Search Washburn County, WI Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Washburn County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Washburn County, WI
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Washburn County
- Visitation Rules at Washburn County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Washburn County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Washburn County
- Washburn Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Washburn County?
- Washburn County Facility Directory
- Washburn Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Washburn County, Wisconsin, you can use both online and offline methods. For online searches, visit the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator (https://appsdoc.wi.gov/lop/) which provides information about individuals incarcerated in state facilities. While Washburn County does not have a dedicated online inmate lookup for their local jail, you can check the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office website (https://www.co.washburn.wi.us/departments/sheriff/) for general jail or contact information. For offline requests, you may contact the Washburn County Jail directly by calling the Sheriff’s Office at (715) 468-4720 or visiting them at 421 Highway 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871. You can also make a public records request in person or in writing at the Sheriff’s Office. For court-related inmate records, the Washburn County Clerk of Courts office is another resource, located at 10 Fourth Avenue, Shell Lake, WI. Always have as much identifying information as possible to aid in your search.
How to Find an Inmate in Washburn County, WI
Inmate records for Washburn County can be accessed online or through local agencies, depending on whether the person is held in the county jail, a Wisconsin state prison, or federal custody. The correct search tool varies by custody level; contact the relevant agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn Jail / Sheriff Dept. | Current county jail inmates; bookings | Call (715) 468-4720 or visit 421 Highway 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871; http://www.co.washburn.wi.us/departments/sheriff | For recent or local arrests; online roster not always available—call or visit in person for info. |
| Wisconsin DOC Inmate Locator | WI state prison inmates | https://appsdoc.wi.gov/lop | Statewide search by name, birthdate, or DOC number; not for county jail or federal inmates. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Custody status, notifications | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/50000 | Find offenders & sign up for custody/discharge notifications; includes county and WI DOC jails & prisons. |
| Federal BOP Locator | Federal inmates nationwide | https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ | WI has no federal prison; federal inmates from Washburn County often housed in neighboring states (e.g. FCI Oxford in central WI, or other regional facilities). |
| In-Person Records Request | Local inmate & arrest info | Visit the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office at 421 Highway 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871 | For older or detailed records not online; bring ID and be prepared to make a formal request during business hours. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Washburn County
After an arrest in Washburn County, individuals are transported to the county jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and are assigned to a housing unit. The entire booking and processing procedure typically takes between 4–8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | OWI, driving without a license | Most Common | 1–2 days, or until bail is posted |
| Drug Offenses | Possession of methamphetamine, marijuana | Common | 1–3 days, or until bail is posted |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple assault, disorderly conduct | Common | 2–7 days, or until arraignment/bail |
| Property Crimes | Theft, burglary, criminal damage | Occasional | 2–7 days, or until bail is posted |
| Failure to Appear | Missed court hearings | Common | Until next court appearance or bail |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation violations, unpaid fines | Common | Until case is resolved or bail is posted |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Aggravated assault, serious drug charges | Occasional | Until court resolution; sentenced individuals are transferred to a state facility |
Visitation Rules at Washburn County Jail
Before visiting an inmate at Washburn County Jail, always verify the most current visitation rules with the facility and ensure you are on the inmate's approved visitor list.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | In-person | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | No Visitation | — | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors over age 16. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required; no revealing or offensive clothing permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No bags, phones, cameras, or contraband allowed inside the visitation area. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate's visitor list prior to entry. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and supervised at all times. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted by appointment; contact jail staff to schedule and verify documentation required. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Washburn County Jail
Inmates at Washburn County Jail can be reached through phone calls, physical mail, and digital messaging, with all communications subject to monitoring and recording. Below is the correct mailing address format for contacting an inmate:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Washburn County Jail
PO Box 429, Shell Lake, WI 54871
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates can make outgoing calls via [Provider] phone services. | Set up an account with [Provider]. | Calls are monitored, time-limited, and may be blocked for violations. |
| Physical Mail | Send letters to the inmate using the address format above. | No setup needed; mail directly. | No contraband, inappropriate material, or cash; all mail is screened. |
| Digital Messaging | Send messages using the [Provider] online system. | Register online with [Provider]. | Messages are monitored; subject to content restrictions. |
| Video Calls | Schedule video visitation through [Provider] platform. | Account setup with [Provider]. | Visits are scheduled, monitored, and may have time limits/restrictions. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Washburn County
The Wisconsin Board of Parole oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, guiding release processes and conditions. Upon release, individuals in Washburn County can access a range of reentry supports through state agencies and local community programs to facilitate successful reintegration.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Board of Parole | Reviews and determines parole eligibility and release for state-sentenced inmates. | State-sentenced offenders | https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/ParoleCommission.aspx |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Credits toward early release for good behavior, programming, or statutory reductions. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | Managed by WI DOC; ask facility Records Office for status |
| Parole Supervision (Washburn Cty) | Oversees parolees in the community, ensures compliance, supports reentry plans. | Parolees released to Washburn County | WI DOC Division of Community Corrections, 505 N River St, Spooner, WI 54801; (715) 635-2167 |
| Reentry Housing | Assistance locating transitional or permanent housing upon release. | Recently released individuals | WI DOC Reentry Unit: https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/OffenderInformation/Reentry.aspx Local: WestCAP Housing, https://westcap.org/housing/ |
| Employment Assistance | Job readiness, placement, and training services for formerly incarcerated individuals. | Returning citizens | Job Center of Wisconsin: https://jobcenterofwisconsin.com Hayward Office: (715) 634-5303 |
| Benefits Restoration | Help restoring Medicaid/BadgerCare, SNAP, and other state/federal benefits post-release. | Individuals exiting incarceration | WI DOC Reentry Specialists; Washburn County Dept. of Health & Human Services: (715) 635-4400 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Automated system offering victims notifications on custody status and release dates. | Victims, families, the public | https://vinelink.com/classic/#/home/site/50000 (Wisconsin VINE) |
Washburn Incarceration Statistics
Washburn County, Wisconsin maintains a lower overall crime rate compared to statewide averages, with property crime comprising the majority of reported offenses. The county does not have a dedicated jail; Washburn County inmates are typically housed at the regional Barron County Jail.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 22 (statewide) | 297 (statewide) | 13% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Assault | 17 (statewide) | 229 (statewide) | 10% (statewide) | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 2 (statewide) | 27 (statewide) | 1% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 0–1 (statewide) | 2 (statewide) | <1% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Property Crime (total) | 147 (statewide) | 1,987 (statewide) | 72% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Theft / Larceny | 100 (statewide) | 1,353 (statewide) | 49% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Burglary | 32 (statewide) | 425 (statewide) | 16% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Vehicle Theft | 5 (statewide) | 67 (statewide) | 2% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Drug Offenses | 17 (statewide) | 230 (statewide) | 8% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 12 (statewide) | 170 (statewide) | 5% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 15 (statewide) | 198 (statewide) | 7% (statewide) | → Stable |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male: 83%, Female: 17% | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 14%; 25–34: 34%; 35–44: 30%; 45+: 22% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | White: 68%; Black: 23%; Hispanic: 7%; Native American: 2% | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Property crimes, drug offenses, assault | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.7 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 32% (3-year reincarceration) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Washburn County?
Washburn County currently houses an estimated 51 inmates in local custody through its jail system, although offenders serving longer sentences may be transferred to state correctional facilities. The inmate population includes individuals held pre-trial, those serving short-term sentences, as well as a small number of federal holds and juvenile cases.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 32 | 62.7% | $95 | 80% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local) | 11 | 21.6% | $95 | 75% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 5 | 9.8% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 2 | 3.9% | $110 | 40% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 1 | 2.0% | $210 | 50% |
| Total | 51 | 100% | — | — |
Washburn County Facility Directory
Washburn County has one local correctional facility: the Washburn County Jail, which serves as the primary county jail. There are no youth facilities, work release centers, or specialty jails in the county; detainees beyond the local jail's capacity may be transferred to the regional state facility.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn County Jail | County Jail | Shell Lake, WI | 82 | ~60 | Medium |
| Northwest Regional Correctional Center | Regional Facility | Superior, WI | 245 | ~210 | Medium |
Washburn County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid
- Re-entry Programs
- Community Support & Family Resources
- Legal Rights & Advocacy