Pierce County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pierce County document the circumstances surrounding an individual's apprehension by law enforcement. These records include information such as the detainee's name, their alleged offense, the time of the arrest, and the identity of the arresting officer. Arrests typically occur when there is reasonable suspicion or probable cause of criminal activity, when an arrest warrant has been issued, or when public safety is at immediate risk.

Following an arrest, law enforcement books and processes the individual. The booking and processing involve documenting vital information about the arrestee and the circumstances of the arrest.

Typically, the following information is documented:

• Name, age, and address of the arrestee.
• The physical description of the arrestee
• The fingerprints are collected for cross-referencing
• A photograph (mugshot) of the individual is taken.
• The date, time, and circumstances of the arrest, including the charges filed, are recorded.
• The arresting officer/ law enforcement agency is documented.
• Bail/bond requirements are also documented.

Following the booking process, individuals are typically held at the Pierce County jail or released to go home and appear in court when needed.

Individuals arrested in Pierce county are generally detained at the Pierce County jail which operates under the jurisdiction of the Pierce County sheriff's office. The sheriff's office is responsible for generating and maintaining arrest records in compliance with local and state laws. These arrest records are closely tied to Pierce County Court Records which track the legal proceedings that follow, including charges hearings and case outcomes.

Arrest records form part of the category of public record and are subject to the transparency provision of the Wisconsin Open Records Act (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). This law ensures public access to governmental records while balancing the need to protect sensitive information.

Are Arrest Records Public in Pierce County?

In Wisconsin, arrest records are generally considered public under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. This means that most arrest records in Pierce County may be accessed by members of the public upon request. However, there are statutory exceptions that restrict access to certain types of records. For instance:

• Records involving juveniles are protected under Wis. Stat.§938.396 and are available online under specific circumstances.
• Sensitive details related to ongoing investigations, victims of sexual assault, or confidential informants may be withheld to maintain the integrity of the case or protect privacy, as outlined in Wis. Stat. §19-35(1)(am).

To request access to arrest records, individuals may contact the Pierce County Sheriff's Office:

432 W. Main Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011
(715) 273-5051

Requestors may need to provide identifying information and lay any acceptable fees for record searches or copies.

Pierce County Arrest Statistics

Pierce County has an average daily jail population of 45 persons, representing three persons per 1000 residents. Of this population, more than 23% are yet to be convicted of any crime. In 2023, there were 11,668 arrests made in Pierce County. Out of these arrests, 2,967 arrests, representing 25.4%, were made in the Pierce County Sheriff's Department Service area. When compared to 2021, the number of arrests in Pierce County increased by 5.8% in 2023. These statistics are necessary for documentation, budgeting, and planning purposes. They also keep the county informed on areas to improve on towards reduction of crime.

Find Pierce County Arrest Records

Individuals may locate arrest records through both local and federal resources. Locally, the Pierce County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs and booking information. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau (CIB) offers online searches for criminal and arrest records Wis. Stat. §165.82.

On a federal level, resources such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) are available to authorized users, primarily law enforcement agencies. Public access to these records is limited and regulated by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. §552a)

Pierce County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records, though interconnected, serve distinct purposes. Arrest records document the initial detention of an individual based on suspicion of criminal activity. They do not establish guilt or imply a conviction.

Criminal records, on the other hand, provide a comprehensive account of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, including charges, court proceedings, convictions, and sentencing. Criminal records in Pierce County are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and are governed by Wisconsin. Stat. §19.36(2), which ensures appropriate access for legal, employment, or educational purposes.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Wisconsin, arrest records remain on an individual's record indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged. Per Wis. Stat. §973.015, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having committed a nonviolent offense or successfully completed a diversion program.

Expungement removes the record from public access, offering eligible individuals an opportunity for a fresh start. However, law enforcement and certain government agencies may retain access to sealed records for official purposes.

Pierce County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Pierce County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement agencies to apprehend an individual. Arrest warrants are issued based on sworn affidavits establishing probable cause as required by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Wis. Stat. §968.04.

The warrant typically includes the suspect's name, the alleged offense, and specific instructions for execution. These documents ensure that arrests comply with constitutional protections against unlawful detention.

Do Pierce County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Pierce County generally remain active until they are executed or formally dismissed by the court. Warrants for serious offenses such as murder or sexual assault often have no expiration date. However, for lesser offenses like some misdemeanor offenses, the statute of limitations under Wis. Stat. 939.74 may affect the validity of the warrant. Factors such as the offense, changes in legal circumstances, or the passage of time may influence the enforceability of a warrant.