Greenfield Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Greenfield, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public documents in Greenfield, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that records produced or maintained by government entities must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Greenfield Police Department, as a public agency, is required to make arrest records available for inspection and copying during normal business hours. The Wisconsin Public Records Law operates under the principle that providing citizens with access to information about governmental activities serves the public interest by promoting transparency and accountability.
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or in accordance with other statutory exemptions. The custodian of records at the Greenfield Police Department is responsible for determining which portions of arrest records may be withheld under applicable exemptions.
How to Look Up Greenfield Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
- Submit a written request to the Greenfield Police Department Records Division at 5300 W. Layton Avenue, Greenfield, WI 53220.
- Visit the Greenfield Police Department in person during public counter hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to complete a records request form.
- Contact the Records Division by telephone at (414) 761-5300 to inquire about the proper procedure for requesting specific arrest records.
- Utilize the online records request portal available through the City of Greenfield's official website.
Requesters should provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), the Greenfield Police Department may charge reasonable fees for locating and copying records, not to exceed the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction and transcription.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office also maintains arrest records for individuals processed through the county jail system. Their records division can be contacted at:
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office 821 W. State Street Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414) 278-4766 Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
Contents of a Greenfield Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Greenfield Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records typically include:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, physical description, residential address)
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information, including processing date and time
- Custody status and bail/bond information
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint records and identification numbers
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Initial appearance court date and jurisdiction information
In accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9.04, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to juveniles or victims of certain offenses.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Greenfield
The expungement process in Greenfield follows Wisconsin state law regarding the sealing of criminal records. Under Wis. Stat. § 973.015, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest and conviction records under specific circumstances. The eligibility criteria include:
- The offense must be a misdemeanor or a Class H or I felony
- The individual must have been under the age of 25 at the time of the offense
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense must not exceed 6 years
- The court must have determined at sentencing that expungement would benefit the person and society would not be harmed
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. Petitioners must complete Form CR-266 (Petition for Expungement) and submit it to the Clerk of Circuit Court at:
Milwaukee County Courthouse 901 North 9th Street, Room 104 Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414) 278-4120 Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Upon receipt of a petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate compliance with all court-ordered conditions and eligibility requirements. If granted, expungement does not physically destroy records but rather seals them from public view. Law enforcement agencies and the courts retain access to expunged records for official purposes.
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility for expungement may consult with the State Public Defender's Office:
Wisconsin State Public Defender - Milwaukee Trial Office 819 North 6th Street, Room 908 Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 227-4130 Wisconsin State Public Defender
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