OPEN RECORDS

ACCIDENT REPORTS

If you, or your insured, were involved in a motor vehicle crash and a Dodgeville Police Officer completed a DT4000 crash report, you may obtain the report by clicking HERE or on the link at the bottom of the page. You may also obtain the report by clicking this link https://www.crashdocs.org and entering “Wisconsin” and “Dodgeville Police Department” in the “Select the State & Agency where the accident occurred” screen. On the second screen, simply enter one of the listed fields to search for the report you are requesting. Please note that the reports are generally available on the crashdocs.org website within 7-10 business days of the crash.

OTHER OPEN RECORDS

• Authorization for inspection of records shall be processed through the Records Custodian.
• Records open to inspection are those identified by applicable federal, state, local, and case law, including WI SS. Chap. 19.   If records contain non-releasable data, the records to be released will be redacted where necessary before release.  Actions to approve or deny release will be noted on the Open Records Request form, with a copy being given to the requester and a copy maintained within the record.
• Requests for records will be made to the Chief or Lieutenant via any employee.  Such a request will be submitted in person, by phone, fax, US mail, or email.
• Preferably, to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the content being requested, the requester will complete the Dodgeville Police Department Open Records Request form.  
• All requests for audio/video of Officer body camera footage will require a written attestation to determine if fee exceptions apply. If the written attestation is not completed, it will be determined that a fee exemption does not exist, and the appropriate fees will be applied.  (The associated form is the DVPD Audio Video Certification Request Form) 
• All reports are subject to review. While Dodgeville Police Department records are public records, in some cases, records are not available for release, or they may have information redacted.
• Redaction means parts of the report, including, but not limited to, specific words, phrases, personally identifiable information (address, phone, DOB), sensitive or juvenile information, or medical information which may be removed.
• The Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) (18 U.S.C. § 2721) prohibits the disclosure of certain “personal information” or “highly restricted personal information” that originates from a State motor vehicle record. Under the current controlling law, disclosure of each item “personal information” or “highly restricted personal information” must be justified by the specific permissible use identified in the online and/or downloadable request form. Failure to provide such justification may result in redaction of the record requested. Such information shall not knowingly be disclosed or otherwise made available without the express consent of the person to whom the information pertains or unless specifically permitted by the DPPA.
• Dodgeville Police records that are open and/or active cases will generally not be released.
• All records are reviewed, and a “balancing test” is applied prior to release. The balancing test measures the public harm versus the public good of releasing the record. In some cases, the balancing test may result in a denial of the request. This will be communicated to the requester.
• Responses to written requests will be made as soon as possible, but normally within ten business days.  Written request denials will inform the requestor for the denial reason and that the denial is subject to review on application to the DA’s office or to the WI Attorney General, WI SS. 19.37(4)(b).

FEES FOR RECORDS: Prepayment may be required for requests exceeding $5.00

$2 Pick-up reports / $3 to mail or fax reports

$.25 per page (first four pages included above)

$7.50 for digital photos on a CD or actual cost - $10.00 for video and / or audio on DVD / CD

Additional Fees may apply for Body Worn Camera footage. To determine if eligible for a waiver for these fees, completion of the Dodgeville Police Department Audio/Video Certification Request Form is required.