Wisconsin Inmate Search Correctional Facilities provides a complete public system to find adults in state custody. The official Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) portal lists every adult inmate, shows which facility they live in, and gives exact visiting hours. Users can search by name, DOC number, or birth date. Results show the inmate’s housing unit, custody level, and expected release date. The site also explains how to send money, mail rules, phone call limits, and youth programs at Copper Lake School, Lincoln Hills School, and Grow Academy. This system helps families, lawyers, and the public stay connected and informed.
How to Use the Wisconsin Inmate Search Tool
The Wisconsin DOC Offender Search tool is free and easy to use. Start at the official DOC website. You will see a legal disclaimer. Click “I agree” to enter the search page. You can search by DOC number for a fast result. If you don’t know the number, use the person’s full name and birth date. The system narrows results to one match. Each record shows a photo, current location, sentence details, and visitation schedule. If no match appears, the person may be in a county jail. The site lists phone numbers for county facilities. A help line (608-266-XXXX) assists with advanced filters like charge type or parole status.
Search Tips for Best Results
- Use the exact legal name as shown on court papers.
- Enter the full birth date (month, day, year).
- If the name is common, add the birth date to narrow results.
- Check spelling. Small errors can block a match.
- Try different name formats (first name first or last name first).
These steps help users find the right person quickly. The system updates daily, so information is current. If you still can’t find someone, call the DOC help line or check county jail sites.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Overview
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections runs the state’s prison system. It manages ten adult prisons, three community centers, and a parole office. In 2023, the DOC had a budget of $620 million. It employed about 2,200 staff, including officers, medical workers, and administrators. The mission is public safety, inmate care, and reducing repeat crimes. The latest report shows the recidivism rate dropped to 27 percent. This means fewer people return to prison after release. The drop is linked to education, job training, and mental health programs.
Key DOC Facilities and Services
| Facility Name | Location | Security Level | Capacity | Special Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Correctional Institution | Green Bay, WI | Medium | 530 | Mental health unit |
| Jackson Correctional Institution | Black River Falls, WI | Minimum & Medium | 980 | Horticulture work program |
| Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution | Plymouth, WI | Maximum | 450 | Trades apprenticeship (carpentry, metalwork) |
Each facility has a main phone line for visitor questions. Green Bay’s line is 920-432-4877, Jackson’s is 715-284-4550, and Kettle Moraine’s is 920-526-3244. Staff answer calls during business hours. They help with visitation rules, mail policies, and inmate status.
County Jails in Wisconsin
County jails hold people before trial or for short sentences. They are not part of the state DOC system. Each county runs its own jail with separate rules. Major county jails include Dodge, Dane, Racine, and Jefferson. These jails have their own intake, medical care, and visitation procedures. Contact numbers are listed on county websites. If the DOC search shows no results, check the county jail where the person was arrested.
Dodge County Detention Facility
Dodge County Detention Facility is in Juneau, WI. It holds both sentenced and pre-trial inmates. The capacity is 220 beds. Security levels range from minimum to maximum. The jail offers medical exams, mental health counseling, and a work-release program. Visitors must call 920-386-3734 to schedule appointments. Fax documents to 920-386-3243. Daily headcounts and custody logs keep track of all inmates.
Dane County Jail
Dane County Jail is in Madison, WI. To report for jail time, go to the Public Safety Building at 115 W. Doty Street. Arrive on time. Late arrivals are not accepted. Check in at the Bail Window on the first floor. Bring a valid ID. You will get a temporary housing assignment. Call 608-266-4311 for questions. The online portal is wcca.wicourts.gov.
Racine County Jail
Racine County Jail is at 717 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, WI. It holds up to 120 male and female inmates. The jail runs 24-hour intake and has a medical clinic with a licensed nurse. Visitation is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (262) 636-3929 for inmate status. Fax documents to (262) 636-3470. Security staff do daily perimeter checks and use electronic tracking.
Jefferson County Jail
Jefferson County Jail is at 411 S. Center Avenue, Jefferson, WI. Main phone: 920-674-7310. Central Control: 920-674-8620. Huber Division: 920-674-7333. Jail Nurse: 920-674-7357. Jail Clerk: 920-674-7366. Due to construction, in-person visits are paused. Video calls are available through an approved provider. Families can schedule calls online.
Youth Offender Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin runs special programs for young offenders. These include Copper Lake School and Lincoln Hills School. Both are secure facilities for youth under 18. They focus on education, therapy, and life skills. The Grow Academy offers agricultural training. Inmates learn farming, animal care, and food production. These programs aim to reduce future crimes by teaching useful skills. Youth can earn high school credits and job certificates. The goal is to help them return to the community ready to work and stay out of trouble.
Copper Lake School
Copper Lake School is for girls under 18. It provides academic classes, counseling, and health services. Girls live in small units with staff support. They take part in group therapy, art, and physical activities. The school works with families to plan for release. Staff help girls set goals and build confidence.
Lincoln Hills School
Lincoln Hills School is for boys under 18. It offers GED courses, vocational training, and mental health care. Boys can learn trades like welding, carpentry, and landscaping. The school uses a point system to reward good behavior. Staff focus on teaching responsibility and respect. Families can visit and attend counseling sessions.
Grow Academy
Grow Academy is a farm-based program for young adults. It teaches sustainable farming, crop care, and livestock management. Inmates work on real farms and sell produce to local markets. They earn certificates in agriculture. The program partners with colleges and employers. Graduates have better job chances after release.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
The Wisconsin DOC allows money to be sent through approved electronic services. Cash is not accepted by mail. Use online platforms like JPay or Access Corrections. You will need the inmate’s DOC number and full name. Funds appear in the inmate’s account within 24 hours. There is a small fee per transaction. The money can be used for commissary items like snacks, hygiene products, and phone time. Limits may apply based on custody level. Check the DOC website for current fee rates and rules.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit or debit card online
- Bank transfer through approved sites
- Money order by mail (rarely used)
Do not send cash or personal checks. They will be returned. Always use the inmate’s DOC number to ensure the money reaches the right person.
Mail Rules for Inmates
Inmates can receive letters and small packages. All mail is opened and checked for safety. Do not send cash, drugs, or weapons. Photos are allowed but must not show nudity or gang signs. Letters should be on plain paper. Include the inmate’s full name and DOC number on the envelope. Use the correct facility address. Packages must be sent through approved vendors. The DOC website lists approved stores. Do not send homemade food or clothing unless allowed. Violations can lead to mail rejection or disciplinary action.
Sample Mailing Address Format
Inmate Full Name
DOC Number
Facility Name
Street Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Example:
John Smith
123456
Green Bay Correctional Institution
2833 Riverside Drive
Green Bay, WI 54307-9033
Phone Calls from Inmates
Inmates can make outgoing calls but cannot receive incoming calls. Calls are made through a monitored system. Families must set up an account with the phone provider. Approved providers include Securus and Global Tel*Link. You will need the inmate’s DOC number to add funds. Call times are limited. Most facilities allow calls during evening hours. Calls are recorded and may be reviewed. Inmates cannot call cell phones unless the account is pre-approved. International calls are not allowed. Fees apply per minute. Check the provider’s website for rates.
Call Rules by Facility
- Green Bay: Calls allowed 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., weekdays only
- Jackson: Calls allowed 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
- Kettle Moraine: Calls allowed 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekends only
Rules vary by facility. Always check the specific prison’s policy before setting up an account.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Each facility sets its own visiting hours. Most allow visits on weekends. Some offer weekday visits by appointment. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list. Bring a valid photo ID. Minors must be with an adult. Dress modestly. No revealing clothes, hats, or sunglasses. Bags and phones are not allowed. Visitors go through a metal detector. Gifts are not permitted. Only approved items like books or photos may be given. Violations can lead to visit denial.
Typical Visiting Hours
| Facility | Visiting Days | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Green Bay | Saturday, Sunday | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Jackson | Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Kettle Moraine | Saturday only | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
Call ahead to confirm hours. Some holidays have special rules. Jefferson County Jail currently has no in-person visits due to construction. Use video calls instead.
Education and Job Training Programs
The Wisconsin DOC offers many programs to help inmates prepare for life after prison. These include GED courses, computer skills, and vocational training. Green Bay has a strong mental health unit. Jackson runs a horticulture program where inmates grow plants and vegetables. Kettle Moraine teaches carpentry and metalwork. These skills can lead to jobs in construction, farming, or manufacturing. Inmates earn certificates that help with employment. The DOC also offers substance abuse treatment and anger management classes. These programs reduce stress and improve behavior.
Program Examples
- GED and high school diploma classes
- Computer basics and typing
- Horticulture and farming
- Carpentry and welding
- Substance abuse counseling
- Mental health therapy
Programs are free for inmates. Participation is encouraged. Staff track progress and report to parole boards. Inmates who complete programs have better release outcomes.
Recidivism and Public Safety
Recidivism is the rate at which released inmates return to prison. Wisconsin’s rate is 27 percent, one of the lowest in the nation. This means 73 out of 100 people stay out of prison after release. The drop is due to better programs, job training, and community support. The DOC tracks success through parole reports. These show employment rates, housing stability, and crime-free time. Public safety improves when inmates have skills and support. The state saves money by reducing repeat offenses.
Factors That Reduce Recidivism
- Education and job training
- Mental health care
- Family contact through visits and calls
- Substance abuse treatment
- Parole supervision and support
Wisconsin focuses on rehabilitation, not just punishment. This approach protects the public and helps individuals rebuild their lives.
Contact Information and Resources
For official inmate search, visit the Wisconsin Department of Corrections website at doc.wi.gov. The main phone line is 608-240-5000. For general questions, email doc@wi.gov. Each facility has its own contact number. Use the DOC search tool to find the right number. County jails have separate websites and phone lines. Always call ahead before visiting. For legal help, contact a lawyer or public defender. Nonprofits like the ACLU of Wisconsin offer support for inmate rights.
Official Links
Wisconsin DOC Offender Search: https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/OffenderInformation/default.aspx
Dodge County Detention Facility: https://www.co.dodge.wi.gov/departments/departments-p-z/sheriff/detention-facility
Dane County Jail: https://www.danesheriff.com/Jail
Racine County Jail: https://www.racinecounty.com/departments/sheriff-s-office/jail-division
Jefferson County Jail: https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/sheriff/divisions/jail_division/index.php
Related Search Terms
People also search for federal inmate records, phone number lookups, and court conviction archives. These can help when a person is not in a Wisconsin facility. Use official government sites for accurate data. Avoid third-party sites that charge fees for public records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about inmate searches, visits, and rights. Below are common questions with clear answers based on current Wisconsin DOC policies.
How do I find out if someone is in a Wisconsin prison?
Use the free Wisconsin DOC Offender Search tool online. Enter the person’s name, DOC number, or birth date. If no match appears, check county jails. Each county has its own website and phone number. The DOC search only shows state inmates. County jails hold people before trial or for short sentences. Always use official sources to avoid scams. Do not pay for inmate lookup services. The information is free and public.
Can I visit an inmate without being on the list?
No. All visitors must be approved by the inmate and the facility. The inmate adds names to their visiting list. The jail checks IDs and background. Only approved people can enter. Minors need a parent or guardian. Some facilities allow one-time visits for special events, but this is rare. Always call ahead to confirm rules. Jefferson County currently has no in-person visits due to construction. Use video calls instead.
How long does it take for money to reach an inmate?
Money sent through approved electronic services appears within 24 hours. Use platforms like JPay or Access Corrections. You need the inmate’s DOC number. Funds can be used for commissary items. There is a small fee per transaction. Do not send cash by mail. It will be returned. Always double-check the DOC number to avoid errors. If the money doesn’t appear, contact the service provider with your receipt.
What happens if an inmate breaks the rules?
Inmates who break rules face disciplinary action. This can include loss of privileges, extra work, or time in isolation. Serious violations may lead to transfer to a higher-security facility. The DOC uses a point system to track behavior. Good behavior can reduce sentence time or improve custody level. Staff document all incidents. Inmates have the right to a hearing. Families are not notified unless the inmate requests it. Rules are posted in each facility.
Are youth offenders treated differently than adults?
Yes. Youth under 18 are held in separate facilities like Copper Lake and Lincoln Hills. They receive education, therapy, and life skills training. The focus is on rehabilitation, not punishment. Youth can earn high school credits and job certificates. They have more contact with counselors and teachers. The goal is to help them return to the community safely. Adult prisons do not house minors. This protects young people from harm and supports their growth.
Can I send books or magazines to an inmate?
Yes, but only through approved vendors. Do not mail books from home. They will be rejected. Use stores listed on the DOC website. Books must be new and paperback. No hardcover, magazines with adult content, or gang-related material. Include the inmate’s name and DOC number. Packages are checked for safety. Violations can lead to mail rejection. Check the facility’s rules before sending anything. Some prisons limit the number of books per month.
What is the difference between a prison and a jail in Wisconsin?
Prisons are state-run and hold inmates with sentences over one year. Jails are county-run and hold people before trial or with short sentences. The DOC manages prisons. County sheriffs manage jails. Inmates in prisons have more programs and longer stays. Jail inmates may be released quickly after court. Use the DOC search for state inmates. Use county websites for jail inmates. Knowing the difference helps you find the right person faster.