Official Government Sources
Clear Lake Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Clear Lake, Wisconsin government websites.
About Clear Lake City Government
The governing body of Clear Lake, Wisconsin, is the Clear Lake Village Board, which consists of 6 elected members. Board members are elected at-large for a term of 2 years. Elections are held in April, coinciding with the spring general election cycle, allowing residents to participate in local governance.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Village of Clear Lake is $1,200,000. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Clear Lake Village Board holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Clear Lake Village Hall, located at 205 W. Main Street, Clear Lake, WI 54005. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local issues and initiatives.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Village of Clear Lake is $1,200,000. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Clear Lake Village Board holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Clear Lake Village Hall, located at 205 W. Main Street, Clear Lake, WI 54005. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local issues and initiatives.
About Clear Lake, Wisconsin
Nestled in the heart of Polk County, Clear Lake, Wisconsin, is a charming village with an estimated population of approximately 1,045 residents. This small community boasts a rich history, having been founded in the late 19th century, around the year 1885. Clear Lake is characterized by its picturesque scenery, largely shaped by the nearby Clear Lake, which serves as both a recreational hub and a natural wonder for residents and visitors alike. Major neighborhoods in Clear Lake include the quaint downtown area, where local businesses thrive, and residential areas that are known for their tight-knit communities. The local economy is supported by various employers, including small businesses, agriculture, and service sectors, providing essential jobs for residents. What sets Clear Lake apart is its strong emphasis on community, evident in the various local events and gatherings that draw people together throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging in this idyllic setting.
Law enforcement in Clear Lake is primarily served by the Clear Lake Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and order within the village. Additionally, the Polk County Sheriff's Office provides support with broader county law enforcement duties, including the oversight of the Polk County Jail, which handles individuals detained in the area. For those seeking access to arrest records, mugshots, and criminal history, the process begins at the Clear Lake Police Department, where requests can be made at the police records unit. Should the information required extend to more comprehensive records, individuals can also approach the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Moreover, for a statewide overview of criminal history, the Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a criminal repository through its Bureau of Investigation. Individuals can request records online through available portals, ensuring a streamlined process. Depending on the nature of the request and the records sought, response times may vary, but the commitment to transparency remains a priority within both the Clear Lake Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Clear Lake falls under the jurisdiction of the Polk County Circuit Court, which handles various legal matters ranging from civil to criminal cases. Accessing court records can be done through the online portal provided by the Wisconsin Court System, which allows users to search for case information conveniently. For those who prefer in-person service, the office of the court clerk is available for requests, ensuring that residents can obtain the necessary documentation relating to their legal matters. Additionally, vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can be requested through the Polk County Clerk-Recorder's office or through the Wisconsin vital records system. Property records are also accessible, with the county assessor and recorder maintaining detailed information for public view. Residents can utilize online portals for these property records, facilitating an easy search process. Furthermore, Clear Lake and Polk County adhere to the Wisconsin Open Records Law, allowing the public to request various records not specifically categorized elsewhere. Typical response times for these requests range from 5 to 10 business days, ensuring that transparency is upheld in governance and public affairs.
Law enforcement in Clear Lake is primarily served by the Clear Lake Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and order within the village. Additionally, the Polk County Sheriff's Office provides support with broader county law enforcement duties, including the oversight of the Polk County Jail, which handles individuals detained in the area. For those seeking access to arrest records, mugshots, and criminal history, the process begins at the Clear Lake Police Department, where requests can be made at the police records unit. Should the information required extend to more comprehensive records, individuals can also approach the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Moreover, for a statewide overview of criminal history, the Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a criminal repository through its Bureau of Investigation. Individuals can request records online through available portals, ensuring a streamlined process. Depending on the nature of the request and the records sought, response times may vary, but the commitment to transparency remains a priority within both the Clear Lake Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Clear Lake falls under the jurisdiction of the Polk County Circuit Court, which handles various legal matters ranging from civil to criminal cases. Accessing court records can be done through the online portal provided by the Wisconsin Court System, which allows users to search for case information conveniently. For those who prefer in-person service, the office of the court clerk is available for requests, ensuring that residents can obtain the necessary documentation relating to their legal matters. Additionally, vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can be requested through the Polk County Clerk-Recorder's office or through the Wisconsin vital records system. Property records are also accessible, with the county assessor and recorder maintaining detailed information for public view. Residents can utilize online portals for these property records, facilitating an easy search process. Furthermore, Clear Lake and Polk County adhere to the Wisconsin Open Records Law, allowing the public to request various records not specifically categorized elsewhere. Typical response times for these requests range from 5 to 10 business days, ensuring that transparency is upheld in governance and public affairs.
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a city in Polk County, Wisconsin, located in the northwestern part of the state approximately 60 miles northeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Situated along the western shore of Clear Lake itself, the city has a population of approximately 1,050 residents as of recent estimates. Founded in the mid-1800s, Clear Lake developed as a rural agricultural community and later as a destination for vacationers drawn to the area's abundant lakes and natural beauty. The city is known for its small-town character, fishing and recreational opportunities on Clear Lake and nearby bodies of water, and its role as a service center for the surrounding farming community. Major landmarks include the historic downtown district, Clear Lake Beach and Park, and several locally owned businesses that have served residents for generations. The economy is anchored by agriculture, small retail businesses, and seasonal tourism related to lake activities.
Public records for Clear Lake residents are maintained by a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The Clear Lake City Hall, located at 440 4th Avenue, handles municipal records including city ordinances, meeting minutes, and local business licenses. The Clear Lake Police Department provides law enforcement records and incident reports for incidents within city limits. Many vital records, court filings, property records, and county-level criminal justice records are managed by Polk County offices located in Balsam Lake, the county seat, approximately 15 miles to the east. The Polk County Courthouse, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Register of Deeds, and Clerk of Courts serve Clear Lake residents for most legal, property, and vital record needs. Wisconsin's strong public records tradition, codified in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 19 (the Wisconsin Open Records Law), provides broad public access to government documents with limited exceptions, and most agencies maintain both in-person and increasingly online access to records.
Public records for Clear Lake residents are maintained by a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The Clear Lake City Hall, located at 440 4th Avenue, handles municipal records including city ordinances, meeting minutes, and local business licenses. The Clear Lake Police Department provides law enforcement records and incident reports for incidents within city limits. Many vital records, court filings, property records, and county-level criminal justice records are managed by Polk County offices located in Balsam Lake, the county seat, approximately 15 miles to the east. The Polk County Courthouse, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Register of Deeds, and Clerk of Courts serve Clear Lake residents for most legal, property, and vital record needs. Wisconsin's strong public records tradition, codified in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 19 (the Wisconsin Open Records Law), provides broad public access to government documents with limited exceptions, and most agencies maintain both in-person and increasingly online access to records.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Clear Lake, Polk County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Polk County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while city police departments such as the Amery Police Department, Osceola Police Department, and St. Croix Falls Police Department serve their respective municipalities. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and effective response across the county. Coordination among these departments is crucial for addressing cross-jurisdictional issues and enhancing community safety.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Polk County Jail, located in Balsam Lake, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation at the jail is regulated, with specific hours and guidelines to ensure security and order. The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of individuals pending trial, with procedures in place to post bail either through cash or a bail bond service. To find someone recently arrested, individuals can contact the jail directly or use the online inmate search tool provided by the Sheriff's Office.
Court Records
Clear Lake residents are served by the Wisconsin court system, which includes both county-level circuit courts and municipal court. The Polk County Circuit Court, located at the Polk County Government Center, 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 120, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, phone (715) 485-9226, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, small claims up to $10,000, juvenile cases, and misdemeanor appeals. Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction and serves all communities in Polk County including Clear Lake. The City of Clear Lake Municipal Court handles municipal ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within city limits, and other minor offenses; municipal court information can be obtained through Clear Lake City Hall at (715) 263-2114. Wisconsin circuit court records can be searched online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system at https://wcca.wicourts.gov, a free statewide database that allows searches by name, case number, or other criteria for most civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The system provides case summaries, party information, charges, dispositions, and in many cases, register of actions showing all filings and hearings. Some sensitive records such as certain juvenile matters, mental health commitments, and sealed cases are not available online. For certified copies of court documents, requesters must contact the Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court at the Balsam Lake courthouse; fees for certified copies are typically $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, though fees may vary by document type. Filing fees for civil actions range from approximately $94.50 for small claims under $5,000 to over $200 for larger civil suits.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Polk County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Polk County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under Wisconsin's open records laws. To run a background check, individuals can request records from the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in maintaining and disseminating criminal records, offering resources for residents seeking comprehensive background checks. These records are essential for legal proceedings, employment screenings, and ensuring public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Polk County are maintained by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Wisconsin Public Records Law. Arrest records typically include personal information of the arrestee, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. The Wisconsin Public Records Law ensures transparency and access to government records, allowing the public to obtain information related to arrests and other law enforcement activities.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Clear Lake are maintained by Polk County offices in Balsam Lake. The Polk County Assessor's Office, located in the Polk County Government Center, 100 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, phone (715) 485-9148, maintains property assessment records for all parcels in Clear Lake and throughout the county. The Assessor's Office website at https://www.polkcountywi.gov/assessor provides access to property information including parcel numbers, owner names, assessed values, property classifications, lot sizes, building characteristics, and assessment history. Property searches can be conducted by owner name, address, or parcel identification number. The Polk County property tax and assessment information is also accessible through third-party sites that aggregate Wisconsin property data. For recorded land documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and other instruments affecting title to real property, the Polk County Register of Deeds, located at 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 140, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, phone (715) 485-9233, website https://www.polkcountywi.gov/register-of-deeds, maintains an indexed archive dating back to the county's founding. Many recorded documents can be searched and viewed online through the Register of Deeds website using the Laredo land records system; some records are available free while others may require a subscription or per-document fee. Users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, date range, or legal description. The Register of Deeds also provides Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) lien searches. Polk County maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible through the county website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, zoning, floodplains, and other geographic data layers overlaid on aerial photography and maps.
Economy & Demographics
Clear Lake's economy is rooted in agriculture, small business, and seasonal lake tourism. The surrounding Polk County area is dominated by dairy farming, crop production (corn, soybeans, hay), and related agricultural services, which remain important employers for Clear Lake area residents. Within the city, major employers include the Clear Lake School District (part of the Clear Lake School District serving the community), local government (city administration and public works), small manufacturers, and retail establishments serving both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The downtown corridor along 4th Avenue contains locally owned grocery stores, gas stations, bars and restaurants, hardware stores, and service businesses. The proximity to Clear Lake and numerous other lakes in Polk County supports a seasonal tourism economy with fishing guides, bait shops, lodging facilities, and recreational businesses. Many residents commute to larger employment centers including Amery (approximately 12 miles west), New Richmond (about 25 miles southwest), or even the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area approximately 60 miles to the southwest. Median household income in Clear Lake is estimated around $50,000-$60,000, somewhat below state averages, reflecting the rural agricultural character of the community. Recent years have seen modest growth in recreational and retirement home development around area lakes, bringing construction and service sector jobs. Clear Lake's economy reflects broader Polk County trends of agricultural tradition combined with increasing influence from Twin Cities exurban growth, recreational property development, and the challenges facing rural communities including workforce retention and downtown revitalization.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
The Clear Lake Police Department, located at 440 4th Avenue, Clear Lake, WI 54005, phone (715) 263-2112, provides law enforcement services within the city limits of Clear Lake. The department handles patrol, investigations, and traffic enforcement for the city's approximately 1,050 residents. Citizens can request police reports, incident reports, and accident reports by contacting the department directly during business hours; requests should include the case number or date and location of the incident. The department maintains records of calls for service, arrests, and citations. For areas outside the city limits and for countywide law enforcement matters, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, located at 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, phone (715) 485-8300, website https://www.polkcountywi.gov/sheriff, provides patrol and investigative services throughout Polk County's unincorporated areas and townships. The Sheriff's Office also operates the Polk County Jail and maintains arrest and booking records for the county detention facility. Residents can search for current inmates and recent arrests through the Polk County Jail Roster available on the Sheriff's Office website, which typically displays inmate names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and booking photographs. Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.32 through 19.39, the Wisconsin Open Records Law, law enforcement records are generally considered public unless they are part of an ongoing investigation or contain information that would jeopardize safety or privacy rights. To request records, citizens should submit a written or verbal request to the custodian of records at either the Clear Lake Police Department or Polk County Sheriff's Office, specifying the records sought. Agencies may charge fees for copying and staff time for extensive requests, and must respond to requests as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay.
Vital Records
Vital records for Clear Lake residents are primarily managed at the state level with some county involvement. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Clear Lake or anywhere in Wisconsin are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office, PO Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309, phone 608-266-1371, website https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords. Birth certificates cost $20 for a certified copy, and applicants must prove direct and tangible interest (parent, legal representative, or person named on the certificate if 18 or older). Death certificates also cost $20, and eligible requesters include family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct interest. Orders can be placed online through the VitalChek service at https://www.vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee, by mail, or in person at the Madison office; processing times are typically 2-3 weeks by mail, faster for online rush orders. Wisconsin birth records are available from October 1, 1907 forward, and death records from January 1, 1907 forward; earlier records may be available through county registers of deeds or historical societies. Marriage licenses for Clear Lake residents are issued by the Polk County Clerk, located at 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, phone (715) 485-9215. Wisconsin requires a marriage license application with both parties present, valid photo identification, and knowledge of Social Security numbers; the fee is approximately $110, and there is a six-day waiting period after application before the license is valid. Marriage records dating back to 1907 are available through the State Vital Records Office, though recent licenses can be certified by the County Clerk. Divorce records (findings of fact, judgments, and decrees) are maintained by the Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court as court records and can be searched through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system; certified copies are available from the Clerk's office for a fee.
Business & Licensing Records
Business licensing and registration for Clear Lake operates at city, county, and state levels depending on the type of business activity. The City of Clear Lake requires certain businesses operating within city limits to obtain a municipal business license or permit; information on city business licenses, zoning compliance, and occupancy permits can be obtained from Clear Lake City Hall, 440 4th Avenue, Clear Lake, WI 54005, phone (715) 263-2114. Requirements and fees vary by business type, and some activities such as alcohol sales, food service, and certain professional services require additional permits from city, county, or state authorities. At the county level, Polk County may require permits or licenses for specific activities; contact the Polk County Clerk at (715) 485-9215 or the Polk County Zoning Department for land use and building permits. Trade names or "doing business as" (DBA) registrations in Wisconsin are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. For state-level business entity registration, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate & Consumer Services, maintains the registry of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business entities. The Wisconsin business entity search is available free online at https://www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch/Search.aspx, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or registration number to view entity status, officers and directors, registered office address, date of formation, and filing history. New business entity registration can be completed online through the same portal. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) lien filings, which create security interests in personal property and assets, are filed with and searchable through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions UCC system. For Clear Lake business property owners, commercial property assessments and tax information can be accessed through the Polk County Assessor's Office online property search at https://www.polkcountywi.gov/assessor, allowing lookups by business name or property address to determine assessed values and tax obligations.
Elections & Voter Records
Clear Lake voters are served by the Polk County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the county. The Polk County Clerk is located at 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, phone (715) 485-9215, website https://www.polkcountywi.gov/county-clerk. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online through the statewide MyVote Wisconsin system at https://myvote.wi.gov, in person at the county clerk's office or municipal clerk, by mail, or at the polls on Election Day. Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day by providing proof of residence such as a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID, utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck with current address. Voters must provide a valid photo ID to cast a ballot. For municipal elections specific to Clear Lake, the city holds elections for mayor, city council members (alders), and other local offices in spring elections typically held on the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years. The next Clear Lake municipal election is scheduled for April 2025 for various city council seats; the City Clerk at Clear Lake City Hall (715) 263-2114 maintains information on local candidates and ballot issues. Clear Lake voters can find their assigned polling place, view their sample ballot, check registration status, and request absentee ballots through the MyVote Wisconsin website at https://myvote.wi.gov by entering their address. Wisconsin allows absentee voting both in-person (beginning two weeks before an election at the municipal clerk's office) and by mail; absentee ballot applications must be received by the Thursday before the election for mail ballots, though in-person absentee voting is available through the Sunday before Election Day. Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (available to candidates and parties under certain restrictions), campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission (searchable at https://cfis.wi.gov), candidate registration information, and precinct-by-precinct election results published by the county clerk and Wisconsin Elections Commission. In the November 2024 presidential election, Polk County reported voter turnout of approximately 75-80% of registered voters, reflecting high engagement in the closely contested Wisconsin presidential race. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Clear Lake and Polk County voters will decide several significant races: the Governor of Wisconsin seat will be on the ballot (Tony Evers' current term expires in January 2027), one of Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seats may be contested (subject to the current term schedule), Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate seats for districts covering Clear Lake, countywide offices including Polk County Sheriff, District Attorney, Treasurer, Clerk, and Register of Deeds, and potentially Clear Lake school board positions depending on district election schedules. Voters should check https://myvote.wi.gov closer to the election for a complete sample ballot specific to their address.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Polk County and Wisconsin provide excellent online access to most public records through statewide portals and county systems, with particularly strong court, property, business, and election transparency; vital records require state-level requests but online ordering is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, you will be transported to the Polk County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Polk County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Polk County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin?
The Clear Lake area is served by public school districts in Polk County, Wisconsin. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Wisconsin Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3
What are the crime statistics for Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin?
Crime statistics for Clear Lake, Wisconsin are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Clear Lake Police Department on their official website. The Wisconsin Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin Library?
The Clear Lake Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Wisconsin government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5
Where is the Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin Public Library located?
The Clear Lake Public Library main branch is located in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. Check the Clear Lake city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin?
Fingerprinting services in Clear Lake, Wisconsin are available through the Clear Lake Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, contact the Wisconsin Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Polk County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Clear Lake, Wisconsin can be obtained from the Clear Lake Police Department or the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Wisconsin DMV.
9
About background check
A background check in Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Wisconsin criminal history report through the Wisconsin Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.