How to Request Jail or Sheriff’s Office Records from Rock County (Step-by-step)

Rock County Sheriff's Office handles requests for a wide range of records, including jail records, incident reports, arrest reports, accident reports, citations, photos, and recorded media like body camera or dash camera footage. One exception: if you need 911 audio, that goes through the Rock County 911 Communications Center - not the Sheriff's Office. Wisconsin's Public Records Law gives you flexibility here. You can make your request verbally or in writing. The main requirement is that it's "reasonably specific" about what you want and the time period involved, so staff can actually find the records.

To submit a request by mail or in person, send it to: Rock County Sheriff's Office, 200 E. US Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Include clear details - what record you need and the date range - so the Records unit can process it faster.

Rock County encourages using their online system, Next Request. The practical advantage? Online requestors get an electronic invoice and can pay online, which speeds things up compared to handling payment separately.

Need to sort out a jail records question by phone first? Call the Sheriff's Office at 608-757-7958 for inmate or jail records inquiries.

The Records unit operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Plan your calls and follow-ups accordingly.

Under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, your request can be verbal or written - but it still needs to be reasonably specific about the subject matter and time period. Give enough detail that someone can tell what to search for and where to look. A good request names the type of record you're seeking (jail records, an arrest report, etc.) and pins down a date range. If you have identifying details - like a person's name or the event in question - include those too. The tighter your time window and the clearer your subject, the faster staff can locate what you need.

Once you submit your request, the records custodian must respond as soon as practicable. You'll either get a notice that the records are available, or a denial (full or partial) if the records don't exist or aren't accessible under public records law. If your request is denied, you're entitled to receive that denial in writing. This helps if you need to understand exactly what was withheld and why.

Expect fees. The Sheriff's Office may charge the actual, necessary, and direct costs of locating, reproducing, and mailing records. If your total exceeds $50.00, they may require pre-payment before proceeding. Even for small requests, plan on a $3.00 payment required prior to release. Requesting audio or video? There's another potential cost. Under 2023 Wisconsin Act 253, law enforcement may charge the actual, necessary, and direct cost of redacting recorded content. Exemptions exist for individuals who meet criteria outlined in the Act.

For the smoothest process, use Next Request. Online submission simplifies payment - you'll receive an electronic invoice and can pay online, which tends to be faster than handling payment separately. The same basics still apply: make your request reasonably specific about what you want and the time period so it can be processed without back-and-forth.