Wisconsin Public Records Law
How to Request Internal Affairs Records in Wisconsin
You can ask a Wisconsin police department for records of closed internal affairs and professional standards investigations under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39). 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.. Be as specific as you can about the date, place, and people involved, and ask for electronic copies.
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I get internal affairs records from a Wisconsin police department?
- You can request records of closed internal affairs and professional standards investigations under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39). Some records may be withheld or redacted under exemptions in the law, for example for open investigations or privacy.
- What should I include in a request for internal affairs records?
- Name the department, describe the records as precisely as you can (date, time, location, officer name or badge number, case number), ask for electronic copies, and ask for a fee estimate first.
- How long will it take?
- The response timeline under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31 to 19.39) 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.. Large video requests can take longer if the agency needs to review or redact footage.