Search Dane County, WI Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Dane County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Dane County, WI
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Dane County
- Visitation Rules at Dane County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Dane County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Dane County
- Dane Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Dane County?
- Dane County Facility Directory
- Dane Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Dane County, Wisconsin, you can start with online resources such as the official Dane County Sheriff’s Office website, which provides an inmate search tool for locating individuals currently held at the Dane County Jail. Visit https://www.danesheriff.com and navigate to the "Jail Information" or "Current Inmate List" sections to access this searchable database. For more detailed information or records on past inmates, you may submit an open records request either online or by contacting the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Records Section directly at 115 W Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703, or by phone at (608) 284-6800. Additionally, you can visit the Dane County Clerk of Courts located at the Dane County Courthouse (215 S Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703) for court case information related to inmates. Both online and in-person methods are available, so choose the approach most convenient for your needs.
How to Find an Inmate in Dane County, WI
Inmate records for individuals connected to Dane County, WI, can be accessed online using various public search tools. The right tool depends on whether the individual is currently held in the local Dane County jail, a Wisconsin state prison, or is in federal custody.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dane County Jail/Sheriff | Current county jail inmates | Dane County Inmate Search | Operated by Dane County Sheriff; call (608) 284-6100; address: 115 W Doty St, Madison, WI 53703 |
| Wisconsin DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | DOC Locator | Search statewide prison population; does not include county jails; updated by WI Department of Corrections |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status for offenders | VINE Wisconsin | Register for notifications of status changes; coverage includes county jails and state prisons |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates nationwide | BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prison in Dane County; most WI federal inmates are held at FCI Oxford or other regional facilities |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail roster and historical records | Visit 115 W Doty St, Madison, WI 53703 or call (608) 284-6100 | For records not online or for support, visit Dane County Sheriff’s Office in person during business hours |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Dane County
Upon arrest in Dane County, individuals are transported to the jail, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, and assigned housing. The full booking process typically takes 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OWI, Driving with Suspended License | Very High | 8–24 hours or until sober; may post bail |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, Distribution, Paraphernalia | High | 24–72 hours or until bail set |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Domestic Battery, Simple Assault | High | 72 hours to several days; subject to bail |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Criminal Damage | Moderate | 24–72 hours; held longer if unable to post bail |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Dates | Moderate | Until next court hearing or bail posted |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation Violations, Bench Warrants | Moderate | Until warrant cleared or court appearance |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Robbery, Serious Drug Charges, Weapon Offenses | Low | Until trial; sentenced inmates transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Dane County Jail
Before visiting, always verify the most current visitor guidelines with Dane County Jail and confirm you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00pm – 4:00pm; 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 1:00pm – 4:00pm; 7:30pm – 9:30pm | In-Person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all adult visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or inappropriate clothing allowed. |
| Prohibited Items | No electronics, bags, weapons, or contraband permitted. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Must be approved and listed on inmate's visitation list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian; ID or birth certificate may be required. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Special arrangements available; contact facility directly to schedule. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Dane County Jail
Inmates at Dane County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications monitored for safety and security. Please follow the guidelines below for each communication method.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Dane County Jail
115 W Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls through [Provider] phone system. | Friends/family must set up an account with [Provider]. | No incoming calls; calls may be time-limited and recorded. |
| Physical Mail | Letters are delivered to inmates after screening for contraband. | Address mail using the format above. | No packages, cash, or restricted items; all mail is inspected. |
| Digital Messaging | Send/receive electronic messages via [Provider] platform. | Create an account with [Provider] online. | Messages are monitored; may be limited in length/frequency. |
| Video Calls | Schedule live video visits through [Provider]. | Register an account and schedule session. | Sessions must be pre-approved; monitored for content. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Dane County
The Wisconsin Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, while individuals returning to Dane County can access reentry support through a combination of state and community-based programs.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Board of Parole | Determines parole eligibility and release for eligible state prisoners. | State-sentenced offenders | Parole Commission 608-240-7280 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Early release/credit programs based on behavior, participation, or sentence structure. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | Eligibility determined by DOC; details at DOC Earned Release |
| Parole Supervision | Monitoring and support for parolees post-release; Dane County parole office provides service. | Individuals released on parole | Madison/Dane County DCC: 3099 E. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 608-240-5929 |
| Reentry Housing | Transitional, supportive, and affordable housing resources for reentering residents. | Individuals returning to Dane County | JustDane Reentry Services 608-256-0906 |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, placement, and training services tailored to justice-involved individuals. | Returning citizens in Dane County | [WorkSmart Network](https:// worksmartnetwork.org) Job Center of Wisconsin |
| Benefits Restoration | Guidance on reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-incarceration. | Individuals released from incarceration | Dane Co. Human Services 608-242-6200 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Free automated system for victims to track custody status and release updates in Wisconsin. | Victims of crime | VINE Link Wisconsin 1-888-944-8463 |
Dane Incarceration Statistics
Dane County, home to the city of Madison, typically reports crime and incarceration rates below state averages, though property and drug offenses remain persistent concerns. The county operates its own jail facilities, with inmate populations reflecting broader statewide demographic trends.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 1,097 | 208 | 10.2% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 820 | 155 | 7.6% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 210 | 40 | 1.9% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 7 | 1.3 | 0.1% | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 6,321 | 1,199 | 58.9% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 4,450 | 845 | 41.4% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 1,340 | 254 | 12.5% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 531 | 101 | 4.9% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 1,475 | 280 | 13.8% | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 610 | 116 | 5.7% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 700 (statewide) | 129 (statewide) | 6.5% | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 77% Male, 23% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18-24: 18%; 25-34: 36%; 35-44: 27%; 45+: 19% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 54% White, 36% Black, 7% Hispanic, 3% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug, Property, Violent | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.1 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 32% | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Dane County?
Dane County currently holds an estimated 675 individuals in local custody, with sentenced offenders requiring longer terms often transferred to a state facility. The table below breaks down the population by facility type.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 440 | 65% | $135 | 88% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 120 | 18% | $110 | 68% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 70 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 20 | 3% | $145 | 60% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 25 | 4% | $250 | 50% |
| Total | 675 | 100% | N/A | N/A |
Dane County Facility Directory
Dane County operates four correctional facilities: the Dane County Jail, the Dane County Public Safety Building Jail, the Ferris Center (work release center), and the Juvenile Detention Center (youth facility).
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dane County Jail - City-County Building | County Jail | 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Madison, WI | 150 | ~140 | Medium/Maximum |
| Dane County Public Safety Building Jail | County Jail | 115 W Doty St, Madison, WI | 330 | ~300 | Medium/Maximum |
| Ferris Center | Work Release | 2120 Rimrock Rd, Madison, WI | 122 | ~100 | Minimum |
| Dane County Juvenile Detention Center | Youth Facility | 210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Madison, WI | 24 | ~10 | Juvenile |
Dane County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Family and Community Support