County Jail: 715-361-5180
Sheriff’s Office: 715-361-5100
X
Outagamie County County Jail: 920-832-5266
Sheriff’s Office: 920-832-5605
X
Ozaukee County County Jail: 262-284-8446
Sheriff’s Office: 262-284-7172
Pepin County Inmate Information: 715-672-7242
Sheriff’s Office: 715-672-5944
X
Pierce County County Jail: 715-273-1124
Sheriff’s Office: 715-273-5051
Polk County County Jail: 715-485-8370
Sheriff’s Office: 715-485-8300
X
Portage County County Jail: 715-346-1259
Sheriff’s Office: 715-346-1400
X
Price County County Jail: 715-339-4116
Sheriff’s Office: 715-339-3011
Racine County County Jail: 262-636-3929
Sheriff’s Office: 262-886-9465
Richland County County Jail: 608-647-8906
Sheriff’s Office: 608-647-2106
X
Rock County Sheriff’s Office: 608-757-8000 X
Rusk County Sheriff’s Office: 715-532-2200
Sauk County County Jail: 608-355-3210
Sheriff’s Office: 608-356-4895
Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office: 715-634-4858
Shawano County Sheriff’s Office: 715-526-7905 X
Sheboygan County County Jail: 920-459-3127
Sheriff’s Office: 920-459-3111
X
St. Croix County County Jail: 715-386-4752
Sheriff’s Office: 715-381-4320
X
Taylor County County Jail: 715-748-1431
Sheriff’s Office: 715-748-2200
X
Trempealeau County County Jail: 715-538-2311 ext. 452
Sheriff’s Office: 715-538-2311
Vernon County County Jail: 608-638-5780
Sheriff’s Office: 608-637-2123
X
Vilas County County Jail: 715-479-0628
Sheriff’s Office: 715-479-4441
X
Walworth County County Jail: 262-741-4510
Sheriff’s Office: 262-741-4400
Washburn County County Jail: 715-468-4720
Sheriff’s Office: 715-468-4700
X
Washington County Sheriff’s Office: 262-335-4378 X
Waukesha County County Jail: 262-548-7170
Sheriff’s Office: 262-548-7117
X
Waupaca County County Jail: 715-256-4545
Sheriff’s Office: 715-258-4466
X
Waushara County County Jail: 920-787-6591
Sheriff’s Office: 920-787-3321
X
Winnebago County County Jail: 920-232-1919
Sheriff’s Office: 920-727-2888
X
Wood County County Jail: 715-421-8730
Sheriff’s Office: 715-421-8700
X

While the most effective first step when wanting to find daily arrests is utilizing the county jail search features, looking into city jails can also be helpful. City jails may hold individuals for up to 24 hours before transferring them to a county jail.

Wisconsin has no city jails; instead, 36 facilities are run by the state. The most updated National Institute of Corrections census states there are 76 jails in 72 counties.3

If all else fails, employ the services of a bail bondsman to help find out who’s in jail.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail & Get Ahold of an Arrestee in Wisconsin

Due to the fact that each jail has slightly different processes and rules when it comes to visiting inmates, it’s best to contact the facility directly or access visitation information on their websites which are listed in the table above. By doing this, it can be assured that the most up-to-date information is obtained.

From the sheriff’s website, navigate to the county jail section to view updated information on their visitation policies. Another option would be to call the sheriff’s office or county jail for guidance. Again, these phone numbers can also be found above.

Like the differing policies for visitation, some jails may have slightly different policies for bail. Because of this, it is also recommended to check out the county jail or sheriff’s office website for information on how to bail someone out.

To simplify things, it’s always possible to hire a bail bondsman to help navigate the process of posting bail.

How To Retrieve Wisconsin Criminal Records (WI Criminal History Search Options)

Wisconsin criminal records are stored at the local county courthouse, so contacting the county Clerk of Court would be an effective way to obtain these records.

Wisconsin also has a statewide search feature through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access. This search is free and provides a lot of valuable information on a case and individual.

Finally, someone can request a background check through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Online Record Check System. Background checks in Wisconsin are covered in detail later below.

Find Criminal Records Through the Counties’ Clerk of Courts (Wisconsin)

Contacting the county’s Clerk of Court is an effective first step for obtaining older criminal records.

While most counties within Wisconsin do not have a criminal history record search database, each county provides instructions on requesting records in person at the courthouse.

The table below depicts a complete list of the 72 different county Clerk’s Offices, including both the physical address and the county website:

County Courts for Criminal Record Searches

County Courthouse Address

Adams County 401 Adams St, Suite 6,
Friendship, WI 53934-0200
Ashland County 201 Main St W
Ashland, WI 54806-1652
Barron County 1420 State Hwy 25 N
Barron, WI 54812-3006
Bayfield County 117 E 5th St, PO Box 536
Washburn, WI 54891-0536
Brown County 100 S Jefferson St, PO Box 23600
Green Bay, WI 54305-3600
Buffalo County 407 2nd St S
Alma, WI 54610-9753
Burnett County 7410 Co Rd K #115
Siren, WI 54872-9043
Calumet County 206 Court St
Chilton, WI 53014-1198
Chippewa County 711 N Bridge St
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-1876
Clark County 517 Court St
Neillsville, WI 54456-1904
Columbia County 400 DeWitt St, PO Box 587
Portage, WI 53901-0587
Crawford County 220 N Beaumont Rd
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-1405
Dane County 215 S Hamilton St
Madison, WI 53703
Dodge County 210 W Center St
Juneau, WI 53039-1091
Door County 1209 S Duluth Ave
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Douglas County 1313 Belknap St
Superior, WI 54880-2769
Dunn County 615 Stokke Pkwy Ste 1300
Menomonie, WI 54751
Eau Claire County 721 Oxford Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54703-5481
Florence County 501 Lake Ave, PO Box 410
Florence, WI 54121-0410
Fond du Lac County 160 S Macy St
Fond du Lac, WI 54935-4241
Forest County 200 E Madison St
Crandon, WI 54520-1414
Grant County 130 W Maple St
Lancaster, WI 53813
Green County 2841 6th St
Monroe, WI 53566
Green Lake County 571 County Road A
Green Lake, WI 54941-3188
Iowa County 222 N Iowa St
Dodgeville, WI 53533-1548
Iron County 300 Taconite St
Hurley, WI 54534-1546
Jackson County 307 Main St
Black River Falls, WI 54615-0609
Jefferson County 311 S Center Ave
Jefferson, WI 53549
Juneau County 200 Oak Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Kenosha County 912 56th St
Kenosha, WI 53140-3736
Kewaunee County 613 Dodge St
Kewaunee, WI 54216-1398
La Crosse County 333 Vine St
La Crosse, WI 54601-3296
Lafayette County 626 Main St
Darlington, WI 53530-1396
Langlade County 800 Clermont St
Antigo, WI 54409-1985
Lincoln County 1110 E Main St
Merrill, WI 54452-2579
Manitowoc County 1010 S 8th St, PO Box 2000
Manitowoc, WI 54221-2000
Marathon County 500 Forest St
Wausau, WI 54403-5568
Marinette County 1926 Hall Ave
Marinette, WI 54143-1717
Marquette County 77 W Park St, PO Box 749
Montello, WI 53949-0749
Menominee County W3269 Courthouse Ln, PO Box 279
Keshena, WI 54135-0279
Milwaukee County 901 N 9th St
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1425
Monroe County 112 S Court St
Sparta, WI 54656-1765
Oconto County 301 Washington St
Oconto, WI 54153-1621
Oneida County 1 S Oneida Ave, PO Box 400
Rhinelander, WI 54501-0400
Outagamie County 320 S Walnut St
Appleton, WI 54911-5918
Ozaukee County 1201 S Spring St, PO Box 994
Port Washington, WI 53074-0994
Pepin County 740 7th Ave W, PO Box 39
Durand, WI 54736-0039
Pierce County 414 W Main St
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Polk County 1005 W Main St
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Portage County 1516 Church St
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3598
Price County 126 Cherry St
Phillips, WI 54555-1249
Racine County 730 Wisconsin Ave
Racine, WI 53403-1238
Richland County 181 W Seminary St, PO Box 655
Richland Center, WI 53581-0655
Rock County 51 S Main St – 5th Fl
Janesville, WI 53545-3978
Rusk County 311 Miner Ave E
Ladysmith, WI 54848-1862
Sauk County 515 Oak St
Baraboo, WI 53913-2496
Sawyer County 10610 Main Suite 244
Hayward, WI 54843-6586
Shawano County 311 N Main St
Shawano, WI 54166-2198
Sheboygan County 615 N 6th St
Sheboygan, WI 53081-4692
St. Croix County 1101 Carmichael Rd
Hudson, WI 54016-7710
Taylor County 224 S Second St
Medford, WI 54451-1899
Trempealeau County 36245 Main St, PO Box 67
Whitehall, WI 54773-0067
Vernon County 400 Courthouse Square, Suite 115
Viroqua, WI 54665-1553
Vilas County 330 Court St
Eagle River, WI 54521
Walworth County 1800 County Rd NN, PO Box 1001
Elkhorn, WI 53121-1001
Washburn County 10 Fourth Ave, PO Box 339
Shell Lake, WI 54871-0339
Washington County 432 E Washington St, PO Box 1986
West Bend, WI 53095-1986
Waukesha County 515 W Moreland Blvd
Waukesha, WI 53188-2428
Waupaca County 811 Harding St
Waupaca, WI 54981-2087
Waushara County 209 S Saint Marie St, PO Box 508
Wautoma, WI 54982-0508
Winnebago County 415 Jackson St, PO Box 2808
Oshkosh, WI 54903-2808
Wood County 400 Market St, PO Box 8095
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-8095

Run a Statewide Criminal Record Search via Wisconsin’s Circuit Court Access (WCCA) System

There is a statewide online directory through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) that is used to search all counties at one time easily.

This online database was established in 1999 to provide greater public access to government records per Wisconsin’s Open Records Law and as part of the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP).

The advanced case search would be most beneficial when looking for Wisconsin criminal records because someone can filter the results by case type compared to the simple search that does not allow this filter.

The last name is the only required input to get results. Remembering that common last names may populate too many results is important. Therefore a first name would be required to narrow the search.

A screenshot from Wisconsin Circuit Court Access' advance case search requires the searcher to input the following: party name, BOD, business name, county, and case number; the department logo is at the top left corner.
Source: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access11

Someone can filter by county or search the entire state. If the case is closed, information relating to the outcome of the case will populate, including the charges, specifics of the court records, any notes taken, and more.

If the case is open, the search will explicitly state that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but more information will come up after clicking “view case details.”

A screenshot of the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access showing the search results displaying the inmate's case summary, including filling date, case type, status, defendant DOB, address, branch ID, and DA case number also included the charge descriptions; the department logo is at the top left corner of the page.
Source: Wisconsin Circuit Court Access12

If there are any issues or hiccups while using the tool, the frequently asked question page has additional insight

How To Obtain Copies of Your Own Criminal Record in Wisconsin

Individuals requesting criminal records can do so directly through the Wisconsin State Patrol Open Records. There are nine designated records custodians based on the region for the Wisconsin State Patrol. Navigate to the above website to find the record coordinator in the desired area.

Screenshot of the outlined map of Wisconsin highlighting its nine region custodians: Spooner Post, Eau Claire Post, Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, Tomah Post, DeForest Post, Division Headquarters, Wausau Post, Fond du Lac Post and Waukesha Post with the Wisconsin State Patrol logo at the top left corner.
Source: Division of State Patrol13

For additional ways to obtain criminal records in Wisconsin, contact the Clerk of Court or the county’s sheriff’s department. To do this, contact the specific county using the court and sheriff’s office phone numbers in the table above for more information.

How To See If Someone Is on Probation or Parole in Wisconsin

Parole and probation search information can be obtained through the Wisconsin Department of Correction for those who served time in state prison.

Those serving time through parole or probation will be listed as “Active Community Supervision” and have a list of specific rules of supervision they must follow.4

To illustrate just how many people are on probation and parole, the following image shows the combined total of probationers and parolees in Wisconsin, along with their ethnicities.

Furthermore, these totals are also compared to the number of individuals on community supervision (including probation and parole) in other states across the United States.

An image shows the total number of probationers and parolees in Wisconsin, compares it with other states across the United States, and showcases the ethnicities of individuals on community supervision in Wisconsin, including probation and parole.
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics

It’s valuable to keep in mind that there are some notable differences between parole and probation. Parole usually means released from prison and is assigned to those who committed major offenses. On the other hand, probation is set for someone who has served little to no time in jail and was convicted of a minor offense or misdemeanor.

Another way to determine if someone is on parole in Wisconsin or to see who’s serving probation in WI would be to contact the assigned Probation & Parole Agent.

This information can be found by contacting the local Division of Community Corrections Office or the Department of Corrections Records Office at 608-240-3750. Navigate to the full list of adult probation or parole offices to find which office is in the county nearest to you.

Adult Probation and Parole Offices List page screenshot showing the parole offices; the result can be filtered by selecting a county from a dropdown box and probation parole offices; the list is organized in columns, including the office type, unit, and county.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Corrections14

It may be worth checking the Federal Bureau of Prisons if looking for a federally charged inmate.

This search platform may be helpful because this database shows historical information for anyone who went to a federal prison. Always remember that this website does not clearly state that the inmate is on parole but shows when they were released, which may indicate they are on parole, but there is no guarantee.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons logo is shown in the top left corner; a search tab displays its two search options:
Source: Federal Bureau of Prisons15

VINELink can be utilized as a last resort as it may show probation information, but it is always advised to check the above resources first.

How To Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record in Wisconsin: Process To ‘Erase’ Records

Wisconsin arrest records becomes a criminal and for certain cases, they can be removed from a criminal record if all criteria are met.5

Wisconsin law allows the removal of an arrest fingerprint card if:

  • Someone was arrested and found not to be guilty,
  • The court or prosecutor dismissed the charges, or
  • The prosecutor filed no charges.

If convicted of the crime, the individual would not be eligible to have the Wisconsin criminal records expunged.

It is important to know that there are 2 cases where a convicted case may be expunged:

  • Misdemeanors or some felonies committed by someone under the age of 25 at the time of sentencing and after completing the sentencing.
  • Juvenile delinquency adjudications upon request once the individual reaches age 17.

To request a record removed, form DJ-LE-250B must be completed. The completed form must be sent to:

Crime Information Bureau
Criminal History Unit
P.O. Box 2718
Madison, WI 53701

There is no fee associated with this request.

Wisconsin has no auto-expunge or auto-seal policy, and applying for the records to be sealed is always required.

Wisconsin Statute 801.21 covers the protocol for requesting a record to be sealed. While some court record information is private such as social security and driver’s license numbers all other records desired to be sealed, such as antitrust actions, confidential informants, restraining orders, trade secret litigation, medical and psychological records, and crime victim and witness statements, are done by filing a motion to seal.

The decision for which records are sealed is made by the court and in order to request a record to be sealed Forms GF-245-247 must be completed.

A screenshot of form GF-245-247 from the Wisconsin Court System; the requester must enter information such as the county's name, the petitioner/plaintiff's full name, the respondent/defendant's full name, the case number, and the requested information.
Source: Wisconsin Court System16

To help simplify the process, obtaining legal counsel from an attorney or lawyer is advised.

How To Check Prisoner Records in Wisconsin: WI State & Federal Prisons

The State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections has a Free Inmate Locator which provides information on convicted offenders currently incarcerated in a state prison or under community supervision. This search does not show information about offenders in a county jail or juvenile offenders.

A screenshot from the Department of Corrections webpage showing its general public-offender search page showing its three options: search by name, address, and offender's identification numbers, which can be limited to registering sex offender(excludes terminated) by hitting the checkbox; the department logo is also shown at the upper left corner.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Corrections17

The search can be done with the inmate’s first or last name, demographics including their race, gender, age, their address, or the DOC number. Filtering results only to show those currently in jail or under community supervision is also possible. If the search generates more than 2000 results, the system will require additional criteria to be entered to narrow the results.

The results from the search will show the inmate’s first and last name, zip code, county, race, birth year, and current status. After clicking on an inmate’s name, significantly more information will populate, including a mugshot database, details of their status, and a direct link to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access providing details of their case.

The Offender details screenshot from the Department of Corrections webpage displays the inmate's full name, DOB, age, sex, race-ethnicity, physical characteristics, and aliases, including the department logo at the upper left corner.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Corrections18

There are 19 adult institutions, 14 facilities under the Wisconsin Correctional Center System, 3 Wisconsin Women’s Correctional System facilities, and five juvenile facilities and regional offices.

Finally, if someone is curious to find historical information on a federally charged inmate, search the Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP). Both the first and last names are required, or the search can be done with the inmate number. The federal prison is located in Oxford, Wisconsin, and is the FCI Oxford prison.

How To Know if You or Someone Else Has a Warrant in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin does not have a statewide search for warrants, contacting the specific county would be the best way to see if someone has a warrant out for their arrest. For example, Portage County has an active warrant list on its website that is updated every two weeks.

To find warrant information on any individual in Wisconsin, search “[Name of county] Wisconsin warrant search” to get county-specific information. I.e. “Milwaukee County Wisconsin warrant search”.

If applicable, there will be a warrant search through the sheriff’s county website. Otherwise, use the sheriff’s office phone number and website in the county jail table above to contact the office directly to obtain this information.

Moreover, individual can also consider checking the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA). This website allows Wisconsin citizens access certain public records including warrant information. Alternatively, they can contact the local law enforcement agency or county clerk of court where the person resides or where the alleged offense occurred.

Furthermore, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections will list individuals as “Absconded” if they have not checked in with their parole or probation officer.

While this is no guarantee this individual currently has a warrant out for their arrest, in Wisconsin, under the Community Corrections guidelines, if someone stops reporting to their agent or the agent cannot locate the individual, an warrant will be issued and if the person is detained, they’ll have another Wisconsin arrest record on their rap sheet.6

Federal warrants are issued by the U.S. Marshals and housed under the Warrant Information System (WIN) but can not be accessed by the public. The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) may also be utilized for a nationwide search, however, this option requires fee to search for records.

Background Checks in Wisconsin: An Overview

Background checks are used for personal and professional reasons. Employment, firearm purchases, adoption applications, security clearance checks, and sometimes residency are all potential reasons why a background check would be utilized.

Professional background checks must abide by all federal and state laws and require consent from the person being investigated. These verify personal information for various reasons, from employment, residency, and adoptions. These searches are all-encompassing and will search criminal records, including arrest reports, education, credit histories, and on occasion, social media.

It’s important to remember that all professional background checks must abide by federal and state laws. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversees background checks. It ensures no discrimination, and everyone is given the same opportunity regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, etc.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) further protects individuals as it states that background check reports cannot be provided to anyone that doesn’t have a purpose.

To further understand background checks in Wisconsin, keep in mind there are two types of background checks: Level 1 and Level 2.

  • Level 1 checks are searched by name or name and social security number. These will only look at local records, such as those in the state or county.
    • These are requested at the state level with the state police of the Bureau of Investigation or the county level.
  • Level 2 background checks are searched by fingerprints. These checks are more intensive and all-inclusive, looking at national records and providing historical information.
    • Always are requested by sending fingerprints to the FBI.
    • Are used for employment involving at-risk populations such as those with older people or children, healthcare professionals, and some C-level positions such as chief executive officers and chief operating officers.

Most often, level 2 background checks are more accurate because they are searched by fingerprints and are executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Additionally, these checks provide more information, including previous addresses, employers, marital status, credit history, educational and professional certifications, misdemeanors, felony registry cases, pending criminal cases, civil judgments, current arrests, sex crimes, and prison or jail records.

When obtaining a background check for personal reasons, anyone can investigate background information on anyone without prior consent from the individual.

Through these searches, someone can find various information such as criminal records, personal information, employment history, addresses, etc. The information found through personal background checks can not be used for harassment, stalking, hate crimes, etc.

Additionally, personal background checks often entail public record searches through court criminal record searches, state police searches, and third-party people finder services can also be utilized to search many different counties, cities, and states at once.

Background checks can be requested directly through the Department of Justice Wisconsin Online Record Check System. Someone can request a background check and retrieve results online through this website.

A screenshot from the Department of Justice Wisconsin online record check system showing the required fields to search, which includes full name, gender, race, DOB, and SS number; the corresponding payment for a certified result copy being signed and notarized 5$ additional is also included; the department's logo at the top left corner.
Source: DOJ Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)19

A free account can be created to update and view records through the record check site easily. Still, to submit a background check without registering, it’s important to write down the order reference number to retrieve the results at another time. There is a $7 fee for obtaining online background check records.

How To Navigate the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry

The state has a statewide sex offender public records repository under the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry.

This registry can be searched by name or geographically using an address or zip code.

A captured screenshot from the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Page showing its available options, such as search by name and geographical search; in geographical search, the searcher is required to input the offender's specific address and then click the search button at the bottom part of the page, clear form button is also available; also included the department's logo at the top left corner.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Corrections20

It’s also possible for someone to register for community notifications which means receiving updates via email when a sex offender registers a home address near an address of interest.

The results will include a photo of the individual, vehicle information, DOC number, aliases, and offenses. An individual still incarcerated will also show up on this result list.

Sex offender search result screenshot from the Wisconsin Department of Correction page, showing the Offender's details such as his full name, DOC no., gender, race, age, and physical attributes; it also includes the inmate's mugshot and the department logo at the top left corner.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Corrections21

There is the option to search the national sex offender registry through the United States Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website  for a large overview of the entire country.

An Explanation of Your Rights & Laws Pertaining To Criminal & Arrest Records in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Statutes 19.31 to 19.39 state that criminal records are publicly accessible, instead in certain circumstances such as expunged or juvenile records.7

Since 1967, the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has given individuals the right to access federal government information, including arrest records.  

Certain state laws further protect individuals when applying for jobs. Under Wisconsin Statute 111.335 (Wisconsin’s “Ban the Box” law), employers are prohibited from discriminating against applicants based on their criminal history information.8

Personal background checks and criminal record searches can be done without someone’s consent. However, professional background checks and searches, such as those for property management, licensing, or jobs, must abide by all state, local, and federal laws, such as FCRA, and all guidelines implemented by the EEOC.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protects individuals from discrimination.9 It ensures everyone is given the same opportunity and held to the same standards regardless of race, age, disabilities, etc.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) further protects individuals by requiring written permission for the background check to be run and requiring the employer to disclose what information was used to decide on the employment.10 It states that the applicant can be given a copy of the consumer report if desired.

This streamlined resource explains all important information regarding background check information and how to access public records, including Wisconsin arrest records; follow this guidance for the most accurate and updated Wisconsin criminal records information.


References

1Wisconsin State Legislature. (n.d.). Chapter 938. Juvenile Justice Code. Retrieved 2023, from <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/938/vii/396/1/d>

2Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. (n.d.). Arrest and Conviction Record. Retrieved 2023, from <https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/civilrights/discrimination/arrest.htm>

3National Institute of Corrections. (n.d.). Wisconsin 2020. 2020 National Averages. Retrieved 2023, from <https://nicic.gov/resources/nic-library/state-statistics/2020/wisconsin-2020>

4Wisconsin Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Standard Rules of Community Supervision. DOC. Retrieved 2023, from <https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/CommunityCorrections/SupervisionRules.aspx>

5Wisconsin Department of Justice. (n.d.). Removal of Arrest Information. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/expunge.pdf>

6State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Community Corrections- General Information. DOC. Retrieved 2023, from <https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/CommunityCorrections/GeneralInformation.aspx>

7Wisconsin State Legislature. (n.d.). Chapter 19. General Duties of Public Officials. Retrieved 2023, from <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/19/II/31>

8Wisconsin State Legislature. (n.d.). Chapter 111. Employment Relations. Retrieved 2023, from <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/111/ii/335>

9U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Overview. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.eeoc.gov/overview>

10Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Fair Credit Reporting Act. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act>

11Wisconsin Circuit Court Access. (n.d.). Search Page. Advanced case search. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://wcca.wicourts.gov/advanced.html>

12Wisconsin Circuit Court Access. (n.d.). Case Result. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetail.html?caseNo=2023CF000376&countyNo=51&index=0&isAdvanced=true&mode=details>

13Wisconsin Division of State Patrol. (n.d.). Wisconsin State Patrol Regional Record Coordinators Map. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://wsp.wi.gov/PublishingImages/Pages/Open-Records/DSP-RecordCo-Region-Map-final.pdf>

14State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Adult Probation & Parole Offices List. DOC. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/CommunityCorrections/ProbationParoleOfficesList.aspx>

15Federal Bureau of Prisons. (n.d.). Find by Name. Find an inmate. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/>

16Wisconsin Government. (n.d.). Forms GF-245-247. Wisconsin Court System. Retrieved July 6, 2023, from <https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/GF-245.pdf?formNumber=GF-245&formType=Form&formatId=2&language=en>

17Wisconsin Department of Corrections. (n.d.). General Public. Offender Search. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://appsdoc.wi.gov/lop/home/home>

18Wisconsin Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Demographics. Offender Detail. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://appsdoc.wi.gov/lop/details/detail>

19Wisconsin Online Record Check System. (n.d.). Background Check Request. Wisconsin Online Record Check System. Retrieved July 6, 2023, from <https://recordcheck.doj.wi.gov/Anonymous/BackgroundRequest/AnonymousSearchRequest/0?userType=Guest>

20Wisconsin Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Geographical Search. Sex Offender Registry. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://appsdoc.wi.gov/public/offenders/geographic?reset=1>

21About Wisconsin Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Search Result. Sex Offender Registry. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from <https://appsdoc.wi.gov/public/offenderdetails?id=9286>