What are Rock County Public Records?
The Wisconsin Open Records Law describes Rock County public records as materials generated, stored, recorded, or preserved by a government entity, regarding its official affairs. Regardless of physical form or characteristics, these records should be made available to members of the general public, in compliance with the law's presumption of complete public access. However, the following records are not considered public:
- Trade secrets
- Some law enforcement investigative records
- Records that contain identifiable information on contractor's employees
- Computer programs
- Identity of persons applying for public positions
- Identity of law enforcement informants
Rock County Crime Statistics
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) publishes annual Rock County crime statistics through its Uniform Crime Reporting program. The UCR's figures for 2019 show that Rock County had 5 homicides, 75 rape cases, 69 robberies, 231 aggravated assault incidents, and 1,165 simple assaults. Other reported crimes include 357 burglary incidents, 151 motor vehicle thefts, and 18 cases of arson. The most common crime was larceny-theft, with 2,744 reported incidents. There were no recorded cases of human trafficking in 2019.
The figures show that the rates of homicide (150%), robbery (8%), aggravated assault (1%), motor vehicle thefts (15%), and arson (20%) all increased. On the other hand, there were reductions in the rates of other crimes, including rape (-13%), simple assault (-2%), and burglary (-37%). Overall, there were a total of 4,817 reported index crimes in 2019, a 2.7% decrease compared to the 4,948 total reported index crimes in 2018.
Are Rock County Criminal Records Public?
Under Wisconsin law, Rock County criminal records are public records. All persons may access adult criminal history information by sending requests to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ offers name-based searches to the public through its Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). Finding a Rock criminal record requires providing the person's exact last name and first name, gender, race, and date of birth. Persons who want search results certified are charged an additional $5 handling fee. Certified copies are not available online and must be mailed to the requestor. Note that if the submitted details match a person who successfully challenged their criminal record, the search result will produce a "No Record Found."
How to Obtain Rock County Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Rock County Sheriff's Office (RCSO) issues copies of police reports and arrest records. Rock County arrest records and other police reports are requestable by mail, email, or phone. To request by mail, complete the request form with the type of record requested, incident date and time, names of involved persons, and the requestor's contact details. Each record costs 15 cents per page. Send the record by mail to:
Rock County Sheriff's Office Records Department
200 East US Highway 14
Janesville, WI 53545
Alternatively, send the completed form by email to soopenrecords@co.wi.us or call (608) 757-7951.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Rock County
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains a public online sex offender registry. Find registered Rock County sex offenders by conducting a name search or geographical search. The name search requires the last name, with options for a first name and a middle initial. To use the geographical search, enter a street name, city, and zip code. The search results display the offender's full name, photograph, DOC number, address, and physical description. Other obtainable details include registration information, compliance status, and conviction details. For more information, contact the:
DOC SORP Administration
3099 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 240-5830
How to Find Rock County Inmate Records
Residents seeking Rock County inmate records may reach out to the Sheriff's Office. Ensure to provide the inmate's details, including a full name, charge details, and booking information. Contact the:
Rock County Sheriff's Office
200 US Highway 14
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 757-8000
Interested parties may also email the Sheriff's Office.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Rock County Jail?
The Rock County Jail only offers video visitations. Visitors may remotely register with the jail's third-party video visitation vendor or set up accounts at the facility's front lobby kiosk. Registration requires a phone number and an email address.
Each inmate has access to one free 30-minute visit each week. However, family and friends may buy additional visits at $7.50 for each front lobby kiosk visit or $19.80 for each remote visit. The Rock County Jail allows visits every day, depending on the inmate's classification. Visits are scheduled as follows:
Secure Custody Inmates
9:40 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Huber Inmates
7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Court Records
The Rock County court system features Circuit and Municipal Courts. The Circuit Court exercises original jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases. It also handles jury trials. The Municipal Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over many ordinance violations, drug offenses, and some juvenile cases. Matters that require jury trials are transferred to the Circuit Court.
Locations of Courts in Rock County
Rock County Circuit Court
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 743-2200
Fax: (608) 743-2223
City of Beloit Municipal Court
100 State Street
2nd Floor
Beloit, WI 53511
Phone: (608) 364-6613
Fax: (608) 364-6642
City of Edgerton Municipal Court
12 Albion Street
Edgerton, WI 53534
Phone: (608) 884-3341
Fax: (608) 884-8892
City of Evansville Municipal Court
City Hall
3rd Floor
31 South Madison Street
P.O. Box 529
Evansville, WI 53536
City of Milton Municipal Court
690 South Janesville Street
Milton, WI 53563
Phone: (608) 868-6910
Fax: (608) 868-6913
Town of Milton Municipal Court
23 First Street
Milton, WI 53563
Phone: (608) 868-2465
Fax: (608) 868-6642
Town of Turtle Municipal Court
6916 South County Road J
Beloit, WI 53511-8964
Phone: (608) 313-0368
Phone: (608) 362-0655
Fax: (608) 364-1151
Village of Clinton Municipal Court
301 Cross Street
P.O. Box 129
Clinton, WI 53525
Phone: (608) 676-4381
Fax: (608) 676-5984
Village of Orfordville Municipal Court
303 East Beloit Street
P.O. Box 409
Orfordville, WI 53576
Phone: (608) 879-2004
Are Rock County Court Records Public?
Rock County Court Records are public records. Interested persons may access court records by sending requests to the court that heard the case. Residents may also seek redress in court if denied access to court records. However, state statute gives courts the authority to seal some Rock court records, including:
- Antitrust actions
- Divorce judgments where parties remarry themselves
- Divorce records set aside after the couple reconciles
- John Doe proceedings
- Juror information
- Restraining orders and injunctions
Can You Look up a Rock County Court Case Online?
The Wisconsin Court System maintains statewide court records online through its case search platform. Search Circuit Court cases by entering first, last, and middle names. Select "Rock" from the county drop-down menu. Users may also add birth dates, business names, and case numbers. Available details include a filing date, current case, name, case number, date of birth, and caption.
How to Obtain Rock County Civil Court Case Records
The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains copies of Rock County court records. Interested persons may obtain civil court case records by sending written applications to the Clerk's Office. The application should describe the record and contain information specific to the case, including names, charge information, and judgment details. Court records cost $1.25 per page, plus $5 if certification is required. Send the request to:
Rock County Circuit Court
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Residents may also request records by calling (608) 743-2359. Alternatively, visit the Clerk's Office for in-person requests. The Rock County Courthouse provides public access computers on the 2nd floor, available to all interested persons. Note that a $5 search fee is applicable if a Clerk's Office staff conducts the search.
How to Obtain Rock County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court case records are available with the Rock County Clerk of Court. Send a written application with all known details of the court record. Each record costs $1.25 per page. The Clerk's Office will charge persons who want certified copies an extra $5. Send requests to:
Rock County Circuit Court
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Criminal court records are also accessible from the public access terminals at the courthouse. Requesters may search for free or pay $5 to have staff conduct the search.
What are Rock County Vital Records?
Rock County vital records contain details of county life events. These records are created and maintained by government agencies and include information on divorces, marriages, births, and deaths. Rock vital records are obtainable from the Court Clerk's Office or the Register of Deeds.
Where and How to Obtain Rock County Divorce Records
The Circuit Court Clerk maintains copies of Rock County divorce records. To obtain a divorce decree, requesters will need to visit the courthouse or send a written request. Records seekers must also provide the Clerk's Office with the divorced parties' names, divorce date, and other available details. Completed requests are submitted at the:
Rock County Circuit Court
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Interested persons may also obtain divorce certificates by mail or in person from the Rock County Register of Deeds. Certified copies are restricted to the following:
- Either divorced party
- A parent, grandparent, child, or sibling
- Legal custodian or guardian
- An authorized representative of any of the above persons
Other requestors may obtain uncertified copies of Rock divorce certificates. Note that uncertified copies are informational, and therefore invalid for legal purposes.
To order by mail, residents must complete a divorce certificate application. The first copy of a Rock County divorce certificate costs $20. Each additional copy costs $3. Mail requests require cashier's checks or money orders payable to "Register of Deeds." Only Rock County residents may use personal checks. Send the completed application with proof of authorization, payment, and a valid ID to:
Rock County Register of Deeds
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
In-person requests are also available at the above address. Walk-in requestors may pay with checks, money orders, cash, debit cards, or credit cards. Note that card payments cost an extra processing fee.
The Register of Deeds only maintains records of divorces after January 1, 2016. For older records, submit an application form with payment and valid ID to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. The first copy costs $20, while additional copies cost $3 each. Payment is acceptable via a check or money order made out to "State of Wis. Vital Records." Send to:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701
Where and How to Get Public Rock County Marriage Records?
All requesters may obtain public copies of Rock County marriage records. These copies are uncertified and cannot be used for legal purposes. To obtain a public Rock County marriage certificate, eligible parties must complete a marriage certificate application. The first copy of a marriage certificate costs $20, and each additional copy costs $3. Applicants must make certified bank or cashier's checks payable to "Register of Deeds." Only Rock County residents may use personal checks. Send the application, payment, and a valid ID to the Register of Deeds. Requesters may also pay with cash or cards for in-person orders:
Rock County Register of Deeds
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Rock County
Confidential Rock County marriage records are certified copies. These copies are restricted to the following:
- Either party named on the record
- A sibling, child, parent, or grandparent
- A legal custodian or guardian of either party named on the record
- An authorized representative of an eligible party
Requesters must complete a marriage certificate application with details of the married parties and the date and location of the marriage. Applicants must also pay for mail requests via cashier's checks and money orders made out to the "Register of Deeds." Rock County residents may use personal checks. The application is sent with the preferred payment method and a valid ID to:
Rock County Register of Deeds
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Where and How to Find Rock County Birth Records
The Register of Deeds maintains copies of Rock County birth records. Interested persons may request by mail or in person. Certified copies of Rock County birth certificates are not public records. Access is restricted to the following:
- The person named on the certificate
- A parent named on the certificate if parental rights have not been terminated
- A current spouse or domestic partner, sibling, child, grandparent
All other requestors may obtain uncertified copies. Rock birth certificates cost $20 each. Additional copies of the same certificate cost $3 if ordered at the same time as the first. Interested persons may visit the Register of Deeds for in-person requests. For a mail request, complete a birth certificate application. Enclose the application with proof of authorization for a certified copy, a valid ID, and a check or money order made out to "Register of Deeds." Send the request or visit the:
Rock County Register of Deeds
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Where and How to Find Rock County Death Records
Eligible persons may obtain Rock County death records from the Register of Deeds. Certificates are requestable by mail or in person. All persons may obtain uncertified copies of Rock County death certificates. Only the following persons may obtain certified copies:
- A parent named on the death certificate if parental rights have not been terminated
- A sibling, child, or grandparent
- A current spouse or current domestic partner
- A legal guardian or representative
- An authorized representative of any eligible party
- Any person that can prove that the record is necessary to determine a personal or property right
Complete a death certificate application to request by mail. The first copy costs $20, while additional copies cost $3 each. Make payments with checks or money orders made out to "Register of Deeds." Each requestor must send the completed application, proof of authorization for certified copies, payment, and a valid ID, or visit in person at:
Rock County Register of Deeds
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Rock County
Rock County property records are open to the public. In compliance with the Wisconsin Open Records Act, county residents and non-residents have the right to request, view, and obtain public records, such as property records. Interested persons can obtain offline and online copies of Rock County property records from the custodian of the public documents.
Where and How to Find Property Records in Rock County
Interested parties may request and obtain property records via the Rock County Register of Deeds Office. Publicly available property records cover documentation of real estate transactions and land records. The Register of Deeds Office provides access to property records via online request portals, in-person, and email requests. To access Rock County property records via in-person requests, record seekers must visit the Register of Deeds at the address below:
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 757-5650
Fax: (608) 757-5563
Record seekers may access property records in-person at the Register of Deeds Office on weekdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How to Look Up Rock County Property Records
The Rock County Register of Deeds hosts and updates online searchable databases for all property records generated within the county. The Register of Deeds maintains property records from 1830 to the present. Record seekers may access these records via two search portals:
- Tapestry search portal
- Laredo search portal
On the Tapestry searchable portal, record seekers can search for property records using the document number, owner's first and last name, and legal description of the property. Records from 1830 to 1980 are obtainable via the document number. Whereas documents from 1980 to the present can be obtained via the document number, legal description, and Grantor or Grantee full names. The Tapestry platform charges $6.95 per search. Furthermore, printed results cost $24.95 each.
In contrast, the Laredo search platform provides a subscription-based service. Hence, record seekers may subscribe to the platform's subscription plans.
Location of Rock County Property Assessor
Rock County Property Assessors
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 757-5650
Fax: (608) 757-5563
