Racine Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Racine, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public documents in Racine, Wisconsin, accessible to all citizens under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that records created or maintained by government entities, including law enforcement agencies, shall be available for inspection and copying by any person. The Racine Police Department and Racine County Sheriff's Office maintain these records as part of their official duties. The Wisconsin Public Records Law operates under the principle that providing citizens with access to information about governmental affairs is essential to a democratic society.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes within the community. These records enable citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, provide transparency in the criminal justice system, and allow individuals to verify information that may affect their personal or professional decisions. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld pursuant to statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or public safety.
How to Look Up Racine Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Racine have several methods available to obtain this information. The Racine County Sheriff's Office and Racine Police Department have modernized their record-keeping systems to accommodate various request formats while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin Public Records Law.
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Racine Police Department Records Bureau 730 Center Street Racine, WI 53403 Phone: (262) 635-7700 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Racine County Sheriff's Office 717 Wisconsin Avenue Racine, WI 53403 Phone: (262) 636-3100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
When submitting requests, individuals must:
- Complete the designated public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available
- Present valid identification if requesting records in person
- Pay applicable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services
Electronic requests may be submitted through the official websites of these agencies. The online portal requires similar information as in-person requests and may offer expedited processing. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h), agencies must respond to record requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Response times typically range from 5-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request and current workload.
Mail requests should be directed to the addresses listed above and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery of requested documents.
Contents of a Racine Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Racine law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Wisconsin Administrative Code § DOJ 1.04. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in an arrest.
Standard information contained in Racine arrest records includes:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory charges and offense descriptions
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking information, including fingerprints and photographs
- Custody status and bail information
- Case disposition if available
Pursuant to Wisconsin law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Information regarding confidential informants
- Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
- Juvenile information (subject to restrictions under Wis. Stat. § 938.396)
- Information that would endanger an individual if disclosed
The format of arrest records may vary depending on the requesting party's needs and the agency's record-keeping systems. Records may be provided as paper documents, digital files, or certified copies for official purposes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Racine
Wisconsin law provides limited pathways for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Wis. Stat. § 973.015. Expungement in Racine County is a judicial process that seals records from public view but does not completely destroy them.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Racine include:
- The offense must be a misdemeanor or a Class H or I felony
- The offender 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 ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
- The offender must have successfully completed their sentence
Individuals seeking expungement of records not ordered at sentencing may petition the court under limited circumstances:
- Cases where charges were dismissed
- Cases resulting in acquittal
- Arrests that did not lead to charges
The petition process requires filing formal documentation with the Racine County Circuit Court:
Racine County Courthouse 730 Wisconsin Avenue Racine, WI 53403 Phone: (262) 636-3300 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Petitioners must submit:
- A completed petition for expungement
- Supporting documentation regarding case disposition
- Proof of identity
- Payment of applicable filing fees
The court reviews each petition individually, considering factors such as the nature of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, and the public interest in maintaining access to the record. If granted, expungement orders are forwarded to all agencies maintaining the records, including the Racine Police Department, Racine County Sheriff's Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings despite being sealed from public view.
Search Arrest Records in Racine
