Public Records

Police Documents Requests:

The Franklin Police Department manages and provides access to police reports and other official records in accordance with Wisconsin’s open records laws. Requests can be made:

• In person
• By mail:    Franklin Police Department
                   ATTN: Public Records
                   9455 W. Loomis Road
                   Franklin, WI 53132
• By email:  PDOpenRecords@franklinwi.gov 
• By phone: 414-858-2723
• By Fax:     414-425-0391

To request public record documents, complete a request form (also available at the Police Department, which is staffed 24 hours a day). Completed forms may be submitted in person, via email, fax, or by mail. 

If we find records, please expect a minimum of 10 days for processing. Requests will be processed (if not prohibited) as soon as practicable and without delay. You will be notified when your records are ready and will be informed of any associated costs.
                          
Franklin Police Department Public Records (Documents) Request Form

Limited Vehicle and Driver Record Information Request Form 

Motor Vehicle Crash Reports:

Motor vehicle crash reports can be obtained in different ways.

1. A copy of your crash report can be retrieved from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.  
2. A copy of your crash report can be retrieved from the online service, CrashDocs. Crashdocs allows people to obtain police generated accident reports. Users can find reports on Crashdocs by entering the state and law enforcement agency where the crash occurred, along with information like the report number and the last name of an involved party. 

Police Audio and Video Requests:

The Franklin Police Department manages and provides access to audio and video recordings (e.g., body-worn camera, squad camera, etc.) in accordance with Wisconsin’s open records laws. Due to provisions outlined in 2023 Wisconsin Act 253, all requests for audio and video recordings must be submitted online via the Audio and Video Online Request Form.  

Costs:

Requests for records requiring photocopies and/or reproduction to electronic media (CD, DVD, flash drive, etc.) will be provided at a cost. See the Franklin Police Department Public Records Fee Schedule. Requests for records that can be sent electronically will be provided to the requester at no charge. These records may be subject to file size limitations. The actual costs of shipping or mailing will be charged. 

Locating Fees - An open records location fee is charged if the cost to locate records is $50 or more. The fee is based on the actual, necessary, and direct cost of staff time for searching for the records, and the rate is generally based on the pay of the lowest-paid employee capable of doing the task.

Redaction Fees - Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3)(h)2, A law enforcement agency may charge a requester for the actual, necessary, and direct costs of staff time incurred in redacting recorded audio or video content subject to disclosure under Wisconsin’s public records law. The rate is generally based on the pay of the lowest-paid employee capable of doing the task.

Per Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3)(f), a prepayment of such cost associated with an open records request over $5.00 may be required before processing such public records request.

Franklin Police Department Public Records Request Fee Schedule 

Helpful Information:

If your request is denied, you may file a writ of mandamus for review by the Circuit Court, or you may request a review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney or the Wisconsin Attorney General.