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Wisconsin Public Records Law

Police Records Request Letter Generator for Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, anyone can ask a police department for copies of its records under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39). The law sets this response timeline: No fixed number of days. The agency must fill or deny the request as soon as practicable and without delay (Wis. Stat. 19.35(4)(a)). The Wisconsin Department of Justice says 10 business days is generally reasonable for a simple request for a few easily identified records. Arbitrary or unreasonable delay can be challenged in court.. Use the generator below to write a clear request that cites the law, asks for electronic copies, and asks for a fee estimate first.

Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39.

Write your Wisconsin request

Search for the department to start your letter. CopFax is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.

How to send your request

  1. Step 1

    Pick the records

    Check the kinds of records you want, such as body camera video, incident reports, or use of force reports.

  2. Step 2

    Fill in the details

    Add the date, location, officer name or badge number, and case number if you have them, plus your name and contact.

  3. Step 3

    Send it to the records custodian

    Copy, print, or email the letter to the department's records custodian or public records portal, and keep a dated copy.

  4. Step 4

    Follow up after the deadline

    If you have no response by the legal deadline, follow up in writing, and ask for the specific exemption for anything withheld.

Request specific records in Wisconsin

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to give a reason to request police records in Wisconsin?
Most public records laws, including the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39), do not require you to explain why you want most records. Some categories, such as certain criminal justice or investigative records, can involve more agency discretion, so a short description of what you need can help. CopFax is not a law firm; check the statute for details.
How long does a Wisconsin agency have to respond?
Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39), the response timeline is: No fixed number of days. The agency must fill or deny the request as soon as practicable and without delay (Wis. Stat. 19.35(4)(a)). The Wisconsin Department of Justice says 10 business days is generally reasonable for a simple request for a few easily identified records. Arbitrary or unreasonable delay can be challenged in court.. If you hear nothing by then, follow up in writing and keep a copy.
What does a public records request cost in Wisconsin?
Agencies may charge copying, media, or labor fees allowed by the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39). Requesting electronic copies usually keeps costs down, and the CopFax letter asks the agency for a fee estimate before costs exceed $25.
What if a Wisconsin police department denies my request?
Ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption for each record withheld and to release any parts that are not exempt. The Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39) may provide an appeal or court review; check the statute and consider talking to a lawyer or a press freedom group.

Public records law in WisconsinPolice departments and incidents in Wisconsin