How to Send Money to an Inmate in a Prison or Jail
Table of Contents
What is Wisconsin Inmate Search?
A Wisconsin inmate search is a process that enables individuals to look up persons confined within the state's correctional facilities. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) manages state prisons and maintains records of inmates under its jurisdiction. County jails, on the other hand, are operated by local authorities, each responsible for maintaining records of inmates in their custody.
The Wisconsin DOC provides an online tool called the "Wisconsin General Public Offender Search" to help the public find information about individuals incarcerated in state facilities. This tool allows users to search by name, DOC numbers, or other identifiers. The DOC also has a comprehensive Facility Search tool to assist individuals in locating the state's correctional facilities.
Are Inmate Search Records Open to the Public in Wisconsin?
Yes. Inmate records in Wisconsin are generally accessible to the public by the state's Public Records Law. However, exceptions exist for certain records, including:
- Juvenile records
- Expunged or sealed records
- Medical and mental health information
- Records that could compromise personal or public safety if disclosed
- Records related to ongoing investigations
How To Perform Wisconsin Inmate Lookup
The DOC provides an online tool called the Offender Locator for public use to find information about inmates in state custody. To perform an inmate lookup, interested parties may enter search criteria such as the offender's name, race, gender, or ID number. The search results provide details, including the offender's current location, offense information, sentence details, and parole eligibility. Requesters may contact the Wisconsin Department of Corrections directly at (608) 240-5000 or by email.
Moreover, VINELink provides information and status updates for inmates in Wisconsin detention facilities. Interested individuals may search and register for alerts about custody status changes. For inmates housed in county jails, check the respective sheriff's office websites. Many counties, such as Dane, Milwaukee, and Waukesha, maintain online inmate rosters.
How To Search for an Inmate in Wisconsin
To locate an inmate in Wisconsin, use the Offender Search tool on the DOC website. You can then enter search criteria such as the offender's name or DOC number and click "Search" to view matching results. Including details like date of birth can help narrow the search. Selecting an individual's name provides more detailed information about them, such as:
- Offense information
- Current facility location
- Sentence length
- Parole eligibility
- Projected release date
How To Conduct a Free Inmate Search in Wisconsin
The WDOC provides a free online database where users may search for offenders by name, county, status, or parole hearing date. Additional tools such as VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) may be used to find information about persons incarcerated in Wisconsin state prisons. Users may register to receive notifications by phone, email, or text message
On the other hand, third-party websites such as RecordsFinder provide inmate search services that may include information from various correctional facilities, including county, state, city, and federal prisons and jails. However, accessing detailed inmate records or comprehensive criminal histories may require payment of fees.
How To Find a Federal Inmate in Wisconsin
Federal inmates in Wisconsin are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). To locate a federal inmate in the state, use the BOP's Inmate Locator tool, which allows searches by name or BOP register number. This online resource allows interested individuals to search for persons incarcerated in federal facilities across the United States, including those housed in Wisconsin. Also, the U.S. Marshals Service manages federal detainees and can assist in locating inmates temporarily held in federal detention centers.
The following are the federal prisons where federal inmates are held in Wisconsin"
- Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Oxford
- Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Terre Haute
What Can You Find with State of Wisconsin Inmate Search
Wisconsin Inmate Search provides comprehensive details about individuals incarcerated in state facilities, as well as those under probation or parole. Generally, you will retrieve the following information in a typical Wisconsin inmate search:
- Personal details
- Facilities location information
- Incarceration details
- Offense Information
- Custody status
- Conviction details
Jail and Inmate Search in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has an incarceration rate of 621 per 100,000 residents as of 2024. As of December 2022, the state's Department of Corrections (DOC) reported 20,000 inmates in state prisons. Additionally, approximately 13,000 individuals were incarcerated in county jails across the state. The DOC also supervises around 9,000 individuals on parole and approximately 72,000 people on probation.
Wisconsin has significant disparities in its incarceration rates. Black individuals make up about 7% of the state's population but constitute 41% of its prison population. Latino residents account for 8% of the prison population, despite being just about 7% of the state's overall population.
Criminal Justice Quick Facts
Wisconsin Imprisonment Rate * (per 100,000 population)
615
Probation Population
72,000
Parole Population
9,000
Racial Disparity in Incarceration Rate
Black: White Ratio: 11.8:1
Hispanic: White Ratio: 2.3:1
Disenfranchised Population
234,000 (3.1%)
Disenfranchised African Americans
131,290 (5.19%)
* Wisconsin's incarceration rate includes data from prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile justice centers.
Wisconsin Parole Population
At the beginning of 2022, Wisconsin's parole population stood at 22,510, a figure that remained unchanged by the end of the year.
Paroles per 100,000 Population (2022)
Nationwide
267
Wisconsin
484
Parole Total Population in Wisconsin (2022)
Nationwide
698,820
Wisconsin
22,510
Parole Entries and Exits (2022)
Reported Entries
Reported Exits
6,250
Change in 2022, in Percentage and Number
Percent
0%
Number
0
Number on Parole per 100,000 U.S. Adult Residents
Decreased by
Wisconsin Prisons
Wisconsin operates several correctional facilities under the oversight of the state's Department of Corrections (DOC). These include high-security prisons like Waupun and Green Bay for serious offenders, as well as medium-security prisons such as Fox Lake and Columbia. It also manages minimum-security facilities, like Kettle Moraine and Racine, designed for lower-risk inmates. Its juvenile detention centers include Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake. Additionally, Wisconsin has correctional centers focused on reentry programs, such as the ones in Dodge and Oshkosh, and specialized facilities for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
State-operated correctional facilities in Wisconsin have a staff of 10,193 employees and an annual budget of $1.5 billion. It costs the state an average of $30,000 annually in DOC facilities to house and care for each inmate. This includes the costs of operations and rehabilitation services. Wisconsin community corrections population was 39,750 under probation and 22,510 under parole. A violent crime rate of 297 incidents per 100,000 residents was reported in 2022. The property crime rate in Wisconsin was approximately 1,385 incidents per 100,000 residents in the same period.
| Prison Name | Prison Type |
|---|---|
| Black River Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility | State Prison |
| Columbia Correctional Institution | State Prison |
| Dodge Correctional Institution | State Prison |
| Drug Abuse Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Flambeau Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Fox Lake Correctional Institution | State Prison |
| Gordon Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Green Bay Correctional Institution | State Prison |
| Jackson Correctional Institution | State Prison |
| John C. Burke Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Kenosha Correctional Center | State Prison |
| Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution | State Prison |
| Marshall E. Sherrer Correctional Center | State Prison |
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some frequently asked questions and answers about inmates search in Wisconsin:
Why Is an Inmate Not Showing Up in Search?
An inmate may not appear in a search if they are incarcerated in a county jail or have recently been admitted, transferred, or released. Transfers of inmates to federal facilities may also be responsible. You may need to contact the specific facility, such as city or county jails, or federal prisons, for information about an inmate. If the search details are incorrect, an inmate may not show up in a search. In this case, confirm the search parameters are correct or contact the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) for further assistance.
How Can You Check If Someone Is in Jail in Wisconsin?
To find out if someone is in jail in Wisconsin, an interested individual may take the following steps:
- Use the Inmate Locator tool on the Wisconsin Department of Correction (DOC) website for an online search
- Contact the DOC directly for information about individuals incarcerated in state prisons
- Contact the local sheriff's office, particularly for individuals charged at the county or local level
How Can You Conduct a Wisconsin Prison Inmate Search?
In Wisconsin, individuals may conduct a prison inmate search online using the state's Department of Corrections (DOC) search portal or by contacting the department directly. Trusted third-party platforms may also assist in locating inmate records, although they may charge certain fees based on the information requested. State-provided tools, however, are typically free to use. Alternatively, an inmate search may be conducted through the VINE (Victim Information and Notification every day) database to obtain custody status updates.
