>Polk County Arrest Records Online

Polk County, Wisconsin Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Polk County, Wisconsin?

Arrest records are public in Polk County, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that all government records, including arrest records, are presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. The Wisconsin Public Records Law operates under the principle that providing citizens with information about governmental affairs is essential to the functioning of a democratic society.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests through various channels established by county authorities. While most arrest records are available, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records (pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 938.396), and records sealed by court order.

Requesters should note that while the records are public, access may require payment of reasonable fees to cover reproduction costs as permitted under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3). The Polk County Sheriff's Office typically processes requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Polk County?

Polk County arrest records are available online through several official county platforms. The Polk County Sheriff's Office maintains digital databases that allow members of the public to access certain arrest information via the internet. These online resources have been developed in accordance with Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency while balancing privacy considerations.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office website serves as the primary portal for accessing digital arrest records. The online system includes regularly updated information about recent arrests, inmate rosters, and booking reports. Users should be aware that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive case files may require submission of a formal open records request.

Additionally, the Wisconsin Court System provides a complementary online resource for tracking cases that have entered the court system following an arrest. This statewide database allows users to search for court records by name, case number, or citation number across all Wisconsin counties, including Polk County.

Polk County Sheriff's Office
1005 West Main Street, Suite 900
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
(715) 485-8300
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

How to Look Up Polk County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Polk County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several methods established by county authorities. The following procedures have been implemented to facilitate public access while maintaining record integrity:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Polk County Sheriff's Office Records Division to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with locating specific records and processing reproduction requests. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply.
Online Access: The Polk County Sheriff's Office website provides access to the current inmate roster and recent booking reports. These resources are updated regularly and provide basic information about individuals currently in custody or recently arrested.
Written Requests: Written open records requests may be submitted via mail or through the online case report request form. Requests should include the subject's full name, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Court Records: For arrests that have proceeded to court, the Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains case files that may contain arrest information. These records can be accessed through the courthouse or via the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system.

Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court
1005 West Main Street, Suite 300
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
(715) 485-9299
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Contents of a Polk County Arrest Record

Polk County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin statutes and law enforcement protocols. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Standard arrest records in Polk County typically include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Wisconsin statute numbers and charge descriptions. Both initial charges at arrest and any subsequent modifications are documented.
Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of booking, fingerprint classification data, and property inventory taken at the time of booking.
Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots") taken from front and side angles, with identifying information displayed.
Detention Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, court appearance dates, and current custody status.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current case, subject to restrictions on juvenile records pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 938.396.

Pursuant to Wisconsin's Public Records Law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information related to confidential informants or ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Polk County

Expungement of arrest records in Polk County follows procedures established under Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which provides a legal pathway for certain records to be removed from public access. Expungement is a judicial process that, when granted, results in the sealing or destruction of arrest and related court records, preventing their disclosure through standard record searches.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Polk County include:

The offense must be a misdemeanor or a non-violent 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 not harm society.
The individual must have successfully completed their sentence, including any probationary period.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Polk County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must provide documentation demonstrating eligibility and compliance with all court-ordered conditions. Upon review, a judge may grant or deny the petition based on statutory criteria and the specific circumstances of the case.

It is important to note that expungement in Wisconsin does not completely destroy all records. Law enforcement agencies may retain access to expunged records for internal purposes, and certain expunged records may still be accessible to specific government agencies for limited purposes, such as criminal justice employment screening.

Polk County Circuit Court
1005 West Main Street
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
(715) 485-9238
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM