uw-madison-people-search helps you locate staff, students, or people held in the Dane County justice system. This online tool connects users to the local jail roster and campus directories. People looking for residents at 115 West Doty Street use this system to see who is currently in custody. The city of Madison keeps these records open for the public to view at any time. You can search by first name, last name, or booking number. Each entry shows the reason for the arrest and the bail amount set by the court. The system refreshes many times a day to stay current. This ensures you see the latest status for any person you search for in the Madison area.

Dane County Sheriff Office Public Safety Building
The Public Safety Building Jail sits at 115 West Doty Street in Madison, WI 53703. This medium-security jail opened in 1998. It has room for 300 men and women. These residents are usually 17 years old or older. The building has 12 separate housing units. Each unit has its own space for recreation. There is a medical clinic on-site with a licensed nurse. People held here can learn new skills in the vocational wing. They offer classes in cooking and fixing cars. Some residents earn certificates in these fields before they leave. The jail focuses on keeping people safe while they wait for their day in court. Central Booking is also in this building to process new arrivals.
Staff at the jail manage records for property and money. When a person arrives, their items are stored in a secure locker. The administrative team keeps track of every dollar in an inmate’s account. This money pays for phone calls or items from the commissary. The jail uses a computer system to update the resident list every day. You can see mugshots and check when a person might go home. The online database makes it easy to stay updated from your own home. Families use this tool to plan their week and stay in touch with loved ones behind bars.

Local Community Events and Safety Reports
On November 12, 2023, twelve people met outside the Madison County Jail. They were there to talk about Shelby Hall. Shelby Hall was 28 years old. Hall died on November 11 while serving time for a small crime. Groups like the Madison Justice Alliance and the ACLU of Wisconsin spoke at the event. They looked at a report that said Hall died from lack of air. These groups want the jail to change how they handle medical emergencies. The sheriff agreed to show the investigation files within a month. This event shows how the community watches over the jail to make sure everyone stays safe. The Dane County Circuit Court may look at these records soon.
The protest was peaceful and stayed on the sidewalk. Police officers watched the event but did not stop it. People carried signs asking for better health care in the jail. They want to know that their family members get help when they feel sick. The sheriff’s office said they take these concerns seriously. They plan to work with the family to answer every question. Local news stations covered the story to keep the city updated. This kind of event helps make the system more open to the public. It reminds everyone that safety is a top priority for the city of Madison.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Records
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has a portal for adult inmate records. This tool lets you search through 31 different prisons in the state. You can type in a name or a special ID number to get results. The results show how long a person must stay in prison. You can also see when they might be able to leave on parole. The site has photos of the people in custody. It lists the programs they take part in while they serve their time. This database is separate from the local county jail list. It covers people who have already been sentenced for larger crimes.
You can find policies for visiting on this state website. It tells you how to send mail or set up a phone account. Youth offenders have their own lists. Those lists are for places like the Copper Lake School. These schools help young people learn a trade. They focus on schoolwork and training for future jobs. Each prison record has a phone number for a staff member who can help you. If you have questions about a person in a state prison, this is the place to look. The data stays fresh and helps families stay connected across Wisconsin.
Communication Tools for Residents
People in the Dane County Jail use Securus to make phone calls. You cannot call an inmate directly by dialing the jail number. The jail number (608) 284-6100 is only for general questions. To talk to a resident, you must set up a prepaid account online. You will need to show a picture of your ID to prove who you are. Then you can put money on the account using a credit card. The inmate uses a special PIN to call you. These calls happen between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day. This helps families hear from their loved ones without high costs.
The Securus system also lets you send short messages. This is like email but for the jail. Every message is checked by staff to keep the facility safe. If you want to send money for snacks or soap, you use JPay. JPay is a separate service that handles inmate funds. You can use their app or visit their website to make a deposit. The money shows up in the inmate’s account quickly. They can then buy things they need from the jail store. These tools keep the lines of communication open during a difficult time.
Public Record Databases in Madison
Inside Prison provides a free search for Dane County Jail records. You enter a first and last name to see the booking date and the charges. This site also shows the bail amount and the day the person might be released. It pulls data from many public sources at once. You can use it to check marriage licenses or property deeds too. This helps you verify that you have the right person. If the results are not clear, you can call the jail office to confirm the status. Having all these records in one place saves time for users.
The court docket system is another way to search for people. It lists every hearing and trial date. You can see the name of the judge and the lawyers on the case. This is helpful if you need to know when to show up at the courthouse. The Dane County website links these court records to the jail roster. You can follow a case from the arrest all the way to the final decision. This transparency builds trust in the local legal system. Everyone has the right to see how these cases move through the courts.
Inmate Care and Vocational Training
The jail at 115 West Doty Street cares for both men and women. The facility has 12 units to keep different groups separate. A medical team stays on duty to help with health needs. They have a clinic that looks like a small doctor’s office. Residents can get help with medicine or checkups. There is also a focus on learning. The vocational wing gives residents a chance to get job training. They can learn how to bake bread or fix engines. These skills help them find work when they go back home. This reduces the chance of them coming back to jail later.
The jail provides library books through a partnership with students. People can request books to read in their cells. This keeps their minds busy and helps them learn new things. The facility also has secure areas for exercise. Fresh air and movement are important for health. Staff members watch these areas to keep everyone safe. The jail also offers religious services for those who want them. These programs aim to support the whole person while they are in custody. It is a way to make the time spent there more productive.
Statewide Corrections and Reentry Programs
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections looks after 24,500 people. This includes those in prison and those on parole. They have a mission to keep the public safe. They do this through education and treatment. One program is the Second Chance scholarship. This pays for college classes for people after they leave prison. There is also a treatment program for those with drug problems. Over 3,000 people take part in this every year. The state works with 150 employers to help people find jobs. Getting a job is a big step in staying out of trouble for good.
The state website has a tool to locate any facility. It shows maps and addresses for every prison in Wisconsin. You can check the rules for visiting before you drive there. Each place has different hours and dress codes. The site also shows the phone number for the inmate liaison. This person answers questions from families and friends. They can help you understand the rules for sending gifts or books. The state wants to make sure families can support their loved ones. This support is key to a successful return to the community.
Jail Consolidation and Future Projects
Dane County spent $1.1 million in 2024 to house inmates in other counties. This happened because the local jail was too full. Around 150 people were moved to Sauk and Columbia counties. This plan helps while the city builds a new jail. The new building should be ready by 2028. It will be a modern place with more room and better safety features. A report in 2022 showed that keeping the old jail full costs too much money. Moving people to other facilities saves the county from a large budget gap. The board checks these costs every three months.
The new jail complex will combine several smaller buildings into one. This will make it easier for staff to manage the residents. It will also have better spaces for medical care and classes. The state is helping to pay for this big project. County leaders say this is the best way to handle the growing population. They want a facility that treats people with respect while keeping the city safe. People can read about these plans on the county website. It shows how tax dollars are used to improve the justice system in Madison.
Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Several groups work together to keep Madison safe. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is the main group for the jail. You can reach them at (608) 284-6100. The Madison Police Department also uses the jail for arrests. Their number is (608) 256-4230. In the village of Marshall, the police department number is (608) 655-3533. All these agencies share the same booking system. This means you can find a person no matter which group arrested them. The records show which agency is in charge of the case. This helps you know who to call for more details.
The police and sheriff departments post their daily logs online. These logs show every call for help and every arrest made. It gives a clear picture of what is happening in your neighborhood. You can see where crimes happen and how the police respond. This data is part of the public record. Many people check these logs every morning. It helps them stay aware of safety issues. The city wants residents to be active in keeping Madison a great place to live. Open records are a big part of that goal.
Using the Offender Search Tool
To use the state search tool, go to the Department of Corrections website. Enter the name of the person you want to find. If you do not see a result, they might be in a local county jail. The state list only shows people in state prisons. Each judicial district has a court scheduler. They have a list of phone numbers for every facility. You can download this list as a PDF file. It gets updated every few months. This ensures you have the right extension for the person you need to call. There are even numbers for emergencies after the sun goes down.
The search tool is easy to use on a phone or a computer. It works best if you have the correct spelling of the name. If the person has a common name, use their birth date to narrow the results. The system will show a list of matches. Click on the name to see the full record. You can see their current location and their past crimes. This is public data that anyone can see. It is used by lawyers, families, and the media. The state keeps this tool running so everyone has the facts they need.
University of Wisconsin Jail Library Group
The Jail Library Group is a student club at UW-Madison. They work out of Room 4217 in Helen C. White Hall. Their address is 600 N. Park Street, Madison, WI 53706. These students collect books to give to people in jail. They also host workshops to help residents learn to read better. They use a special email address to talk to the jail staff. You can find their contact details in the campus directory. The group gets money and help from the Wisconsin Involvement Network. They believe that books can help people change their lives for the better.
The group holds events like “Letters to Inmates.” This is where students write kind notes to people behind bars. They also have webinars with authors. These events are open to all students on campus. The goal is to show residents that the community cares about them. Education is a powerful tool for staying out of jail in the future. By providing books, the students give residents a way to escape their cells through reading. It is a popular club that does a lot of good in the Madison area. You can see their schedule on the WIN portal online.
| Facility Name | Address | Phone Number | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dane County Jail | 115 West Doty Street, Madison, WI | (608) 284-6100 | County Jail |
| Madison Police Dept | 211 S Carroll St, Madison, WI | (608) 256-4230 | City Police |
| UW-Madison Library Group | 600 N. Park Street, Madison, WI | Campus Directory | Student Org |
| WI Dept of Corrections | 3099 E. Washington Ave, Madison, WI | (608) 240-5000 | State Agency |
Official Contact and Visit Details
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is open for business every day. The main jail is at 115 West Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703. You can call them at (608) 284-6100. If you want to visit a resident, you must follow the schedule. Visits usually happen on weekends and some weeknights. You must sign up on the website before you go. Bring a valid ID like a driver’s license. Do not bring cell phones or bags into the visiting area. The jail has lockers where you can keep your things. Following these rules makes the visit go smoothly for everyone.
For those who cannot travel, video visits are a choice. You can use a computer to talk to a resident from your home. This service costs a small fee. It is a good way to see a loved one if you live far away. The jail staff can help you set this up. They want to help families stay in touch. Staying connected helps residents feel better and behave well. Check the official website for the latest hours. They change the times based on the needs of the facility. Always look at the site before you make plans to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions help people learn about the jail search and visit rules. Many people have the same concerns when a friend is in custody. We provide these answers to make the process clear. You can find more details on the official county website. These points cover the most common issues like money, calls, and mail. Grasping these rules helps you support your loved one without any trouble. Always check for updates as jail policies can change during the year.
How do I use the uw-madison-people-search for a jail inmate?
To use this search, you visit the Dane County Sheriff’s website. Look for the “Jail” section. There is a link for the Current Resident Database. Type in the last name of the person. The system will show a list of people with that name. You can see their photo and their charges. It also lists when they were booked into the jail. This database is free for everyone to use. It updates every twenty-four hours to show new arrests. If you do not see the person, they might be in a different facility. You can then try the state prison search tool. This ensures you cover all bases in your search for a resident in Madison.
Can I send books to someone in the Dane County Jail?
You can send books, but they must come from a store. You cannot mail a book from your own house. Use a site like Amazon to ship a new softcover book. The jail does not allow hardcover books because they can be used to hide things. The UW-Madison Jail Library Group also gives books to the jail. They have a big collection for residents to choose from. If you want to donate books to this group, go to Helen C. White Hall. They take donations that help residents learn and grow. This is a great way to help people spend their time in a good way while in custody.
How do I put money on an inmate’s account?
You have three ways to put money on an account. The first is to use the kiosk in the jail lobby at 115 West Doty Street. It takes cash or credit cards. The second way is to use the JPay website or app. You will need the inmate’s ID number to do this. The third way is to send a money order through the mail. Be sure to write the inmate’s full name and ID on the money order. This money allows the resident to buy snacks, paper, and pens. It also pays for their phone calls. The jail staff tracks every cent to make sure it is used correctly by the right person.
What are the rules for visiting a resident in person?
First, you must schedule your visit online. You cannot just show up and expect to see someone. Visits are done through a glass window or a video screen. You must arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Wear modest clothes and do not bring any forbidden items. This means no weapons, drugs, or electronics. Children can visit if an adult is with them. You will need to show a government ID. If you break any rules, the staff will end the visit. They keep the area very clean and safe for all guests. Visiting helps residents stay connected to the world outside, which is very important for their mental health.
How can an inmate call me from the Madison jail?
Inmates use the Securus system to make calls. They cannot receive incoming calls. You must set up an account on the Securus website first. You can choose to pay for each call or put a lump sum on the account. The inmate will dial your number and a voice will ask if you want to accept the call. Calls are usually 15 or 20 minutes long. The system will tell you when the time is almost up. All calls are recorded and listened to by the jail staff. This is done to keep the jail and the city safe. Make sure you do not talk about anything illegal during these calls.
Where can I see mugshots for people in Madison?
Mugshots are part of the public record in Wisconsin. You can see them on the Dane County Jail roster website. When you click on a person’s name, their photo will appear. Some other websites also collect these photos and put them in a list. Sites like StateCourts or Inside Prison show these mugshots along with arrest data. You can download these photos if you need them for a legal reason. The police use these photos to identify people and keep records. They are taken during the booking process when a person first arrives at the jail. The photos show the person from the front and the side.
What happens during Central Booking at the jail?
Central Booking is the first stop for anyone arrested in Dane County. Staff will take the person’s photo and fingerprints. They also check for any medical problems. A nurse will ask questions about their health and any medicine they take. The staff will search the person and take their personal items. These items stay in a safe place until the person leaves. Then the person is assigned to a housing unit based on their charges and behavior. This whole process can take several hours. It is the time when the jail creates the official record that shows up in the online search tools.
