Dane County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Dane County?
Inmate records in Dane County are official government documents maintained by the Dane County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated in county detention facilities. These records document an individual's entire custody history from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the Dane County Clerk of Courts.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, inmate records are created at the time of booking when an individual enters custody. The record creation process includes:
- Documentation of personal identifying information
- Photograph (mugshot) and fingerprinting
- Recording of charges and arrest information
- Assignment of housing within the facility
- Medical screening information
- Property inventory
These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, disciplinary actions, court appearances, and other significant events. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains in the Sheriff's Office database as required by Wisconsin records retention laws.
The Dane County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 302.38, which establishes requirements for documenting the medical care and custody of jail inmates.
Are Inmate Records Public In Dane County?
Inmate records in Dane County are generally considered public records under the Wisconsin Public Records Law. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including those related to incarcerated individuals, should be accessible to the public with certain exceptions to protect privacy and security.
The following inmate information is typically available to the public:
- Full name and age of the inmate
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed
- Bond/bail amount
- Court dates
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
- Mugshot (booking photograph)
However, certain components of inmate records are exempt from public disclosure under Wisconsin Statute § 19.36, including:
- Medical and mental health information
- Social Security numbers
- Victim information
- Information that would compromise facility security
- Records related to juveniles
- Information that would endanger an individual if released
The Dane County Sheriff's Office has established procedures for requesting inmate information in compliance with state law. As noted in a Dane County press release, the public may access information about when inmates are scheduled for release from custody through established channels.
What's Included Inmate Records in Dane County
Inmate records maintained by the Dane County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Last known address
- Gender
Custody Information:
- Inmate identification number
- Current custody status (in custody, released, transferred)
- Housing assignment within facility
- Booking date and time
- Intake officer information
- Classification level
- Disciplinary records while in custody
Charge Information:
- Arresting agency
- Arrest date and location
- Criminal charges (statute numbers and descriptions)
- Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor)
- Case numbers
- Warrant information (if applicable)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount
- Bond type (cash, signature, property)
- Bond status (posted, not posted)
- Bond conditions
- Court-ordered restrictions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes and dispositions
- Attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction date
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole/probation eligibility dates
- Good time/work time credits earned
- Sentence modifications
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (completed sentence, posted bond, transferred)
- Release conditions
- Supervising agency (if applicable)
- Probation/parole officer contact (if applicable)
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains additional records for individuals who have been transferred to state prison facilities, as detailed on the DOC Offender Information page.
Dane County Prison System
The Dane County correctional system operates under a two-tiered structure that distinguishes between county-level detention facilities and state prisons. The Dane County Sheriff's Office administers the county jail system, which primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions.
The county jail system serves multiple functions within the criminal justice system:
- Pre-trial detention for individuals awaiting court proceedings
- Incarceration for those serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions
- Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Housing for individuals who have violated probation or parole conditions
Individuals sentenced to more than one year for felony convictions are typically transferred to facilities operated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, which maintains state prisons throughout Wisconsin.
The Dane County jail system is administered by:
Dane County Sheriff's Office
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 284-6800
Dane County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining security, providing inmate services, and ensuring compliance with state standards for correctional facilities. As announced in a county press release, the Sheriff's Office has implemented technological improvements to enhance public access to information, including a smartphone application that provides access to inmate data.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Dane County
Dane County operates several distinct correctional facilities, each serving different populations and security needs:
Dane County Jail (Public Safety Building)
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 284-6100
Dane County Sheriff's Office
This maximum-security facility serves as the main booking and intake center for all arrests in Dane County. The facility houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and those awaiting transfer to other facilities. The Public Safety Building has a capacity of approximately 400 inmates and includes specialized housing units for various classifications.
Dane County Jail (City-County Building)
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 284-6100
Dane County Sheriff's Office
This older facility houses approximately 300 inmates in a maximum-security setting. The City-County Building jail primarily holds pre-trial detainees and individuals with special housing needs. The facility has been the subject of modernization discussions due to its aging infrastructure.
Ferris Center (William H. Ferris Center)
2120 Rimrock Road
Madison, WI 53713
Phone: (608) 284-2600
Dane County Sheriff's Office
This minimum-security facility houses approximately 100 inmates who are serving sentences for minor offenses or approaching their release dates. The Ferris Center operates work-release programs that allow qualifying inmates to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentences. Residents return to the facility during non-working hours.
In addition to these county facilities, individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to more than one year of incarceration are typically transferred to state correctional facilities operated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, which maintains a network of minimum, medium, and maximum-security prisons throughout the state.
Who's in Prison In Dane County
The Dane County jail system houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically includes:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals serving sentences of less than one year for misdemeanor convictions
- Those convicted of offenses such as disorderly conduct, theft under $2,500, simple assault, or driving under the influence
- Weekend sentence participants who serve their time during non-working days
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated the terms of their community supervision
- Those awaiting revocation hearings or new court dates
- Persons serving sanctions for technical violations
Temporary Holds:
- Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony sentencing
- Those held on behalf of other jurisdictions (interstate compacts)
- Persons detained for immigration authorities pending transfer
Work Release Participants:
- Low-risk offenders who maintain employment while serving their sentences
- Individuals participating in Huber Law programs under Wisconsin Statute § 303.08
- Those transitioning back to the community prior to release
According to data from the Dane County Sheriff's Office, the daily population of the county jail system averages approximately 800 inmates, with fluctuations based on seasonal factors and court activity. Demographic analysis indicates that the population reflects disparities present in the broader criminal justice system, with overrepresentation of certain groups.
The Wisconsin Court System provides public access to case information that may indicate why individuals are in custody, though this information must be cross-referenced with jail records for current custody status.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Dane County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate information in Dane County may utilize several methods to access these records. The Sheriff's Office maintains current systems that allow for efficient searching of inmate data:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Dane County Sheriff's Office official website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Jail Roster" section
- Enter the required search criteria (at minimum, last name is typically required)
- Additional search filters may include first name, date of birth, or booking number
- Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and bond information
Mobile Application:
- Download the Dane County Sheriff's Office mobile application from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Open the application and navigate to the inmate search feature
- Enter search criteria as prompted
- Review inmate information displayed on your mobile device
As announced in a Sheriff's Office press release, the mobile application provides convenient access to inmate information and other Sheriff's Office services.
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Dane County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau during business hours
- Complete an inmate information request form
- Provide identification and specify the information being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for printed records
Telephone Inquiries:
- Call the Dane County Jail Information Line at (608) 284-6100
- Provide the name of the inmate you are inquiring about
- Basic information such as custody status and visiting hours may be provided by phone
For more comprehensive background information, individuals may also utilize the Wisconsin Online Record Check System maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which provides criminal history information for a fee.
How To Find an Inmate in Dane County for Free?
Dane County provides several no-cost options for locating individuals in custody:
Dane County Sheriff's Office Website:
- Access the Dane County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" or "Jail Roster" section
- Enter the inmate's last name (first name optional but recommended)
- Review the search results, which include current inmates only
- Note that this system updates multiple times daily but may not reflect very recent bookings or releases
Dane County Sheriff's Mobile Application:
- Download the free Dane County Sheriff's Office mobile application
- Open the application and select the inmate search function
- Enter the required search parameters
- View current custody information at no charge
Automated Telephone System:
- Call the Dane County Jail Information Line at (608) 284-6100
- Follow the automated prompts to search for an inmate
- Have the inmate's full name ready when calling
- Basic custody information is provided at no cost
Court Records Search:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Search by the individual's name
- Review case information, which may indicate custody status
- Note that court records may not reflect current custody status in real-time
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Dane County Jail lobby at 115 W. Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703
- Speak with staff at the information desk
- Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
- Receive basic custody information at no charge
For individuals seeking information about inmates who have been transferred to state custody, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator provides a free online search tool for locating individuals in state prison facilities.
How To Visit an Inmate In Dane County
The Dane County Sheriff's Office has established specific procedures for visiting inmates housed in county facilities. These procedures are designed to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
- Inmates may submit visitor request forms for up to 7 individuals
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an approved adult visitor
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Visitors with criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges
Visit Schedule:
- Public Safety Building: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- City-County Building: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Ferris Center: Saturday-Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) may be scheduled outside regular visiting hours
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
- Inmates are allowed up to two visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Visitor registration form (completed upon arrival)
- Locker key deposit (quarters for facility lockers)
- Medical devices that are necessary during the visit (with prior approval)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs or alcohol
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches)
- Cameras or recording devices
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Tobacco products or vaping devices
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire is required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No law enforcement or security-type uniforms
- Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times
- Hats and head coverings (except religious) must be removed
Visit Types:
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition with telephone communication)
- Video visitation available at some facilities
- Special visits may be approved for out-of-state visitors
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers) in designated areas
Visit Restrictions:
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit
- Passing items to inmates is prohibited and may result in criminal charges
- Visitors on probation or parole must have permission from their supervising officer
- Former inmates must wait 60 days after release before visiting
These visitation policies are established in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code DOC 309.06, which governs visitation in correctional facilities. For the most current information on visitation procedures, contact the Dane County Sheriff's Office directly.
How To Send Money to a Dane County Inmate
The Dane County Sheriff's Office provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account:
Online Deposits:
- Visit the TouchPay payment portal through the Sheriff's Office website
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the inmate's full name and identification number
- Select the payment amount
- Enter credit/debit card information
- Complete the transaction and retain the confirmation number
Mobile Application:
- Download the TouchPay mobile application
- Select Dane County Jail as the facility
- Enter the required inmate information
- Follow the prompts to complete the payment
- Save the electronic receipt for your records
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the payment kiosk in the lobby of the Public Safety Building
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Insert cash or credit/debit card
- Obtain a printed receipt
Money Order by Mail:
- Purchase a money order payable to "Dane County Jail" with the inmate's name in the memo line
- Include the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
- Do not send personal checks or cash
- Mail to: Dane County Jail Inmate Accounts 115 W. Doty Street Madison, WI 53703
Amount Limits and Fees:
- Online/mobile deposits: $5.00 minimum, $300.00 maximum per transaction
- Service fee of $2.50 for deposits up to $100.00
- Service fee of $3.00 for deposits between $100.01 and $200.00
- Service fee of $3.50 for deposits between $200.01 and $300.00
- No fee for money orders sent by mail
- Kiosk deposits: $5.00 minimum, no maximum, $3.00 flat fee
Funds Usage Regulations:
- Inmates may use funds for commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Funds may be used for telephone calls and video visitation fees
- Medical co-pays may be deducted from inmate accounts
- Restitution, court costs, and other legal financial obligations may be collected from accounts
- Inmates cannot transfer funds to other inmates
- Funds remaining at release will be returned via debit card or check
Prohibited Transactions:
- No cash accepted through the mail
- No personal checks accepted through any method
- No transfers from one inmate to another
- No conditional gifts or deposits
- No deposits from unauthorized sources
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 302.13, all funds received for inmates are subject to deductions for victim restitution and other court-ordered obligations before becoming available for inmate use.
How To Send Jail Mail In Dane County
The Dane County Sheriff's Office has established specific procedures for sending mail to individuals in custody:
General Correspondence:
- Address envelopes with complete information: Inmate's Full Name and ID Number (if known) Dane County Jail 115 W. Doty Street Madison, WI 53703
- Include your complete return address on the envelope
- Use standard white envelopes only
- Mail is inspected upon arrival; delivery typically takes 1-3 business days after receipt
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Personal letters (limit 5 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum 4"x6", no Polaroids)
- Money orders (as described in the previous section)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail")
- Religious materials (subject to security review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages or padded envelopes
- Plastic or metal items of any kind
- Stickers, labels, or tape
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writing
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Postage stamps or envelopes
- Blank paper, cards, or envelopes
- Polaroid photographs
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Items larger than 8.5"x11"
Publications and Books:
- Books must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only (no hardcover books accepted)
- Magazines must be sent directly from the publisher
- Publications are subject to content review
- Religious texts are permitted but subject to security screening
Legal Mail:
- Correspondence from attorneys, courts, or legal agencies should be clearly marked "Legal Mail"
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Attorney visits are preferred for transferring legal documents
- Court documents may be sent via fax to (608) 284-6190 with prior approval
E-Messages (if available):
- Create an account on the approved inmate messaging system
- Purchase message credits
- Compose and send messages through the secure platform
- Messages are subject to review before delivery
- Responses may be received through the same system
All mail procedures comply with Wisconsin Administrative Code DOC 309.04, which establishes standards for inmate mail privileges while maintaining facility security. The Sheriff's Office reserves the right to inspect all non-legal mail for contraband and inappropriate content.
Lookup Inmate Records in Dane County
Press Releases from Dane County Sheriff's Office
Dane County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
Sheriff's Office Mobile Application Information
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Information
Wisconsin Online Record Check System
Wisconsin Court System Case Search