Free Milwaukee County Public Records: Search Residents’ Info

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Search Public Records of Milwaukee For Free

Access Milwaukee County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

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Retrieve Milwaukee public records for free to obtain information about any individual. The Wisconsin Open Records Law allows people to access public records by searching online databases or requesting this information by mail or in person.

Many public records are attainable in Wisconsin, including arrest, criminal, property, and vital records such as marriage, divorce, birth, and death certificates. Background check reports can also offer great insight into someone else’s past or present.

This article provides citizens with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to conduct an efficient, streamlined, and free public records search in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

How To Look Up Recent Arrest Records in Milwaukee County Wisconsin for Free

Several Milwaukee city and county organizations can provide citizens with information on recent arrests and inmates housed in the county jail. These records can even help interested parties find someone’s mugshot.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is the primary resource for these records because its inmate locator covers all cities within the county. Local police departments within the county also have open records offices that can share arrest records.

To obtain an arrest, individuals will need to have basic information on hand, including the inmate’s name and the approximate location of their arrest.

Search Arrests via the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office publishes an In-Custody Locator on its website.

Citizens can search Milwaukee County bookings by name or date of birth. Results will display the inmate’s booking number, which record seekers can click to learn more, including the inmate’s case number, list of charges, and bail amount.

Interested parties can also request public records through the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office using an Online Record Request Form.

Searching Milwaukee County arrest records will provide the broadest search results, giving citizens access to inmate data in various parts of the county.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office
821 West State Street, Room 102
Milwaukee Wisconsin 53233

Phone: (414)-226-7085
Fax: (414)-223-1267
Office Hours: M-F 8am – 4pm

The Milwaukee County Jail Records Office is another valuable resource when citizens want to look up someone’s criminal record. This office can answer questions and provide information in person or over the phone.

Milwaukee County Jail
Records Office
949 North 9th Street, Level G
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Phone: (414)-226-7100

View Arrest Data From Police Departments Throughout Milwaukee County Wisconsin

City police departments in Milwaukee County are another resource to check public records. Citizens can reach out to these departments to access Milwaukee County arrest reports.

Milwaukee: The Milwaukee Police Department is the county’s largest department with jurisdiction over the city of Milwaukee, the largest city in the county. The Milwaukee Police Department Open Records Section can provide access to public records, including arrest reports.² While the department does not have an online search, citizens can call, email, or visit the Open Records Section in person to obtain necessary information.

The office is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Records cost $.25 per page, payable by cash or check.

Milwaukee Police Department Open Records Section
2333 North 49th Street, 2nd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53210

Phone: (414)-935-7502
Email: [email protected]

West Allis: The West Allis Police Department accepts open records requests through an Online Open Record Request. Searchers can complete this form, providing their contact information and a description of the reports requested, including the date of the report, report number and type, and names of individuals involved, to help the police department find the correct record.

Citizens can also visit the West Allis Police Department Records Unit in person during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Records cost $.25 per page (black and white copy) or $.50 per page (color copy).

West Allis Police Department Records Unit
11301 West Lincoln Avenue
West Allis, WI 53227

Phone: (414)-302-8080
Email: [email protected]

Wauwatosa: The Wauwatosa Police Department in Milwaukee County accepts arrest records requests in person, by phone or fax, or via email. The Records Division office is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It can take the division up to 10 days to fulfill all public records requests.

Wauwatosa Police Department
1700 North 116th Street
Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Phone: (414)-417-8430
Fax: (414)-471-8447
Email: [email protected]

Greenfield: Also located in Milwaukee County, the Greenfield Police Department Records Department manages all arrest report requests.⁴ Citizens can complete a Request for Records form and submit it online, fax it, or deliver it in person to the police department Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Offense/incident reports are available, and individuals can ask for them by providing the case number, the name and date of birth of the involved parties, or the date of the incident. Records cost $.25 per page.

Greenfield Police Department
Records Department
5300 West Layton Avenue
Greenfield, WI 53220

Phone: (414)-761-5330
Fax: (414)-761-5323

Oak Creek: The Oak Creek Police Department accepts records requests by completing an Public Record Request, by mail or email, or in person. Citizens submitting their request via mail, email, or in person can print this Oak Creek Open Records Request Form.

For individuals who want to drop off their form in person, the office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Records cost $.10 per page (for black and white copies) and $.15 per page (for color copies), payable by cash or check.

Oak Creek Police Department
301 West Ryan Road
Oak Creek, WI 53154

Phone: (414)-766-7655
Email: [email protected]

Citizens can check Milwaukee County public records through other city police departments as well. To find the appropriate police department public records office, search the “city name, Wisconsin arrest records.” This search will pull up the city’s police department records contact, helping individuals secure the arrest record information they need.

How To Perform a Criminal Record Search in Milwaukee County

Many types of criminal records exist, and citizens can search these records to collect important data about the individual in question.

Criminal records include charges levied against someone, probation status, outstanding warrants, background check reports, and sex offender registry status. Conducting a free criminal record check can allow individuals to learn more about another person’s past or current situation.

Several agencies serve as the custodians for these Milwaukee County criminal records, including the Wisconsin Court System and the Clerk of Circuit Court. Tapping into the public records repository at these agencies can aid individuals in their search for criminal information.

View Criminal Case Information in Milwaukee County via the Wisconsin Court System Search Tool

The Wisconsin Court System oversees a comprehensive public index that lists circuit court cases in all counties, including Milwaukee County. Record seekers can use a convenient and free Case Record Search to research circuit courts, courts of appeal, and supreme court criminal cases.

Individuals researching recent cases that have not reached state courts of appeal should use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA). They can search by name and birthdate and narrow results by searching Milwaukee County.

This database includes a variety of court cases, including criminal and civil cases, traffic court, and family law cases, so citizens will want to add as much detail as possible to their search terms to narrow their results. Results provide details about the criminal case, including case type and status, charges, and court date.

Note that this database does not include dismissed or acquitted criminal cases that occurred more than two years prior to the search date. Citizens can also obtain additional information on the available cases listed in the WCCA search.⁷ The Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court can provide case data upon request to interested parties, with more information from this agency to follow.

Access Criminal Case Information in Milwaukee County via the Circuit Court Clerk

The Milwaukee Clerk of Circuit Court maintains records on felonies for 75 years after final judgment, and this data is accessible to the public.⁸

The clerk does not have an online search for Milwaukee County judicial records, but interested parties can contact the office directly to request information. Individuals can request criminal record case documents in person at the customer service window located inside the Clerk of Circuit Court Safety Building.

The office is open Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Copies cost $1.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5. While the office can fulfill some requests immediately, older case files are located off-site and require a two- to three-day processing time.

Milwaukee County Safety Building
Criminal Division
821 West State Street, Room 117
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Phone: (414)-278-4538

How To Run an Arrest Warrant Search in Milwaukee County Wisconsin

Another way to research an individual’s criminal history is to find out if they have any outstanding arrest warrants. Several agencies publish current warrant lists or most wanted lists, allowing citizens to find information on Milwaukee County warrants.

The Milwaukee Municipal Court publishes a list of all cases or charges of an individual, including outstanding warrants.⁹ Record seekers can conduct a Milwaukee County case search by name and birth date to pull up a list of all charges and warrants against an individual. Individuals can also call the court to inquire about Milwaukee County warrants.

Milwaukee Municipal Court
951 North James Lowell Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Phone: (414)-286-3800

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access search also provides warrant information. Citizens can search cases by name, date of birth, county, and case number. If an active warrant exists, individuals can find this listed under the case summary.

While the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office does not publish a list of outstanding arrest warrants, interested parties can contact the office for more information on warrants.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office
821 West State Street, Room 107
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Phone: (414)-278-4713

To expand your search beyond Milwaukee County, see this overview of conducting warrant searches throughout Wisconsin which provides methods for accessing warrant information across the entire state.

How To Look Up Probation Records & Determine Who’s Under Supervision in Milwaukee County WI

The State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ Offender Search can identify who is on probation in Milwaukee County. Individuals can search the online directory by inmate name and filter the results to Milwaukee County.

They may also limit search results further by choosing active community supervision under offender status. Then, if the inmate’s name appears, searchers can click on the status tab to see their supervision status. Active community supervision means that the inmate is currently on probation.

The state Division of Community Corrections oversees all inmates on probation throughout the state, including in Milwaukee County. Although this agency does not publish an online list of inmates on probation, individuals can contact the Milwaukee County Probation Office for more information.¹¹

Division of Community Corrections – Region 3 Office
1300 North 7th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205

Phone: (414)-229-0403

For a broader search, you can refer to the steps for finding probation information throughout Wisconsin, which may help you locate details of supervised offenders outside of Milwaukee County.

How To Conduct a Background Check in Milwaukee County WI

Background checks can be a useful resource for record seekers, giving them important insight into someone’s history. Citizens, potential employers, and other organizations can run a background check, which means they’re useful for both personal and professional purposes.

Anyone can perform a background check on another individual for any reason by searching Milwaukee public records accessible by state, city, and county agencies listed in this resource. They may also choose to conduct additional research through third-party providers.

These background checks don’t require consent from the individual being researched. However, no searcher can use information obtained through this check to stalk, intimidate, or harass someone.

In some cases, employers, businesses, and other organizations may run professional background checks to learn more about an individual for various reasons. Background checks may be required before an individual receives an employment offer, volunteers with an at-risk population, purchases a firearm or insurance policy, or finances a house or car.

Two types of background checks exist. Individuals can conduct a level 1 background check with only the person’s name and/or Social Security number, and no permission is required. These checks review state public records to develop a report about the individual.

Level 2 background checks, or fingerprint background checks, are more comprehensive. Businesses and other organizations may use these level 2 background checks to determine employment eligibility.

In Wisconsin, both types of background checks are available.

Milwaukee County does not offer background checks at the county level. While most cities within the county do not conduct background checks, the city of West Allis does.

Individuals conducting a background check on someone from this city can complete the West Allis Open Record Request Form, which includes an entry to request a background check on an individual. The individual’s full name, date of birth and address are required.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office recommends that individuals access the state Department of Justice’s Wisconsin Online Record Check System.

Individuals running the background check will need to provide the person’s full name, date of birth, gender, and race. They can also include the individual’s Social Security number if available. The online fee for these name-based background checks is $7.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau (CIB) conducts fingerprint background checks in the state.¹² Employers and organizations can request these background checks through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System, although the CIB cautions that most background checks in the state are level 1, not level 2, checks.

For questions about state background checks, individuals can contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice by email at [email protected].

Citizens have rights surrounding background checks, ensuring that the information obtained in a background check is not unlawfully used against them.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers resources for individuals who face employment discrimination, which could occur based on the results of a background check. Concerned parties can submit inquiries or complaints by using the EEOC’s Public Portal or visiting the Milwaukee EEOC field office.

Additionally, the FTC supports individuals who had a background check run without their consent. These people can complete the FTC Fraud Report Form, which is available online.

Finally, individuals should understand that they have the right to dispute information found in their background checks. For example, if criminal record history on the background check is inaccurate, the individual can file a Wisconsin Criminal History Challenge to identify an incorrect charge, missing disposition information, or incorrect disposition information.

Other issues related to background checks that individuals can dispute can include a case of mistaken identity—for example, when someone with the same name has criminal charges that appear on the wrong record—or a case of identity theft.

How To Access Criminal Records in Wisconsin via State & Federal Agencies

Both federal and state agencies publish public records, including criminal histories.

Understanding where to find these records can assist citizens in securing the information they need about any individual. Anyone can review the overview of finding Wisconsin arrest records and other criminal history information or check out the search tools listed below for more insight.

The Wisconsin Court System Case Search lists criminal records in Milwaukee County. Individuals can search the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access and filter by county to narrow their results.

The Wisconsin Offender Locator identifies incarcerated individuals in the state and offers information on status, charges, and court cases.

The Department of Justice’s Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) allows citizens to submit online background checks and receive the results online. The background check costs $7.

Citizens can search the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry by name or geographic location to identify individuals convicted as sex offenders within the state. Likewise, they can search the National Sex Offender Registry by name or location for a broader search throughout the whole county.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides a BOP Inmate Locator for finding people incarcerated in federal prisons from 1982 to the present.¹⁴ This information can be helpful for citizens seeking historical data. Note that Wisconsin has only one federal prison, FCI Oxford.

Conduct a Court Case Search in Milwaukee County

Wisconsin’s court structure includes four levels of courts: municipal courts, circuit courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.

Milwaukee Municipal Court and Milwaukee County Circuit Court are the two largest courts in the state in their respective categories. Accessing Milwaukee County court records is possible through all court levels, and understanding how to do so can aid citizens in their search for case information.

Milwaukee Municipal Court offers a free online Case Search for record seekers. Individuals can search for court cases by case number, citation number, or name. The Municipal Court oversees parking and traffic violations, first-time driving under the influence offenses, drug offenses, and juvenile cases.

Milwaukee Municipal Court
951 North James Lovell Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Phone: (414)-286-3800

The Milwaukee County Circuit Court has original jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters. In many cases, individuals seeking criminal case information may start their search with the circuit court. Curious parties can submit a public records request online through the My County Portal or ask for this information in person.

Milwaukee County Safety Building
Criminal Division
821 West State Street, Room 117
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Phone: (414)-278-4538

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals divides the state into four districts, and Milwaukee County is in District 1. This court is the state’s intermediate appellate court, meaning judges hear cases in this court before advancing to the Supreme Court, the state’s highest appellate court.

Both the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court share a Case Access System that gives record seekers access to appellate court case information.

Court of Appeals District 1
330 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 1020
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: (414)-227-4680

Wisconsin Supreme Court
16 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53701

Phone: (608)-266-1298

The United States District Courts divide Wisconsin into the eastern and western districts. Milwaukee County is in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system gives the public access to court records from this federal district.

Registered users can search by a specific district to find court cases at the federal level. Additionally, citizens can view non-electronic records free of charge at the clerk’s office. They can also make copies of these records at a cost of $.25 per page.

Eastern District of Wisconsin
United States Federal Building & Courthouse
517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Room 2
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: (414)-297-3372

How To View & Obtain Milwaukee Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death Information (Vital Records)

Vital records include information such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Securing this information can be helpful for individuals conducting genealogical research.

Birth certificates may also be required to enroll in school, show proof of age or identity, collect an inheritance, or verify citizenship. Likewise, death certificates can assist in probate matters or property or financial transactions. Marriage and divorce records may be needed for name changes, adoptions, and more.

In Wisconsin, the Register of Deeds serves as the custodian for Milwaukee County marriage records and Milwaukee County divorce records. This agency can assist citizens in obtaining vital records, including information on stillbirths and other less common records, for themselves or others, allowing them to check if someone is married or divorced and more.

Request Divorce & Marriage Records Through the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds

The Milwaukee County Register of Deeds is the primary custodian for divorce and marriage records.¹⁵ Record seekers can request uncertified copies of marriage or divorce certificates by mail, in person, or online.

Individuals applying by mail can print the Marriage Certificate Application or Divorce Certificate Application and send it to the address below. Mailed applications take about two weeks to process.

Record seekers can also visit the Register of Deeds Office and submit their request using a kiosk. A $3 fee applies when making the request in person. Certificates are available in 15 to 20 minutes.

Finally, the Register of Deeds Office also processes online requests through VitalChek, an authorized vital records provider for Milwaukee County.

The Register of Deeds is also the custodian of historical marriage and divorce records, which can be helpful in genealogical research. Individuals who want to find out if someone is married can schedule an appointment to view records from the 1870s to the present.

Appointments must be scheduled one month in advance, with two-morning appointments and two-afternoon appointments available for citizens daily. Records prior to 1931 are available at no cost.

Vital Records staff will pull up to 10 records dated after 1931 per visit at a cost of $7 per record, with the fee waived if the record is purchased. Documents are available at $20 per copy.

Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
901 North 9th Street #103
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Phone: (414)-278-4027
Email: [email protected]

Acquire Birth & Death Certificates via the Milwaukee Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds is also the primary custodian for birth and death certificates in Milwaukee County. The process for obtaining these records is similar to marriage and divorce records.

Citizens can request certified or uncertified copies of birth and death certificates using the Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application. They may request these records in person at the Register of Deeds office kiosks for a fee of $3 (see the address above). Additionally, individuals can order these records online using VitalChek.

The Milwaukee Health Department Vital Statistics Office has records of all births in the state. Additionally, this office can provide a certificate of death for anyone who died within the city of Milwaukee before September 2013 and anyone who died in Wisconsin after September 2013. Individuals can request certified or uncertified copies of birth certificates by sending in a completed Application for a Birth Certificate Form, a copy of a photo ID, and $20 fee to the address below.

Death certificate requests are processed in the same way using the Death Certificate Application Form. Individuals may also ask for a certificate of birth or death in person, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. They cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for any additional copy.

Expedited service is available via email and fax, with an additional $20 expedited fee and a $20 certificate fee. Individuals can download the fax/email forms for prompt service.

Milwaukee Health Department Vital Statistics Office
841 North Broadway, Room 115
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: (414)-286-3521
Fax: (414)-286-2036
Email: [email protected]

How To Retrieve Milwaukee County Property Records

Public records in Milwaukee County also include property documents and information. These records are available through several local agencies.

The Milwaukee County Treasurer’s Public Portal provides access to updated property and property tax information for all municipalities in the county. This resource is the most comprehensive for property record seekers. Citizens can search the portal by owner name, address, parcel number, or bill/certificate number.

Results provide information on the property’s value, taxes, school districts, and more.

Milwaukee County Treasurer
901 North 9th Street #102
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Phone: (414)-278-4043

The City of Milwaukee Assessor’s Office publishes online property assessment data, allowing individuals to find property information using tax keys or addresses. Additional Assessor’s Office property records include property sales data and personal property assessments.

Note that these records are available for all properties within Milwaukee city limits and exclude properties in Milwaukee County outside of those limits. Individuals seeking property data specific to the city of Milwaukee may choose this agency.

City of Milwaukee Assessor’s Office
200 East Wells Street #507
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Phone: (414)-286-3651

Additional information is available through the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds (see the address listed earlier in this resource).¹⁹ Individuals can request property records by mail using the Tapestry service, via mail, or in person on an appointment or walk-in basis. Individuals searching for historical property data must make an appointment at least 24 hours in advance.

Fees for these records vary depending on the request. The Register of Deeds is helpful for individuals conducting historical research on a property.

Utilizing Milwaukee Public Records Responsibly & Understanding Your Rights

The Wisconsin Open Records Law gives the public access to records created by or managed by any government agency. This law allows citizens to conduct research and collect information through these records without the individual’s consent. Moreover, employers and other organizations may use these records to evaluate job or volunteer applicants.

Additionally, the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law calls for most government meetings to take place in an open session. Citizens can also request transcripts, recordings, or meeting minutes from such events.

When citizens, employers, and organizations access public records, they must use the information obtained through public records searches responsibly. It should not be used to harass, stalk, or intimidate individuals. Fortunately, several federal organizations work to uphold individuals’ rights when someone accesses their public records.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ensures that individuals or agencies cannot use public records to determine someone’s creditworthiness, employment status, business transactions, or ability to rent a unit.²⁰ The FCRA also establishes rights for individuals as they relate to the use of publicly available information, such as a background check. These rights include:

• Individuals must be told if an agency used information in their report against them.
• Individuals have a right to know what information is in their files.
• They have a right to request their credit score.
• They can dispute any information in their report that is incomplete or inaccurate, and consumer reporting agencies must delete this information or avoid reporting outdated information.
• Individuals must give consent to employers to run their reports, and this information is only available to agencies with a valid need.
• Individuals can limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance.
• Individuals can report and seek damages from any consumer reporting agencies that violate FCRA rights.

The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) enforces federal discrimination laws, ensuring that employers do not reject candidates based on arrest or conviction records that are not relevant to the job. The organization also offers resources for individuals who believe an employment background check is discriminatory.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also handles background check fraud, including cases when an employer ran a background check without the individual’s consent.²¹ Individuals can report instances of background check fraud using the FTC’s online reporting system.

Additionally, they can reach out to their local EEOC field office for any concerns about discrimination related to background check reports or public records. They may also file a discrimination charge using the EEOC Public Portal.²²

On the state level, concerned parties can contact the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and its Equal Rights division.

Regardless of the reason for the search, this resource highlights the importance of using this information responsibly and empowers citizens to search Milwaukee public records without hassle; you can also consider utilizing the step-by-step instructions for accessing Wisconsin public records, which can provide valuable insights into conducting similar searches in other counties or at the state level.