Search Milwaukee County, WI Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Milwaukee County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Milwaukee County, WI
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Milwaukee County
- Visitation Rules at Milwaukee County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Milwaukee County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Milwaukee County
- Milwaukee Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Milwaukee County?
- Milwaukee County Facility Directory
- Milwaukee Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, you can begin by searching online through the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search portal, which provides up-to-date information on individuals currently held in the Milwaukee County Jail system (https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Sheriff/Inmate-Information). You can search by name or booking number for details such as charges, booking dates, and court status. For additional records or historical inmate information not available online, you can visit or contact the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office in person at 821 W. State Street, Room 107, Milwaukee, WI 53233, or call their Records Division at (414) 278-4766. You may also request records via mail or email following the public records request procedures outlined on the Sheriff’s Office website. For court-related inmate information, the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court, located at the Milwaukee County Courthouse (901 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233), is another resource, particularly for records related to criminal court cases. Always verify identification and follow local procedures to obtain access to public records.
How to Find an Inmate in Milwaukee County, WI
Inmate records for Milwaukee County are accessible online, but the appropriate tool depends on whether the individual is held in a local jail, a Wisconsin state prison, or a federal facility. Use the table below to identify the right method for your search.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County Jail / Sheriff | Local jail and custody records | Milwaukee County Sheriff Inmate Locator or call (414) 226-7070 | Provides current custody status for those held in the Milwaukee County Jail or by the Sheriff's Office. |
| Wisconsin DOC Inmate Locator | State prison records | Wisconsin DOC Inmate Search | Search for inmates housed in all Wisconsin Department of Corrections facilities. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status for WI jails and DOC | Wisconsin VINE or call (888) 944-8463 | Automated notifications for inmate custody status changes; registration required for alerts. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal offenders | Federal BOP Inmate Locator | No federal prisons are located in Wisconsin; most Wisconsin federal inmates are held at FCI Oxford (FCI Oxford, WI) or nearby states. |
| In-Person Records Request | Jail/custody and public inmate records | Visit: 949 N. 9th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 or call (414) 226-7000 | Request records at the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility; ID may be required. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Milwaukee County
After arrest in Milwaukee County, individuals are transported to the jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, a medical screening, and are assigned housing. The entire booking process typically takes 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OWI, driving with suspended license | High | 8–24 hours or until arraignment |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, distribution, paraphernalia | High | 12–48 hours or until bail/pretrial hearing |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple/Aggravated Assault, Domestic Battery | High | 24–72 hours, may require mandatory court appearance |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, vandalism | Moderate | 24–48 hours or until bail/pretrial hearing |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court dates | High | Until next available court appearance |
| Outstanding Warrants | Unresolved traffic, misdemeanor, felony warrants | High | Until warrant is resolved or court appearance |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Robbery, serious drug offenses, aggravated assault | Moderate | Until trial or bail; sentenced offenders transferred to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Milwaukee County Jail
Before visiting Milwaukee County Jail, verify the latest visitation policies with the facility and confirm you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor list, as rules and schedules may change.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Video/In-person | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid, government-issued photo identification required for all adult visitors. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or provocative clothing allowed. |
| Prohibited Items | No cell phones, bags, food, drinks, weapons, or contraband permitted. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate's visitor list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; birth certificate may be required. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Must present proper credentials; allowed outside normal visitation hours—call ahead. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Milwaukee County Jail
Inmates at Milwaukee County Jail can be reached by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging services; please note that all forms of communication are monitored by the facility.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
[Milwaukee County Jail]
[949 N 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233]
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outbound calls using the jail’s phone system via [Provider]. | Set up an account with [Provider]. | Calls are recorded; no incoming calls; time limits may apply. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters and approved photos to the facility using the provided format. | Simply mail to jail using correct info. | No contraband, no Polaroids, no cash; content will be screened. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive secure text messages via [Provider]’s online system. | Register an account with [Provider]. | Messages are screened; media/content may be restricted. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visits through [Provider]’s platform. | Create an account and schedule online. | Appointments required; monitored and recorded; dress code applies. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Milwaukee County
The Wisconsin Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for eligible state-sentenced offenders, determining release dates and conditions. Individuals returning to Milwaukee County can access reentry support through state agencies and local community-based programs to assist with housing, employment, and reintegration.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Board of Parole | Reviews and grants parole to eligible incarcerated persons in Wisconsin state prisons. | State-sentenced offenders eligible for parole | DOC Parole Commission (608) 240-7280 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows eligible inmates to earn reduced sentences for good behavior or program participation. | Eligible inmates per WI DOC rules | Inmate Good Time FAQ Inquire via institution case manager |
| Parole Supervision – Milwaukee | Community supervision and support for paroled individuals; monitors compliance with parole conditions. | Parolees in Milwaukee County | Milwaukee DCC Regional Office 819 N. 6th St., Room 240, Milwaukee, WI 53203 (414) 227-4700 |
| Reentry Housing | Assists with transitional and stable housing for returning citizens. | Returning citizens facing housing barriers | Project RETURN: (414) 374-8029 Project RETURN |
| Employment Assistance | Offers job readiness training, placement, and ongoing employment support. | Individuals with criminal records | Employ Milwaukee: (414) 270-1700 Employ Milwaukee |
| Benefits Restoration | Helps restore access to Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release. | Recently released individuals in need of benefits | Milwaukee Enrollment Services (MilES): (888) 947-6583 ACCESS Wisconsin |
| VINE Victim Notification | Victim notification system providing updates on offender custody status, release, or transfer. | Crime victims and concerned community members | WI VINE (888) 944-8463 |
Milwaukee Incarceration Statistics
Milwaukee County has one of Wisconsin’s highest concentrations of reported crime and incarceration, driven by its large urban population and associated socioeconomic factors. Milwaukee County operates the Milwaukee County Jail and the House of Correction; inmates from the county are not held at a regional facility.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 8,101 | 846.7 | 17% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Assault | 5,485 | 573.7 | 11% | ↑ Increasing |
| — Robbery | 1,658 | 172.9 | 3% | → Stable |
| — Homicide | 478 | 50.0 | 1% | ↑ Increasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 17,520 | 1,832.5 | 36% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 11,928 | 1,247.6 | 24% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 2,886 | 302.0 | 6% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 2,706 | 283.0 | 6% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 4,337 | 453.5 | 9% | → Stable |
| DUI / Traffic | 2,319 | 242.4 | 5% | ↓ Decreasing |
| Domestic Violence | 6,024 | 629.6 | 12% | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 76% Male, 24% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 22%, 25–34: 33%, 35–44: 27%, 45+: 18% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | Black 53%, White 33%, Hispanic 12%, Other 2% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug Offenses 28%, Violent Crimes 27%, Property Crimes 25%, Other 20% | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 3.4 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 37% (3-year follow-up) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Milwaukee County?
As of the most recent estimates, Milwaukee County detains approximately 2,100 individuals in local custody; offenders who receive longer sentences are often transferred to Wisconsin Department of Corrections state facilities. The following table provides a breakdown of current populations by facility type:
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 1,150 | 54.8% | $130 | 92% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 420 | 20.0% | $110 | 78% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 380 | 18.1% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 60 | 2.9% | $150 | 67% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 90 | 4.3% | $400 | 80% |
| Total | 2,100 | 100% | — | — |
Milwaukee County Facility Directory
Milwaukee County operates five correctional facilities, including a county jail, a community jail, a youth facility, a work release center, and a specialty facility.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County Jail | County Jail | 949 N. 9th St., Milwaukee, WI | 960 | ~900 | Medium/Maximum |
| Community Reintegration Center | Community Jail | 8885 S. 68th St., Franklin, WI | 1,100 | ~850 | Minimum/Medium |
| Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center | Youth Facility | 10201 W. Watertown Plank Rd., Wauwatosa, WI | 127 | ~80 | Juvenile |
| Day Reporting Center | Specialty Facility | 615 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Milwaukee, WI | 100 | ~60 | Minimum |
| Milwaukee County House of Correction Work Release | Work Release Center | 8885 S. 68th St., Franklin, WI | 100 | ~70 | Minimum |
Milwaukee County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid & Rights
- Family & Community Support
- Reentry Programs