Germantown Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Germantown, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public documents in Germantown, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that records created or maintained by government entities, including those pertaining to arrests by local law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public. The statute specifically declares that providing citizens with the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government is an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of government officers and employees.
The Germantown Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations and makes these records available through established procedures. Public access to these records serves multiple civic purposes, including ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations, facilitating public oversight of governmental functions, and maintaining accountability within the criminal justice system.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in compliance with privacy protections established under Wis. Stat. § 19.36, particularly when disclosure would endanger public safety or compromise ongoing investigations.
How to Look Up Germantown Arrest Records in 2025
The Germantown Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law, the following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:
Online Records Request: Citizens may submit requests for police records through the official Germantown municipal website. The online system allows for specific identification of desired records and provides electronic delivery options.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may appear in person at the Germantown Police Department to submit records requests during regular business hours. Staff will assist with completing the necessary documentation and identifying relevant records.
Germantown Police Department
N112 W16877 Mequon Road
Germantown, WI 53022
Phone: (262) 253-7780
Official Website
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Germantown Police Department. Requests must include specific information regarding the arrest record being sought, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and nature of the alleged offense.
Washington County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county authorities within Germantown municipal boundaries, records may be requested from:
Washington County Sheriff's Office
500 N. Schmidt Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4378
Official Website
Requesters should be prepared to provide identification and may be required to pay applicable fees for record reproduction as permitted under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3). The fee schedule is established by municipal ordinance and is subject to periodic revision by the Germantown Village Board.
Contents of a Germantown Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Germantown Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of law enforcement interactions with detained individuals. Standard arrest records include the following categories of information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or alternative identities
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged violations
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Demographic information including date of birth, residential address, and citizenship status
- Case disposition information, when available
- Bail or bond information, including amount set and payment status
In accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36(8), certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, particularly when disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informant identities, or endanger public safety. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Wis. Stat. § 938.396 and may not be publicly accessible except under specific court orders.
The Germantown Police Department maintains arrest records in both physical and digital formats, with retention schedules established in compliance with the Wisconsin Public Records Board's guidelines for law enforcement documentation.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Germantown
Wisconsin law provides limited pathways for the expungement of arrest records in Germantown. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 973.015, expungement may be available under the following circumstances:
- The offense was committed when the individual was under the age of 25
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less (Class H felony or less severe offense)
- The court determined at sentencing that successful completion of the sentence would merit expungement
- The individual has successfully completed all conditions of their sentence
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Washington County Circuit Court or the Mid-Moraine Municipal Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. Petitioners must demonstrate compliance with all statutory requirements and may need to appear at a hearing where the court will evaluate whether expungement serves the public interest.
Washington County Circuit Court
432 E. Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4301
Official Website
Mid-Moraine Municipal Court
Germantown Village Hall
N112 W17001 Mequon Road
Germantown, WI 53022
Phone: (262) 334-5700
Citation Payment Information
When expungement is granted, the court orders the sealing of arrest records, making them inaccessible through standard public records searches. However, expunged records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific investigative purposes and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.
It should be noted that expungement in Wisconsin does not physically destroy records but rather seals them from public view. Additionally, records that have been published in third-party databases prior to expungement may continue to be accessible through those platforms despite the court-ordered expungement.
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