Search Wisconsin Inmate Records Online
Are Wisconsin Inmate Records Open to the Public?
Yes, inmate records are considered public information in Wisconsin as per the state's open records law. This means that any member of the public, with the exception of incarcerated individuals or those involuntarily admitted to mental institutions, can request access to these records. The public can also monitor the custody status of specific inmates.
Wisconsin Inmate Search
Wisconsin inmate records include official details about current and former inmates held in state prisons, county jails, and correctional facilities. These records typically contain the inmate's identification number, full name, birth date, and other personal information. Additionally, they may include sentencing details such as the type and class of offense and the location of the facility where the inmate is housed.
Both state-managed databases and third-party websites provide access to these records. Third-party sites might offer easier search options without geographical limitations, but the accuracy of the information may vary. To search for inmate records, requesters need to provide the location of the record, including state, county, and city, as well as the name of the person listed in the record, unless it is a juvenile.
How to Conduct a Wisconsin Jail Inmate Search
To find someone in a Wisconsin jail, individuals can contact the Sheriff's office in the county or town where the person is detained. Each county's Sheriff's office maintains an online database for searching incarcerated individuals. Alternatively, individuals can visit the Sheriff's office in person to inspect jail records. If the information is not available, the Wisconsin Inmate search tool can be used to locate inmates in state prisons.
Differences Between Wisconsin State Prisons and County Jails
Wisconsin state prisons, operated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, house inmates convicted of felonies. These facilities are larger and offer more extensive rehabilitative and educational programs. Inmates in state prisons typically have sentences of one year or more.
County jails, managed by individual counties, detain inmates awaiting trial or convicted of misdemeanors. These facilities are smaller and provide fewer rehabilitative programs. Inmates in county jails usually have sentences of one year or less. There are also federal jails for offenders with longer sentences and juvenile detention centers for offenders under 18.
Sending Money to an Inmate in Wisconsin Prisons or Jails
Inmates in Wisconsin prisons can receive funds through several methods, including Access Corrections Secure Deposit, which has a daily limit of $2,900. Funds can be sent via phone, mail, the Access Corrections website, or walk-in locations. Money orders or checks must include the inmate's DOC number and be mailed to Secure Deposits-Wisconsin DOC, P.O. Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132.
County jails like Wood County Jail accept drop-offs at the facility or through kiosks in the front lobby. Credit card deposits can also be made online, though convenience fees apply. The inmate canteen website provides additional options for sending funds.
How to Contact Inmates in Wisconsin Prisons and Jails
To contact inmates in Wisconsin prisons and jails, individuals can send letters through the U.S. Postal Service. The mail should include the inmate's full name and DOC number. Some facilities allow email communication via approved platforms, which may require setting up an account.
Phone calls are another way to contact inmates, though they must be initiated by the inmate. Family and friends can add funds to the inmate's phone account to enable calls. Video visitation may also be available, depending on the facility.
Getting Approved for Inmate Visitation in Wisconsin Prisons and Jails
To visit an inmate in a Wisconsin prison, prospective visitors must submit a completed DOC 21AA Visitor Questionnaire. Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult unless legally married to the inmate. Once approved, the inmate is notified, and the visitor is added to their list. Each inmate is allowed up to 12 visitors, excluding minors under 18.
County jails have specific visitation procedures. For example, Polk County jail requires visitors to open an online account and schedule visits. Video visitations are available both on-site and remotely. Visitors must adhere to dress codes and other rules to be permitted entry.
How to Locate Someone Incarcerated in Wisconsin
To locate someone incarcerated in Wisconsin, individuals can use the Wisconsin Department of Corrections' online inmate search tool. This tool allows searches by name or inmate identification number. For county jails, local law enforcement websites provide inmate rosters. Visiting the Sheriff's office in person is another option for accessing inmate information.
Finding a County Inmate Roster in Wisconsin
County inmate rosters in Wisconsin are maintained by the Sheriff's office in each county. These rosters can be accessed online through the respective Sheriff's office website. The rosters include names, mugshots, booking dates, custody status, and offenses. In-person visits to the Sheriff's office during business hours are also an option for viewing these records.
How to Conduct a Wisconsin Prison Inmate Search
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections offers a prison lookup tool for searching inmates in state prisons. This tool allows searches by name, DOC number, age range, race, gender, and other parameters. It does not include information on county jail inmates or juveniles. For more details, contact the Department of Corrections.
How to Find an Inmate’s Release Date in Wisconsin
Inmate release dates are available in their records and can be obtained online or by contacting the jail administrator. If the information is restricted for safety reasons, only immediate family members, crime victims, attorneys, and authorized officials will have access.
Facilities Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections oversees 19 adult institutions, including three women's correctional centers: Taycheedah Correctional Institution, Milwaukee Women's Correctional Center, and Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center. Other facilities include Black River Correctional Center, Dodge Correctional Institution, and Fox Lake Correctional Institution, among others.