Are Wisconsin Inmate Records Public Information?
Yes, inmate records are considered public information in Wisconsin in accordance with its open record law. All members of the public (excluding incarcerated individuals or those admitted involuntarily to a mental institution) can request information regarding inmates in Wisconsin. Members of the public can also monitor the custody status of a particular inmate. Requesters can either conduct a Wisconsin inmate search with the Wisconsin inmate records maintained by the state or third-party sites or visit a courthouse or the Office of the Sheriff to request an inspection of records.
Wisconsin Inmate Search
Wisconsin inmate records contain official information of present and former inmates held in state prisons, county jails, and correctional facilities in Wisconsin. The records may provide general information such as the inmate's identification number, full name, birth date, and other biodata. Per the Wisconsin Open Records Law, these publicly available records may also include sentencing information, such as the type and class of offense and the location of the facility holding the inmate.
Inmate records are considered public in the United States and, therefore, are made available by both traditional governmental agencies as well as third-party websites and organizations. Third-party websites may offer an easier means to search, as these services do not face geographical limitations. However, because third-party sites are not government-sponsored, the information obtained through them may vary from official channels. To find inmate records using third-party aggregate sites, requesting parties must provide:
- The location of the sought-after record, including state, county, and city where the inmate resides.
- The name of the person listed in the record, unless it is a juvenile.
To find who’s in custody or someone in jail, members of the public can either check the state-managed database DOC General Information or a third-party site. Requesters can also retrieve inmate mugshots of a particular subject of data by carrying out Wisconsin inmate searches with pictures.
How to Find Someone in Jail in Wisconsin.
Members of the public looking to find someone in a jail in Wisconsin can contact the office of the Sheriff in the county or town where the person has been detained. The office of the Sheriff for each county maintains an online database where inquirers can search to find incarcerated individuals. Interested individuals can also visit the office of the Sheriff in person to inspect the records of those in jail. One can also find out why a person is in jail and find out what jail someone is in. In a situation where a record seeker is unable to find someone in jail, one can use the Wisconsin Inmate search tool to locate who’s in custody. This tool also provides information on inmates who have been sentenced to a state prison that is housed within a Department of Correction facility.
How to Send Money to an Inmate in Wisconsin Prison and Jail
Inmates in Wisconsin prisons receive funds through the following methods:
- Access Corrections Secure Deposit: this has a daily limit of $2,900. Parties can send funds through phone, mail, the Access Corrections website, or at a walk-in location.
- US Postal Service: A Wisconsin DOC money order/check deposit slip is printed and completed and is available at the facilities. The sender must write the inmate DOC number on the check or money order as well as the deposit slip. Writing must be legible and be in black or blue ink. Cashier's checks, personal checks, and money orders must be made payable to 'Access Secure Deposits.' Mail the money order or check to:
Secure Deposits-Wisconsin DOC
P.O.Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132
- Walk-in: this service attracts a service fee when used. Cashpay can be visited to find locations that accept walk-in payments. To enroll, call (844) 340-2274 or visit the website.
- Phones or the Internet: The use of a Visa or MasterCard is accepted. It attracts a service charge. Inquiries can be made by calling (866) 345-1884.
Meanwhile, county jails like Wood County Jail accept drop-offs at the facility when sending funds to inmates under their custody. Senders can use the kiosk in the front lobby of the jail. Parties can also use credit cards to deposit money into inmates' accounts by visiting the inmate canteen website. Note that convenience fees apply, and the system will deduct a percentage for debts that an inmate incurred on receipt of the funds.
How to Get Approved to Visit an Inmate in Wisconsin Prisons and Jails
Adult prisons in Wisconsin generally have visitation rules and procedures that visitors are expected to follow during in-person visitations, including:
- Submit a completed DOC 21AA Visitor Questionnaire for visitation privileges.
- Unless the minor is legally married to the inmate, an adult on the approved list must accompany the minor during visitation.
- The inmate gets notified when a visitor has been approved and added to their list.
- An inmate is allowed 12 visitors. This does not include approved minors until they turn 18.
- Present a valid, government-issued photo ID during visitations.
- The facility will deny visitors entry if they do not clear through metal detectors after three attempts.
- Visitors under no-contact visiting restrictions may incur additional restrictions like the use of audio-visual equipment or limits placed on the length of visits and number of visitors.
Wisconsin County Jails have specific procedures that guide visitation. For example, all inmate visitation at Polk County jail is done via video visitation. The Polk County jail requires proposed visitors to open an online account and schedule visits online, where visitor accounts will be approved or denied in approximately 48 hours. Parties can set up an online account by following a step-by-step guide. Visits can be scheduled when approval has been declared.
Besides in-person visitations, visitors can also opt for remote video visitations for a small fee or on-site video visitations for free. Either way, the visitor must create an account and schedule a visit. Certain rules that govern visitation at this facility include:
- The age limit to visit without a parent is 18
- An adult who is an approved visitor of the inmate must accompany underage children
- Visitors must conform to the dress code or will not be permitted to visit
- Any visitors caught with contraband will be prosecuted
How to Find a County Inmate Roster in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is the government agency in charge of Wisconsin inmate records. A requester seeking to find an inmate roster in Wisconsin can access this data on the online database maintained by the office of the Sheriff in any of the counties for Wisconsin inmate look-up. The inmate roster includes the names, mugshots, booking, date of booking, custody status, and offense of the subject of the data. Wisconsin inmate search results can also provide the release date of an inmate. In accordance with the Wisconsin Open Records law, the office of the Sheriff provided the public with these records on the Wisconsin inmate lookup. Members of the public can also visit the Sheriff's office in person to request an inspection of the inmate roster during working hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The requester can also contact the Department of Correction:
Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 7925
Madison, WI 53707-7925
DOCGeneral@wisconsin.gov
3099 East Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704.
How to Perform a Wisconsin Prison Inmate Search
The Wisconsin DOC has a prison lookup tool that interested persons may use to perform a free inmate search by name or the inmate's identification number if known. This tool is used to search for convicted persons incarcerated in state prisons. It does not bring up information regarding inmates serving time in county or city jails. Interested persons may use the following parameters to use the prison lookup tool:
- Age range
- Race
- First and last name
- DOC number
- Birth year
- Address
- Gender
- Alias
- Address
- Status of the offender
Parties should note that there are some inmates whose information is not available on the site, including:
- Offenders of interest to the Department of Justice
- Inmates in county jail
- Juveniles
For additional information, contact:
Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 7925
Madison, WI 53707-7925
How to Perform a Wisconsin County Jail Inmate Search
In Wisconsin, county jails hold inmates whom the circuit court has sentenced for a low-level crime. The sentence can range from a few days up to a year. County jails are under the authority of the local sheriff or police department. So, inmate lookups in these facilities are available on the local law enforcement official website - web pages known as jail rosters or inmate lists. Requesters can use the Wisconsin inmate locator to find inmates in jail. Besides online searches, interested persons may also visit local law enforcement in person during business hours to find a person in jail.
The Difference Between Wisconsin State Prisons and County Jail
Wisconsin state prisons and county jails are run by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, while county jails are operated by individual counties.
Wisconsin state prisons are typically used for housing inmates who have been convicted of felonies. These facilities are usually much larger than county jails, and they offer more extensive rehabilitative and educational programs. Inmates in Wisconsin state prisons typically have sentences of one year or more.
County jails in Wisconsin are usually used for inmates who are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of misdemeanors. These facilities are typically smaller than state prisons, and they offer fewer rehabilitative and educational programs. Inmates in county jails typically have sentences of one year or less.
There are also Federal jails and juvenile detention centers. Federal jails are used for offenders who have three years to life sentences, including death sentences, while Juvenile systems are for offenders below the age of 18 years. Individuals seeking data on inmates in a Federal jail would need to conduct a federal inmate search.
How Do I Find Out an Inmate Release Date?
Inmate release date is available on an inmate's records. Interested persons may obtain this information online or by contacting the jail administrator unless a court or the record custodian makes the information private for safety reasons. In such cases, only the inmate's immediate family members, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized criminal justice officials will have access to the inmate's exact release date.
Facilities Operated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) is tasked with the oversight of 19 adult institutions in the state, including three women's correctional centers: Taycheedah Correctional Institution, Milwaukee Women's Correctional Center, and Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center. The physical addresses and contact information of these facilities are listed below:
Black River Correctional Center
W6898 East Staffon Road
Black River Falls, WI 54615-6426
Phone: (715) 333-5681
Fax: (715) 333-2708
Drug Abuse Correctional Center
4280 North Sherman Road
Winnebago, WI 54985-0036
Phone: (920) 236-2700
Fax: (920) 426-5601
Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center
2825 North 30th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53210
Phone: (414) 874-1600
Fax: (414) 874-1695
Flambeau Correctional Center
N671 County Road M
Hawkins, WI 54530-9400
Phone: (715) 585-6394
Fax: (715) 585-6563
Gordon Correctional Center
10401 East County Road G
Gordon, WI 54838
Phone: (715) 376-2680
Fax: (715) 376-4361
John C. Burke Correctional Center
900 South Madison Street
Waupun, WI 53963-0900
Phone: (920) 324-3460
Fax: (920) 324-4575
Kenosha Correctional Center
6353 14th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53143
Phone: (262) 653-7099
Fax: (262) 653-7241
Marshall E. Sherrer Correctional Center
1318 North 14th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205-2596
Phone: (414) 343-5000
Fax: (414) 343-5039
McNaughton Correctional Center
8500 Rainbow Road
Lake Tomahawk, WI 54939-9558
Phone: (715) 277-2484
Fax: (715) 277-2293
Oregon Correctional Center
5140 County Highway M
Oregon, WI 53575-0025
Phone: (608) 835-3233
Fax: (608) 835-3175
Sanger B. Powers Correctional Center
N8375 County Line Road
Oneida, WI 54155-9300
Phone: (920) 869-1095
Fax: (920) 869-2650
St. Croix Correctional Center
1859 North 4th Street
New Richmond, WI 54017-0036
Phone: (715) 246-6971
Fax: (715) 246-3680
Thompson Correctional Center
434 State Farm Road
Deerfield, WI 53531-9562
Phone: (608) 423-3415
Fax: (608) 423-9852
Winnebago Correctional Center
4300 Sherman Road
Winnebago, WI 54985-0128
Phone: (920) 424-0402
Fax: (920) 424-0430
Taycheedah Correctional Institution
751 County Road K
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1947
Phone: (920) 929-3800
Fax: (920) 929-2946
Milwaukee Women's Correctional Center
615 West Keefe Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: (414) 267-6101
Fax: (414) 267-6130
Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center
21425-A Spring Street
Union Grove, WI 53182-9408
Phone: (262) 878-6000
Fax: (262) 878-6015
Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility
2909 East Park Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone: (715) 720-2850
Fax: (715) 720-2859
Columbia Correctional Institution
2925 Columbia Drive
Portage, WI 53901-0950
Phone: (608) 742-9100
Fax: (608) 742-9111
Dodge Correctional Institution
1 West Lincoln Street
Waupun, WI 53963
Phone: (920) 324-5577
(920) 324-6354 Fax
Fax: (920) 324-6281 Reception
Fox Lake Correctional Institution
W10237 Lake Emily Road
Fox Lake, WI 53933-0147
Phone: (920) 928-3151
Fax: (920) 928-6929
Green Bay Correctional Institution
2833 Riverside Drive
Green Bay, WI 54307-9033
Phone: (920) 432-4877
Fax: (920) 448-6545
Jackson Correctional Institution
N6500 Haipek Rd
Black River Falls, WI 54615-0232
Phone: (715) 284-4550
Fax: (715) 284-7335
Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution
W9071 Forest Drive
Plymouth, WI 53073
Phone: (920) 526-3244
Fax: (920) 526-9320
Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility
1015 North 10th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205-0740
Phone: (414) 212-3535
Fax: (414) 212-6811
New Lisbon Correctional Institution
2000 Progress Road
New Lisbon, WI 53950-2000
Phone: (608) 562-6400
Fax: (608) 562-6410
Oakhill Correctional Institution
5212 County Highway M
Oregon, WI 53575-0140
Phone: (608) 835-3101
Fax: (608) 835-6090
Oshkosh Correctional Institution
1730 West Snell Road
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: (920) 231-4010
Fax: (920) 236-2615/2626
Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution
500 East Parrish Street
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821-6000
Phone: (608) 326-7828
Fax: (608) 326-5969
Racine Correctional Institution
2019 Wisconsin Street
Sturtevant, WI 53177-1829
Phone: (262) 886-3214
Fax: (262) 886-3514
Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility
1501 Albert Street
Racine, WI 53404-0001
Phone: (262) 638-1999
Fax: (262) 638-1777
Redgranite Correctional Institution
1006 County Road EE
Redgranite, WI 54970
Phone: (920) 566-2600
Fax: (920) 566-2610
Stanley Correctional Institution
100 Corrections Drive
Stanley, WI 54768-6500
Phone: (715) 644-2960
Fax: (715) 644-2966
Sturtevant Transitional Facility
9351 Rayne Road
Sturtevant, WI 53177
Phone: (262) 884-2410
Fax: (262) 886-6069
Waupun Correctional Institution
200 South Madison Street
Waupun, WI 53963-0351
Phone: (920) 324-5571
Fax: (920) 324-7250
Wisconsin Secure Program Facility
1101 Morrison Drive
Boscobel, WI 53805-1000
Phone: (608) 375-5656
Fax: (608) 375-5595
