Arrest records in Neenah, Wisconsin are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39), which establishes the framework for public access to government records. The statute explicitly states that providing citizens with information about governmental affairs is "an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of officers and employees."
The Neenah Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Pursuant to Wisconsin law, arrest records are considered public information unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. Exemptions may apply in cases involving:
• Ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement • Juvenile records (subject to restrictions under Wis. Stat. § 938.396) • Records sealed by court order • Information that would endanger an individual's safety if disclosed
The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides oversight regarding public records compliance, ensuring that local agencies like the Neenah Police Department adhere to statutory requirements for transparency while maintaining necessary protections for sensitive information.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Neenah have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The City of Neenah has implemented several procedures to facilitate public access to these records in compliance with Wisconsin Public Records Law.
Individuals may submit requests in person at:
Neenah Police Department
2111 Marathon Avenue
Neenah, WI 54956
Phone: (920) 886-6000
Neenah Police Department
Office hours for records requests: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Requestors must complete an open records request form and provide proper identification. The Records Division typically processes requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to:
Records Custodian
Neenah Police Department
2111 Marathon Avenue
Neenah, WI 54956
All written requests must include: • Requestor's full name and contact information • Specific information being requested • Date range of records sought • Subject's identifying information (if applicable)
The City of Neenah provides limited online access to certain arrest information through its official website. The Neenah Police Department portal offers:
• Daily incident summaries • Arrest logs (updated weekly) • Crime statistics by neighborhood
For comprehensive arrest records, formal requests must still be submitted through the methods outlined above.
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), the following fee schedule applies:
• Photocopies: $0.25 per page • Electronic copies: $0.10 per page • Records search and retrieval: $15.00 per hour (first hour waived) • Certified copies: $5.00 per document
Payment must be made at the time of request. The department accepts cash, check, or money order.
Arrest records maintained by the Neenah Police Department contain standardized information as required by Wisconsin Administrative Code § DOJ 1.04. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
• Full legal name of the arrested individual • Any known aliases or previous names • Date of birth and age at time of arrest • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks) • Residential address (may be redacted in public copies) • Gender and race (for statistical purposes)
• Date, time, and location of arrest • Arresting agency and officer identification • Statutory violations and charges • Case/incident number • Booking information • Custody status • Bail or bond information
• Booking photographs ("mugshots") • Fingerprint records • Property inventory • Miranda rights acknowledgment • Medical screening information (partially redacted in public copies) • Preliminary breath test results (if applicable)
• Court appearance dates • Charging decisions by prosecuting authority • Case outcomes and sentencing information • Probation or supervision details
It should be noted that pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.36(8), certain information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including: • Social Security numbers • Driver's license numbers • Financial account information • Medical information beyond basic screening • Information about confidential informants
The expungement process in Neenah follows Wisconsin state law regarding the sealing of arrest and conviction records. Under Wis. Stat. § 973.015, certain records may be eligible for expungement under specific circumstances.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Neenah if:
• The arrest did not lead to a conviction • The conviction was for a misdemeanor or Class H or I felony • The offense was committed before the age of 25 • The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less • The individual has successfully completed their sentence • The expungement would not present a risk to public safety
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including: • Violent felonies classified as Class G or higher • Sexual offenses requiring registration • Operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses • Offenses with mandatory minimum sentences
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Winnebago County Circuit Court:
Winnebago County Circuit Court
415 Jackson Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: (920) 236-4848
Petitioners must submit: • Completed petition for expungement (Form CR-266) • Certified copy of disposition of the case • Filing fee of $100 (fee waivers available for indigent petitioners) • Supporting documentation demonstrating rehabilitation
When an arrest record is expunged in Neenah:
• The record is sealed from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement • The individual may legally state they have not been arrested for the expunged offense • The record will not appear in standard background checks • The expungement does not restore rights specifically revoked by the conviction (e.g., firearm rights)
The Neenah Municipal Court can provide additional guidance on the expungement process for municipal ordinance violations, which follow a separate procedure from state criminal cases.