FAQs

What records can I request from the Janesville Police Department?

“Record” means any material on which written, drawn, printed, spoken, visual, or electromagnetic information or electronically generated or stored data is recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that has been created or is being kept by the Janesville Police Department (Wis. Stat. § 19.32(2)).

When a record contains material with release restrictions and material that is not subject to release restrictions, the restricted material shall be redacted, and the unrestricted material released (Wis. Stat. § 19.36(6)).

The Custodian of Records shall determine if the requested record is available and, if so, whether the record is exempt from disclosure. Either the requested record or the reason for nondisclosure will be provided as soon as practicable and without delay (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(4)). If the request cannot be completed within 10 days from the initial date of request and unless unusual circumstances preclude doing so, the requestor shall be notified in writing of the delay.

How do I make a Public Records request?

Please visit the City of Janesville Public Records Portal, NextRequest, to make your request. Requests by mail, phone, fax, email or in person are also accepted, but will be entered into the portal for processing.

Do I have to leave my name when making a request?

No, you may remain anonymous if you choose to.

Who can initiate a Public Records request?

Anyone may initiate a request for public records.

How soon will the Police Department respond to my request?

The authority shall determine if the requested record is available and, if so, whether the record is exempt from disclosure. Either the requested record or the reason for nondisclosure will be provided as soon as practicable and without delay (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(4)).

If the request cannot be completed within 10 days from the initial date of request and unless unusual circumstances preclude doing so, the requestor shall be notified in writing of the delay.

At this time, there is an increased delay for some requested digital evidence for body worn camera due to specialized staffing limitations (90-120 days).

Will I be notified if my request is denied?

Yes. If a written request is denied in whole or in part, the requester shall receive a written statement of the reasons for denying the request. The denial shall inform the requester that the written request for the record release determination is subject to review by a court or upon application to the Attorney General or a District Attorney (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(4)(b)).

How much will I be charged for my request?

Most records are sent electronically, at no cost. However, there are charges for location services exceeding $50, and physical media storage.

For large requests, the Police Department may

Provide Records in installments and/or require advance payment before providing further installments.

What records are exempt from disclosure?

The Wisconsin Public Records Law provides that a number of records are restricted from public inspection. In addition, there are other statutes not listed in Chapter 19 which may exempt or prohibit disclosure of certain information.

Examples of release restrictions include:

  • Personal identifying information, including an individual’s photograph; Social Security and driver identification numbers; name, address and telephone number; and medical or disability information that is contained in any driver license record, motor vehicle record or any office record, including traffic crash reports, are restricted except as authorized by the Office, and only when such use or disclosure is permitted or required by law to carry out a legitimate law enforcement purpose (18 USC § 2721; 18 USC§ 2722; Wis. Stat. § 19.36(10)).
  • Any record containing personally identifiable information that is collected or maintained in connection with a complaint, investigation, or other circumstance and that may lead to an enforcement action, administrative proceeding, arbitration proceeding or court proceeding. This includes any record that is collected or maintained in connection with such an action or proceeding (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(am)).
  • Any record containing personally identifiable information that, if disclosed, could result in (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(am)): |Endangering an individual's life or safety | Identifying a confidential informant (Wis. Stat. § 19.36(8)). | or |Endangering security, including that of the staff or population of a detention facility. |
  • Any record with the home, school or work address of a participant in the Wisconsin Department of Justice Address Confidentiality Program (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(am)2m).
  • Crime victim and witness information (Wis. Stat. § 950.04).
  • Juvenile-related information (Wis. Stat. § 938.396; Wis. Stat. § 48.78; Wis. Stat. §48.396; Wis. Stat. § 938.78).
  • Search warrants until they have been executed (Wis. Stat. § 968.21).
  • Patient health care records (Wis. Stat. § 146.82).
  • Records where the government’s interest in nondisclosure outweighs the public’s interest in disclosure.

Who is the Police Departments Custodian of Records?

Chad Pearson - Chief of Police

Who should I contact if I have questions about my request?

You may reach out via the NextRequest portal or by contacting the Janesville Police Department Records Bureau at 608-755-3100.