Rock County Public Records /Rock County Inmate Search

Rock County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Rock County?

Inmate records in Rock County are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies to document individuals who are or have been held in custody within the county's detention system. These records are distinct from court records: the Wisconsin Court System maintains case files related to criminal proceedings, while the Rock County Sheriff's Office and its jail division maintain custody records that track an individual's physical detention status, movement, and conditions of confinement.

The record creation process begins at the moment of booking or intake, when a detained individual is formally processed into the facility. Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in custody status, housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and medical notations. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to public records laws.

Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35, members of the public possess a right to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies, including correctional facilities, subject to specific statutory exemptions. Custody records are further governed by provisions within Wisconsin's corrections statutes, which define the scope of information that must be documented during an individual's period of detention.

Rock County Sheriff's Office 51 S. Main St., Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 757-7820 Rock County Sheriff's Office

Are Inmate Records Public In Rock County?

Inmate records maintained by Rock County correctional authorities are generally accessible to members of the public under Wisconsin's open records law. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.31, the state legislature has declared that providing the public with the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government is an essential function of a representative government. This policy extends to records held by county jails and sheriff's offices.

The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:

Current inmate roster, including names of individuals held in the Rock County Jail
Booking and arrest records, including date, time, and arresting agency
Criminal charges filed against the detained individual
Mugshots taken at the time of booking
Bond and bail amounts set by the court
Expected release dates or scheduled court appearances
Housing facility and unit assignment within the jail

Certain information remains exempt from public disclosure under Wisconsin law, including medical and mental health records, information that could endanger the safety of staff or other inmates, and records pertaining to juveniles. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections provides additional guidance on the handling of offender information at the state level.

What's Included In Inmate Records in Rock County

Inmate records maintained by Rock County correctional facilities contain a comprehensive set of data fields that document every stage of an individual's custody. The following categories reflect the standard components of a complete inmate record:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender, race, and physical description
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of booking
Arresting agency and arresting officer
Current housing facility and cell assignment
Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, or held on detainer)

Charge Information:

All criminal charges filed, including statute references
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or ordinance violation)
Case number associated with each charge

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, or personal recognizance)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond status (posted or unposted)

Court Information:

Scheduled court dates and hearing types
Presiding court and assigned judge
Case search records accessible through the Wisconsin circuit court case search

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Length of sentence imposed
Sentence start date and projected end date
Credit for time served

Release Information:

Actual or projected release date
Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, or court order)
Conditions of release, if applicable

Rock County Prison System

Rock County operates a county jail system designed to house individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or certain felony convictions, and individuals held on detainers from other jurisdictions. The county jail is distinct from Wisconsin state prisons, which are administered by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and house individuals serving sentences exceeding one year for more serious felony offenses.

The Rock County Jail operates under the authority of the Rock County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the safe and secure management of all individuals in county custody. The facility processes bookings around the clock and maintains records in accordance with Wisconsin statutes governing county detention facilities.

Rock County Sheriff's Office – Jail Division 51 S. Main St., Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 757-7820 Rock County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Rock County

Rock County's correctional infrastructure currently consists of the following facility:

Rock County Jail 51 S. Main St., Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 757-7820 Rock County Sheriff's Office

The Rock County Jail is the primary detention facility serving the county. It houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving short-term sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state correctional institutions. The facility is operated by the Rock County Sheriff's Office and is subject to oversight by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections under Wis. Stat. § 302.30, which establishes standards for county jail administration and inmate treatment.

Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to a Wisconsin Department of Corrections facility. Offender information for state-supervised individuals may be accessed through the DOC Offender Information portal maintained by the state.

Who's in Prison In Rock County

The Rock County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. At present, the facility holds the following categories of individuals:

Pre-trial detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted; they are held because they are unable to post bond or have been denied bail
Sentenced misdemeanants: Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to one year
Sentenced felons (short-term): Individuals convicted of certain felony offenses whose sentences fall within the county jail threshold
Individuals held on detainers: Persons wanted by other jurisdictions, including federal agencies or other counties or states
Probation and parole violators: Individuals held pending revocation hearings administered by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Civil commitments: Individuals held pursuant to court orders unrelated to criminal conviction

How To Search for Inmate Records In Rock County in 2026

Members of the public may search for inmate records in Rock County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:

Online Search:

Visit the Rock County Sheriff's Office website at co.rock.wi.us to access any available online inmate roster or lookup tool
Use the Wisconsin circuit court's case search portal to locate associated criminal case filings by name or case number

In-Person Records Request:

Members of the public may submit a written public records request to the Rock County Sheriff's Office at 51 S. Main St., Janesville, WI 53545
Requests should identify the subject individual by full name and date of birth to facilitate accurate record retrieval
The Sheriff's Office is required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35

Telephone Inquiry:

Members of the public may call the Rock County Jail at (608) 757-7820 during business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status

State-Level Search:

For individuals who may have been transferred to a state facility, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections offender search tool allows searches by name or DOC number

How To Find an Inmate in Rock County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Rock County at no cost is possible through several publicly available resources. The following methods are currently available at no charge:

Rock County Sheriff's Office Online Roster: The Sheriff's Office may maintain a publicly accessible inmate roster on its official website at co.rock.wi.us, which lists individuals currently held in the Rock County Jail
Wisconsin Court System Case Search: The Wisconsin Court System provides free public access to circuit court case records, which may reflect an individual's custody status and scheduled court dates
DOC Offender Lookup: The Wisconsin Department of Corrections offers a free online search tool for individuals under state supervision or incarcerated in a state facility
Telephone Inquiry: Members of the public may call the Rock County Jail directly at (608) 757-7820 to request custody status information at no cost

How To Visit an Inmate In Rock County

Visitation at the Rock County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Rock County Sheriff's Office. All visitors must comply with applicable regulations to maintain visitation privileges.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be pre-approved and placed on the inmate's approved visitor list
Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all adult visitors
Visitors must complete a visitor registration form prior to their first visit

Visit Schedule:

Visitation schedules are set by the Rock County Jail administration and are subject to change; members of the public should contact the facility at (608) 757-7820 or consult the Rock County Sheriff's Office website for current scheduling information

What to Bring:

Valid, government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons, controlled substances, alcohol, or tobacco products
Cell phones, cameras, or recording devices
Food, beverages, or packages not authorized by facility staff
Excessive cash or valuables

Dress Code:

Visitors are required to dress appropriately; clothing that resembles inmate uniforms or law enforcement attire is prohibited
Revealing or offensive clothing is not permitted

Visit Types:

The Rock County Jail may offer in-person contact visits, non-contact visits through a partition, and video visitation depending on the inmate's classification and housing assignment

Visit Restrictions:

Individuals with active warrants, prior felony convictions, or those on probation or parole may be subject to additional screening or denial of visitation privileges
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must also appear on the approved visitor list

How To Send Money to a Rock County Inmate

Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Rock County Jail through approved methods established by the facility. These funds allow inmates to purchase items from the commissary, make telephone calls, and cover other authorized expenses.

Accepted Methods:

Online deposits: Funds may be deposited electronically through the facility's approved third-party vendor; members of the public should consult the Rock County Sheriff's Office website for the current approved platform
Kiosk deposits: Lobby kiosks at the facility may accept cash or card deposits
Money orders: Cashier's checks or money orders made payable to the inmate may be accepted by mail; personal checks are generally not accepted

Amount Limits:

Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply; the facility sets these limits and they are subject to change

Fees:

Third-party deposit services typically charge a transaction fee; the fee amount varies by method and provider

What You Cannot Send:

Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted
Personal checks are generally prohibited
Funds from unverified or anonymous sources may be rejected

What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For:

Funds may be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and approved personal hygiene items
Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the inmate trust account without a court order

How To Send Jail Mail In Rock County

Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Rock County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by facility staff in accordance with facility security policies.

Mailing Address: Mail should be addressed to the inmate using the following format: Inmate Full Name, Inmate ID Number Rock County Jail 51 S. Main St. Janesville, WI 53545

Rules for Sending Mail:

All mail must include the sender's full name and return address on the envelope
Only standard white envelopes are accepted; padded envelopes, packages, or boxes are not permitted through standard mail channels
Letters must be written on plain white paper; colored paper, glitter, stickers, or other embellishments are prohibited
Photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; explicit or offensive images are prohibited
Hardcover books are generally not accepted directly from senders; paperback books and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved vendor
Greeting cards may be subject to restrictions; members of the public should verify current policies with the facility at (608) 757-7820
Mail containing contraband, coded messages, or threatening language will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action or criminal referral
Legal mail from attorneys is handled separately and is subject to different inspection protocols to protect attorney-client privilege