7 Crucial Facts You Must Know Before Requesting Eau Claire Police Reports (Updated 2025 Guide)

Navigating the process of obtaining police reports in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, requires understanding the specific procedures set by the Eau Claire Police Department (ECPD) Records Division. As of the current date, December 21, 2025, the ECPD utilizes a streamlined online system to manage public records requests, adhering strictly to the Wisconsin Open Records Law to ensure transparency while protecting sensitive information. This guide provides the most current, essential facts about accessing incident reports, crash reports, and other vital public information. The ECPD is committed to providing timely access to public records, but it is important to know which reports are available and the correct method for submission, as general City of Eau Claire public records requests are handled separately by the City Clerk's Office. Knowing the specific requirements for the ECPD’s Public Portal can drastically reduce your waiting time and ensure your request is processed efficiently.

The ECPD Records Request Process: Key Entities and Contact Information

To maintain topical authority, it is essential to identify the specific departments and systems responsible for handling public records access. The process is centralized through the ECPD’s dedicated Records Division.

Eau Claire Police Department Records Division Profile:

• Primary Function: Processing and fulfilling all requests for police reports, incident records, and other departmental documents under the Wisconsin Open Records Law.
• Physical Location: 721 Oxford Ave Suite 1400, Eau Claire, WI 54703.
• Primary Contact Number: (715) 839-4984 (Recommended for questions regarding Police Records Requests).
• Online System: The ECPD utilizes the JustFOIA Public Portal for submitting and tracking records requests, which is the fastest and most efficient method.
• Hours of Operation: Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (for in-person requests or phone inquiries).

1. The Essential Online Tool: The JustFOIA Public Portal

The most significant update to the records request process is the standardized use of the JustFOIA Public Portal. This online system serves as the central hub for both the City of Eau Claire and the Police Department to manage, track, and fulfill public requests.

How to Submit an Incident Report Request:

• Requests for general police reports, such as incident reports or non-crash-related records, must be submitted through the dedicated Public Portal.
• The portal allows you to submit a new request, provide detailed information about the incident (date, location, report number if known), and track the status of your request in real-time.
• This method is crucial because the ECPD Records Division does not process general background checks; for those, you must contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ).

2. Separate Process for Crash Report Requests

Unlike general incident reports, the procedure for obtaining a traffic accident or Crash Report Request is often managed through a specific, separate online system. The City of Eau Claire website provides a direct link for users to obtain copies of their crash reports, streamlining the process for one of the most frequently requested record types. Always check the official ECPD "Public Information" page for the most current link to the crash report request system.

3. Understanding the Fee Structure and Costs (Updated 2025)

Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, the City of Eau Claire is permitted to charge fees for public records. These fees are not arbitrary but are based on the actual costs incurred by the department.

What You May Be Charged For:

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• Reproduction and Transcription: The actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproducing or transcribing the record (e.g., printing or digital media costs).
• Staff Time: If the request requires extensive time for searching, compiling, or redacting the records, a fee may be charged for the staff time involved.
• Redaction and Audio/Video: The Wisconsin DOJ has a fee schedule that covers the costs associated with redacting sensitive information and fulfilling requests for Law Enforcement Agency Audio and Video Recordings (a key update as of June 2025).

In many cases, simple reports or electronic copies may be provided at a minimal or no cost, but complex requests involving significant staff time will incur a fee, which must be paid before the records are released.

4. Processing Time: What "Without Reasonable Delay" Means

Wisconsin law mandates that public records requests be fulfilled "as soon as practicable and without reasonable delay." While there is no fixed number of days (like 5 or 10 business days) guaranteed, the ECPD’s use of the JustFOIA system is designed to speed up the process. For simple requests like a standard crash report, the turnaround time is often fast. For complex requests involving multiple reports, extensive redaction, or older archives, the process will take longer due to the legal requirement to review and protect confidential data. Always check the status of your request directly through the Public Portal.

5. Topical Authority: Recent ECPD Activity and Crime Trends (Late 2024/2025)

To provide a fresh and unique perspective, it is important to look at the recent activities and crime statistics reported by the ECPD. The department's focus remains on community-oriented policing, guided by the Four Pillars of Eau Claire Policing.

Recent ECPD News and Incidents:

• Death Investigation: As recently as December 4th, 2024, ECPD officers responded to a welfare check that resulted in a death investigation in the North District, highlighting the department's continuous response to sensitive community incidents.
• Felony Sentencing: Recent reports from early 2024 detail the sentencing of an Eau Claire man for illegally possessing a firearm, following an incident where ECPD officers were dispatched to a local bar on January 1, 2024. This demonstrates the ongoing work with the Department of Justice on serious criminal cases.
• Transparency in Policing: The ECPD has been proactive in releasing full video footage following claims of police brutality, emphasizing their commitment to the "Transparency in Policing" section of their website and community trust.

These recent examples show the ECPD's active role in addressing various issues, from welfare checks and disturbances to felony crimes, demonstrating the type of content you will find in their released reports.

6. The Difference Between ECPD and UW-Eau Claire Police

It is crucial for individuals on or near the campus to know that the UW-Eau Claire Police Department is a separate entity that provides 24/7 police services specifically to the campus community. If an incident occurred on university property (e.g., Crest Wellness Center, student housing), you may need to contact the UW-Eau Claire Police for records requests, as they maintain their own records division.

7. The Exemption Rule: What Reports Are NOT Available

While the Wisconsin Open Records Law promotes public access, certain records are exempt to protect privacy and ongoing investigations. The ECPD will redact or withhold information related to:

• Ongoing criminal investigations that would be compromised by release.
• Confidential information, such as the identity of informants or victims of specific crimes (e.g., sexual assault).
• Personally identifiable information (PII) of juveniles or other protected parties.
• Internal personnel records or confidential administrative reviews.

When you submit a request via the JustFOIA Public Portal, the ECPD Records Division will review the document and apply necessary redactions before release, ensuring compliance with both the law and the protection of individual rights. Always be prepared for your requested report to contain sections that have been blacked out for legal reasons.

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