What are Eau Claire City Public Records?
According to the Wisconsin Open Records Law, Eau Claire City public records contain information generated or received by public agencies in the city. The law states that public records may be photographs, audio recordings, tapes, video recordings, handwritten or typewritten documents, and other records regardless of characteristics or physical form. Although the Open Records Law promotes public access to these records, some information must remain closed to the general public. Examples include:
- Records that contain trade secrets
- Identifying information on public office applicants who specifically request privacy in writing. Qualified applicants, or "final candidates", are not entitled to confidentiality
- Law enforcement records exempted according to federal law
- Public employee personnel information if state law does not explicitly grant access
- Details of a confidential law enforcement informant unless disclosure serves the public interest
- Computer programs and other related information excluding materials used as input or produced by the program
- Specifications or plans for a prospective state-leased or state-owned facility, building, or structure
- Personal financial information of any person or customer of a financial institution. Examples include draft and checking account numbers, as well as debit or credit card numbers
- Personnel information on state employees except a statute specifically grants access. Related information includes social security numbers, employee examination records, investigative records of a reported criminal offense or misconduct, or an employee's contact information
- All records exempted from disclosure by law
In addition to official sources, public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may either opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Eau Claire City Crime Statistics
The Eau Claire City Police Department publishes annual reports that contain the city's crime statistics. According to the 2020 report, the city recorded a total of 5,044 offenses, including 1,063 crimes against persons, 2,703 crimes against property, and 1,278 crimes against society. Reported crimes against persons include 8 kidnappings or abductions, 100 sex offenses, 954 assault offenses, 1 case of human trafficking, and 1 murder and non-negligent manslaughter.
For crimes against property, the report revealed 38 robberies, 98 motor vehicle thefts, 4 stolen property offenses, 8 arson cases, 588 fraud offenses, 1,343 cases of theft or larceny, 2 bribery offenses, and 17 embezzlement cases. Reported crimes against society were 230 weapon law violations, 3 prostitution offenses, 993 drug/narcotic offenses, 32 cases of animal cruelty, and 21 pornography offenses.
In 2019, the Police Department revealed a total of 5,104 offenses, representing a 1.2% reduction in crime activity. However, between 2018 and 2020, crime reports increased by 1.6%.
Are Eau Claire City Criminal Records Public?
Under Wisconsin Law, Eau Claire City criminal records are public records. The Eau Claire City Police Department conducts a public records check for interested parties who make in-person requests at its Records Division. Each requestor must visit between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm on Mondays through Fridays to provide information such as the record subject's first name, last name, middle initial, and date of birth. Requestors should note that available records are restricted to the subject's encounters with the Eau Claire Police Department.
For a full criminal history report, interested persons should use the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) provided by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). Record seekers can conduct name-based searches for Eau Claire City criminal history information by providing the record subject's exact first name, last name, date of birth, and first initial or social security number. However, all persons should note that online information may be limited as details from some federal agencies, courts, and local police departments may be unavailable.
Alternatively, requestors can complete the name record request form (DJ-LE-250) with the subject's name, race, date of birth, gender, maiden name, and social security number. Each request should include the completed request form, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and a money order payable to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. All parties should submit requests to:
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Division of Law Enforcement Services
Crime Information Bureau
Attention: Record Check Unit
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
Phone: (608) 266-7314
How to Obtain Eau Claire City Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Police Department provides the general public with Eau Claire arrest records and police reports. However, requestors should note that some information may be exempt from public disclosure in compliance with state or federal law. Interested persons may request records by providing incident details in person at the Police Department. Record seekers may also request by email. All interested persons should submit requests using the following details:
Eau Claire Police Department
721 Oxford Avenue
Suite 1400
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 839-4984
Fax: (715) 552-7296
Emails: police.records@eauclairewi.gov
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Eau Claire City
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) maintains a searchable online database containing statewide information on registered sex offenders. Anyone can search by entering a last name, and may include a first name or middle initial. Displayed details include a full name, DOC number, gender, race, age, physical description, and photograph. Registration details, residential information, and offense details are also available.
How to Find Eau Claire City Inmate Records
The Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office publishes an online current inmate listing. The Sheriff's Office updates the list between 8:00 am and 10:00 am on Mondays through Fridays. Bookings and releases outside this window may not reflect until the next update. Published information includes the inmate's name, age, and release date.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Eau Claire City Jail?
Interested persons can visit city inmates at the Eau Claire County Jail by booking appointments through the jail's third-party visitation vendor. Visitors must register accounts and schedule all visits at least 24 hours in advance. Visitation times are as follows:
- Mondays through Fridays: 9:00 am to 11:25 am and 2:00 pm to 4:25 pm
- Wednesday and Sunday: 6:30 pm to 9:25 pm
The Eau Claire County Jail allows remote and onsite non-contact video visits. Persons who schedule onsite visits must arrive at the facility 10 minutes before the visit and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Each inmate may receive up to 4 visitors per visit, and a maximum of three 20 minute visits each week. Visitors can also visit 3 times a week. Visiting minors must be in the company of parents or legal guardians.
The Eau Claire County Jail prohibits suggestive, see-through, or revealing clothing. Visitors should note visitation staff reserve the right to determine appropriate dressing. In addition, visitors should not have cell phones in the jail, or any purses, backpacks, or bags, anywhere in the visiting room. Visitors should also keep food and drinks away from the visitation area. Any visitor who appears intoxicated may lose their schedule.
What are Eau Claire City Vital Records?
Eau Claire City vital records are records of city marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Residents can obtain these records from the Eau Claire County Clerk of Court's Office or the Register of Deeds. However, parties should note that not all Eau Claire City vital records are open to the general public.
Where and How to Obtain Eau Claire City Divorce Records
Interested parties can submit requests for divorce records to the Eau Claire County Clerk of Courts Office. Parties must provide record details, such as the names of both parties to the divorce, the divorce date, and other case information. Record seekers may visit the Clerk of Courts Office or send mail requests. Residents should note that the office may charge varying request fees. All persons should send requests for Eau Claire divorce decrees using the following details:
Eau Claire County Clerk of Courts Office
Government Center
2nd Floor
721 Oxford Avenue
Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 839-4816
Fax: (715) 839-4817
Email: EauClaire.Info@wicourts.gov
Alternatively, residents can obtain divorce certificates from the Eau Claire County Register of Deeds. Interested persons can complete the divorce certificate application with the names of both parties, location of divorce, and date of divorce. The Register of Deeds maintains uncertified and certified copies of Eau Claire County divorce certificates. However, only the following persons can obtain certified copies:
- Either party named on the certificate
- Either party's parent, child, sibling, or grandparent
- Either party's guardian or legal custodian
- A party authorized to represent any of the parties listed above
- Anyone that can demonstrate a personal or property right interest in the record
The first copy of an Eau Claire County divorce certificate costs $20, while each additional copy of the same record costs $3 if ordered at the same time. Records requested in person take 10 to 15 minutes of processing. Persons who request via mail must allow up to 2 business days.
Requestors should note that records from the Register of Deeds are only available for divorces since 2016. Persons requesting older divorce certificates may contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. All parties must submit complete applications with acceptable identification to:
Eau Claire County Register of Deeds
721 Oxford Avenue
Room 1310
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Where and How to Get Public Eau Claire City Marriage Records
Public Eau Claire City marriage records are obtainable from the county Register of Deeds. All members of the public can submit copies of the marriage certificate application completed with the full names of both parties to the marriage, marriage date, and marriage location. Requestors must also provide personal contact information, including a full name, address, phone number, mailing address, and email address.
The Register of Deeds provides Eau Claire City marriage certificates as certified and uncertified copies. While uncertified copies are available to all persons, only the following requestors may receive certified copies:
- One of the married parties named on the certificate
- Either party's child, sibling, parent, grandparent, guardian, or legal custodian
- A legal representative requesting on behalf of any of the above parties
- Anyone that can prove a personal or property right interest in the record
The Register of Deeds charges a first copy fee of $20, and $3 for each additional copy of the same certificate if requested with the first. All parties should enclose the completed application with valid government-issued identification and payment. Record seekers should submit requests to:
Eau Claire County Register of Deeds
721 Oxford Avenue
Room 1310
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Where and How to Find Eau Claire City Birth Records
All interested persons can submit mail or in-person requests for Eau Claire City birth records to the county Register of Deeds. However, Wisconsin law states that certified copies are only available to the following persons:
- The person named on the record
- The person's current spouse, child, guardian, legal custodian, current registered domestic partner, grandparent, sibling, and parent listed on the birth certificate if parental rights are not terminated
- Anyone that can demonstrate that the birth certificate is necessary to determine or protect a property or personal right
- An authorized representative of any of the above eligible persons
Parties should note that uncertified copies are printed on plain paper, marked "uncertified," and are not valid for legal or identity purposes. All parties may submit completed copies of the birth certificate application in person or by mail. Requests cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. In-person requests take 15 to 20 minutes, while mail requests are completed within 2 business days. Persons requesting certified copies of Eau Claire City birth certificates must include valid identification as described on the form. Parties should submit requests to:
Eau Claire County Register of Deeds
721 Oxford Avenue
Room 1310
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Where and How to Find Eau Claire City Death Records
The Eau Claire County Register of Deeds issues certified and uncertified copies of death records to interested persons. According to Wisconsin law, death records are only available to persons related to the deceased. Eligible parties include:
- The decedent's sibling, child, current spouse, current registered domestic partner, grandparent, or parent listed on the death certificate if parental rights are still active
- The decedent's guardian or legal custodian
- An individual authorized to request on behalf of any of the above eligible persons
Interested persons should submit completed copies of the death certificate application. The first copy of an Eau Claire City death certificate costs $20, while additional copies of the same record cost $3 if ordered at the same time. Parties requesting certified copies should submit valid government-issued identification along with the request.
Record seekers requesting in person must allow up to 2 business days. For in-person requests, records may be available within 15 minutes. All parties must submit requests to the following address:
Eau Claire County Register of Deeds
721 Oxford Avenue
Room 1310
Eau Claire, WI 54703
