Arrest records are public documents in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that records produced or maintained by government entities shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies constitute public records subject to disclosure. This transparency requirement serves to maintain public oversight of governmental functions and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system.
Members of the public may access these records through various authorized channels, including the Waukesha County Sheriff's Records Division. The division maintains comprehensive documentation of law enforcement activities within the county jurisdiction, including arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information.
Waukesha County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The Current Inmate List maintained by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department offers real-time information regarding individuals currently incarcerated at county detention facilities. This database is updated hourly to ensure accuracy of information.
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Wisconsin Court System maintains a searchable database of court records that includes information on arrests that have resulted in formal charges. This system, known as CCAP (Consolidated Court Automation Programs), provides case information from Wisconsin Circuit Courts, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), these electronic records must be made available "as soon as practicable and without delay." However, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in § 19.36, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or victims of sensitive crimes.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Waukesha County. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking such information:
Waukesha County Sheriff's Department Records Division 515 W. Moreland Boulevard Waukesha, WI 53188 Phone: (262) 548-7156 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Official Website
The Records Division processes requests for incident reports, arrest records, and other law enforcement documentation. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to pay statutory fees for document reproduction.
Waukesha County Circuit Court 515 W. Moreland Boulevard Waukesha, WI 53188 Phone: (262) 548-7484 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Official Website
The Circuit Court maintains court records related to criminal proceedings, including information about arrests that have led to formal charges. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2), the Clerk of Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining these records.
Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau 17 W. Main Street Madison, WI 53703 Phone: (608) 266-7314 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Crime Information Bureau maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state. Authorized requestors may obtain comprehensive criminal history reports that include arrest information from multiple jurisdictions.
Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through designated online portals. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth. Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3) and may vary based on the volume and format of records requested.
Waukesha County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9.04. These records typically include the following elements:
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 165.83, law enforcement agencies are required to collect and maintain this information in a standardized format to ensure consistency across jurisdictions. The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides technical standards for the collection and maintenance of these records.
Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with privacy protections outlined in Wisconsin Statute § 19.36, particularly in cases involving juvenile offenders, victims of sensitive crimes, or ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety.
Under Wisconsin law, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Wisconsin Statute § 973.015 governs the expungement process, which may be available to individuals who:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Waukesha County Circuit Court. Petitioners must demonstrate compliance with all statutory requirements and may need to attend a hearing before a judge. If granted, expungement results in the sealing of court records related to the arrest and conviction.
It is important to note that expungement in Wisconsin does not completely destroy records but rather seals them from public view. Law enforcement agencies and certain government entities may still access expunged records for specific authorized purposes. Additionally, expungement of court records does not automatically extend to records maintained by other agencies, such as the Wisconsin Department of Justice or local law enforcement.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process is discretionary, and courts consider factors including the nature of the offense, the individual's criminal history, and evidence of rehabilitation when making determinations.