Milwaukee Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that records produced or maintained by government entities shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld that arrest records fall within the scope of public records, reinforcing transparency in governmental operations and the public's right to information. Law enforcement agencies in Milwaukee County are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request, subject to certain limitations regarding ongoing investigations or juvenile matters as specified in Wis. Stat. § 938.396.
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive investigative details. The Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office maintain custody of most local arrest records and process requests in accordance with statutory guidelines.
How to Look Up Milwaukee Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Milwaukee. The following methods are authorized under Wisconsin Public Records Law:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Section of the Milwaukee Police Department located at 749 W. State Street, Room 408, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete a standard records request form and present valid identification.
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Milwaukee Police Department Records Section by mail at the address listed above. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h), requests must reasonably describe the records sought and include contact information for the requestor.
Online Access: The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office maintains an In Custody Locator system that provides real-time information on individuals currently in custody. Additionally, the Milwaukee Municipal Court offers a case information search system for citation and court records related to arrests.
Telephone Requests: Limited information may be obtained by calling the Milwaukee Police Department Records Section at (414) 935-7360. However, detailed records typically require written requests.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3) and may include reasonable costs for search, duplication, and redaction. Current fee schedules are posted at the Records Section and on the Milwaukee Police Department website.
Contents of a Milwaukee Arrest Record
Milwaukee arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Wisconsin Administrative Code § LES 9.04. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, address of residence, and identification numbers (including Wisconsin ID or driver's license number).
Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Wisconsin Statute references and municipal ordinance numbers when applicable.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, detention facility assignment, and scheduled court appearances.
Property Inventory: Listing of personal property taken into custody at the time of arrest.
Medical Screening Notes: Non-confidential results of initial health screening conducted during booking.
It should be noted that pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.36(8), certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including confidential informant identities, specific investigative techniques, and information that would compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Milwaukee
Wisconsin law provides limited pathways for the expungement of arrest records in Milwaukee. The process is governed primarily by Wis. Stat. § 973.015 and related provisions. Eligibility criteria and procedures are as follows:
Eligibility Requirements: Expungement may be available for individuals who:
- Were under the age of 25 at the time of the offense
- Were convicted of an offense with a maximum penalty of 6 years or less
- Successfully completed their sentence
- Have no pending criminal charges
Judicial Determination: Expungement must be ordered by the court at the time of sentencing, with the court determining that the person will benefit and society will not be harmed by the disposition.
Non-Conviction Records: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 165.84(1), individuals arrested but not charged, or charged but not convicted, may petition for the return of fingerprints, photographs, and other identifying data.
Procedural Requirements: Petitions for expungement must be filed with the court of original jurisdiction. The Milwaukee County Courthouse, located at 901 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233, processes these petitions through the Clerk of Circuit Court's office.
Effect of Expungement: When granted, expungement seals the court record from public view. However, law enforcement agencies may retain access to expunged records for legitimate law enforcement purposes as specified in Wis. Stat. § 165.83(2).
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, located at 821 W. State Street, Room 405, Milwaukee, WI 53233, may be consulted regarding specific cases. The office can be reached at (414) 278-4646.
Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access
Access to Milwaukee arrest records is subject to certain statutory limitations designed to protect privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system. These restrictions include:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 938.396, records pertaining to juveniles are generally confidential and not available for public inspection except under specific circumstances authorized by the court.
Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld under Wis. Stat. § 19.36(4) if disclosure would compromise law enforcement efforts.
Privacy Protections: Certain personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers are redacted from public records in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36(10).
Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order, including those subject to expungement under Wis. Stat. § 973.015, are not available for public inspection.
Domestic Abuse Victims: Information that would reveal the location of domestic abuse victims is protected under Wis. Stat. § 19.36(5).
The Milwaukee Police Department Records Custodian, in consultation with the City Attorney's Office, makes determinations regarding record access in accordance with these statutory provisions. Appeals of denied requests may be directed to the Milwaukee City Attorney's Office at 200 E. Wells Street, Room 800, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
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