Can I make an open records request for police records, such as daily arrest records or records involving an investigation? What about a district attorney’s investigative files?

Q: Can I make an open records request for police records, such as daily arrest records or records involving an investigation? What about a district attorney’s investigative files? A: Police records are presumed public and, like all records, their release is subject to the common law balancing test. In many cases, the police department withholds […]

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Is the subject of the record always entitled to notice of the open records request under section 19.356, Stats.? If the record subject is entitled to notice, then how long will it take to get the record?

Q: Is the subject of the record always entitled to notice of the open records request under section 19.356, Stats.? If the record subject is entitled to notice, then how long will it take to get the record? A: No, the subject of a public record is entitled to notice of a request only in […]

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Are public employee personnel records open to the public?

Q: Are public employee personnel records open to the public? A: While the public is restricted from accessing certain types of personal information, other personnel records are presumptively open to the public. By statute, an employee’s social security number, private home address or telephone number; information relating to a pending investigation of a possible criminal […]

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How does Wisconsin statute section 19.36(7) apply to the names of “final candidates” for public positions, such as school superintendent or police chief?

Q: How does Wisconsin statute section 19.36(7) apply to the names of “final candidates” for public positions, such as school superintendent or police chief? A: Section 19.36(7), Stats., of the Open Records Law provides access to the names of all final candidates for public positions. Whenever there are at least 5 candidates, the statute provides […]

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