Your Guide to Accessing Public Records in Wisconsin

---

The Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39) guarantees public access to government records. The law states:

“All persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them. Providing such information is an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of state employees.”

• You have the right to inspect or obtain copies of existing records.
• Your identity and the reason for your request generally don’t matter.
• Records are presumed open unless exempt by law.
• Authorities are not required to create new records if none exist.

Wisconsin law allows you to request a wide variety of public records. Here are some examples of what you can access:

Law Enforcement Records:

• Dashcam and bodycam footage
• 911 call recordings
• Arrest reports and booking logs
• Incident and accident reports
• Dispatch logs
• Use of force reports
• Internal investigation reports
   

Legal and Court Documents:

• Court case files and judgments
• Autopsy reports and coroner findings
• Search and arrest warrants
• Probation and parole reports (with some limitations)
   

Government Operations:

• Meeting agendas and minutes from city councils and committees
• Emails and correspondence from public officials
• Budgets, audits, and financial reports
• Employee salaries and contracts
• Bids and awarded contracts for public projects
• Building permits and code enforcement records
   

Educational Institutions:

• School board meeting minutes
• School district budgets and expenditures
• Contracts with vendors and third-party services
   

Public Health & Safety:

• Restaurant health inspection reports
• Environmental reports and violations
• Emergency response plans (with certain security limitations)
   

Property and Business Records:

• Property ownership records and assessments
• Zoning decisions and land use permits
• Business licenses and violations

• Be Specific: Clearly describe the records you want to avoid delays. Include date ranges, names, or keywords.
• Request Formats: Ask for digital copies to avoid printing fees.
• While anonymity is permitted under Wisconsin law, certain records may still require identification.

Alternative Phone Numbers: Use Google Voice or download TextMe to create a separate number.

Faxing Made Easy:
Free fax number: https://www.faxbetter.com 

Send free faxes: https://www.efax.com

Mugshots and Arrests: https://www.arrests.org

People Search: https://www.fastpeoplesearch.com/reverse-phone-lookup

Wisconsin Court Records (CCAP): https://www.wicourts.gov/casesearch.htm

PACER: Public Access to Court Electronic Records

Inmate Information: Download the Mobile Patrol app.

Jackson County Property Records

Wisconsin DOJ Public Records Dashboard

Wisconsin State Library Open Records

Jackson County Wisconsin Live Scanner

Public Records Request Guide: Templates, Contacts, and Pro Tips 

 The third-party services listed are provided for convenience. We are not affiliated with these providers. Please review their privacy policies before use.

• Certain records, such as ongoing investigations, medical reports, or sensitive personal data, may be exempt from disclosure under Wisconsin law.
• Agencies may charge reasonable fees for the cost of locating and copying records. You can request an estimate if fees may exceed a certain amount.
• Please note that while agencies must respond promptly, complex requests may take longer to process.
• Some records may be partially redacted to protect sensitive or confidential information.
• If your request is denied, you have the right to request a written explanation and may appeal to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

If you'd like more tips, contact details, or help navigating the system, reach out to us! 

We’re here to guide you in exercising your right to access public records.

Stay empowered!

Fuel watchdog journalism—keep Jackson County informed.