Services
FAQs
Return/Release of Property
If the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is holding property belonging to you, or taken from you, contact one of the property custodians PRIOR to coming to the Sheriff’s Office to pick the property up so that you can be sure that one of the property custodians is available. If you don’t call, you may not be able to get the property back without a return trip. Some property may not be able to be released such as contraband, illegal weapons, some property used in crimes, etc.
You must have a state issued or other official photo ID and meet the following condition(s).
- Evidence: Property taken as evidence will be released upon receipt of a release directing the release of property by the District Attorney’s Office or upon written court order directing the release the property. In limited cases, property may be released if the Deputy taking the property advises the property custodian that it can be released.
- Recovered Property: Property reported stolen in another jurisdiction may be released to the owner upon receipt of a release from the jurisdiction listing the property as stolen. If someone is charged with a crime in Polk County the property may be held until a release is received from the District Attorney’s Office or upon receipt of a written court order directing the property’s release.
- Emergency Detention/Chapter 51 (Mental Health Commitment): Property taken as a result of a Chapter 51 Commitment or of a Court Ordered Commitment will be released upon receipt of a signed release from Polk County Probate Office or written court order directing the release of the property.
- Found Property: Property that is found and turned into the Polk County Sheriff’s department will be released upon reasonable proof of ownership.
- Firearms: WI Statute 968.20(1m)(b) prohibits the return of dangerous weapons (Firearms) or ammunition if a crime was committed using that dangerous weapon or ammunition unless the rightful owner of that firearm had no prior knowledge of and gave no consent to the commission of the crime.
Firearms not used in the commission of a crime, or deemed eligible to be released to a rightful owner, may be returned upon receipt of a release. Those releases should come from the District Attorney’s office if held for a criminal matter, or the Probate Office if related to mental health issue. Firearms may also be released upon written court order directing that the firearm be released.
Firearms being held as part of a domestic abuse injunction will be released upon receipt of a written order from a Circuit Court Judge or Circuit Court Commissioner which directs the release of the weapon per s. 813.12(4m)(b)(1) of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Property Custodians
Investigator Stephanie Warner stephanie.warner@polkcountywi.gov 715-485-8359
Deputy Shirley Rossing shirley.rossing@polkcountywi.gov 715-485-8343
Janet Lee janet.lee@polkcountywi.gov 715-485-8343
Course Dates:
Contact
Polk County Justice Center
1005 West Main St
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Deputy Ryan Jordan
715-485-9135
ryan.jordan@polkcountywi.gov
- (TBD)
Contact
Polk County Justice Center
1005 West Main St
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Deputy Ryan Jordan
715-485-9135
ryan.jordan@polkcountywi.gov
Course Dates:
Contact
Polk County Justice Center
1005 West Main St
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Deputy Ryan Jordan
715-485-9135
ryan.jordan@polkcountywi.gov
- (TBD)
Contact
Polk County Justice Center
1005 West Main St
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Deputy Ryan Jordan
715-485-9135
ryan.jordan@polkcountywi.gov
The purpose of snowmobile safety training is to expose new users to basic snowmobile safety, responsibilities, ethics, laws, and mechanical functions.
Any person born on or after 1/1/1985 and who has reached the age of 12, must have completed and received a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin. The certificate must be carried while operating the snowmobile and displayed to a law enforcement officer upon demand.
Anyone 11 years of age or older is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education certificate; however, the certificate does not become valid until the child reaches 12 years of age.
Must be present for all 3 classes to pass the course.
A Parent or legal guardian required to sign DNR registration form the first night of class.
Course Dates:
The cost of the class is $10.00 and is due on the first day of class. Parents/guardians are allowed to stay for any portion (or all) of the class. Questions should be directed to Deputy Ryan Jordan at 715-485-9135 or ryan.jordan@polkcountywi.gov.
Contact
Polk County Justice Center
1005 West Main St
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Deputy Ryan Jordan
715-485-9135
ryan.jordan@polkcountywi.gov
Any person born on or after 1/1/1985 and who has reached the age of 12, must have completed and received a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin. The certificate must be carried while operating the snowmobile and displayed to a law enforcement officer upon demand.
Anyone 11 years of age or older is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education certificate; however, the certificate does not become valid until the child reaches 12 years of age.
Must be present for all 3 classes to pass the course.
A Parent or legal guardian required to sign DNR registration form the first night of class.
Course Dates:
- TBD
The cost of the class is $10.00 and is due on the first day of class. Parents/guardians are allowed to stay for any portion (or all) of the class. Questions should be directed to Deputy Ryan Jordan at 715-485-9135 or ryan.jordan@polkcountywi.gov.
Contact
Polk County Justice Center
1005 West Main St
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Deputy Ryan Jordan
715-485-9135
ryan.jordan@polkcountywi.gov
K.I.D.S. is a system for parents to collect and store their child's DNA so that in an emergency, a DNA sample from the child is available. In the past, many Sheriff's and Police Departments have assisted parents by taking their child's fingerprints for the parent to store. However, this doesn't always work as predicted, some of the prints are unusable because of the young age of the child and the small size of the fingers.
We believe that this system is easier for parents to complete themselves, and in the event of a tragic emergency, this will assist Law Enforcement to a better degree.
The collection is done by simply rubbing a sterile cotton swab inside of the child's mouth, allowing it to dry, and storing it in a paper envelope. (See detailed instructions below.) This doesn't create the mess of trying to ink a child's fingertips and if done properly will work for every child, regardless of age or size of the child.
We have also created a form that can be used to track physical changes in your child. This form can be stored with the DNA sample (in a separate envelope). If completed and updated regularly, the information will be there if it is ever needed. We also recommend having an up to date photo (at least yearly), stored with this form.
We believe that this system is easier for parents to complete themselves, and in the event of a tragic emergency, this will assist Law Enforcement to a better degree.
The collection is done by simply rubbing a sterile cotton swab inside of the child's mouth, allowing it to dry, and storing it in a paper envelope. (See detailed instructions below.) This doesn't create the mess of trying to ink a child's fingertips and if done properly will work for every child, regardless of age or size of the child.
We have also created a form that can be used to track physical changes in your child. This form can be stored with the DNA sample (in a separate envelope). If completed and updated regularly, the information will be there if it is ever needed. We also recommend having an up to date photo (at least yearly), stored with this form.
Don't simply flush your unwanted prescription medications down the drain or throw them out in the trash. Stop by and drop them in our secured lock boxes and we dispose of them at an approved site through an approved method of destruction.
Any questions, contact the Sheriff's Office at 715-485-8350.
Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. Most who wander are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. Recovery times for PLI clients average 30 minutes — 95% less time than standard operations. Project Lifesaver transmitter
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is providing this service at cost, which means you only pay for the equipment. Currently, the start-up costs are $300.00. Included in the start-up costs are the transmitter, as well as wrist/ankle bands and batteries for six months. After the initial six month period, the cost is $10 per month, which allows us to meet with you and your loved one, once a month, to change the battery and ensure the transmitter is working properly and make any necessary changes.
Project Lifesaver transmitter and receiver
We are happy to announce that in May 2014, the Tavern League of Polk County generously donated $1300.00 to be used toward the purchase of a third receiver. This should assist us in locating a lost person even more quickly once the signal has been found by allowing us to triangulate the signal from the transmitter. Thank You - Tavern League of Polk County!
If you would like more information about Polk County's Project Lifesaver or if you would like to donate to sponsor a family or to allow us purchase extra equipment for needy families, contact Field Services Captain Dale Hall at 715-485-8323 or email at dale.hall@polkcountywi.gov.
Wisconsin has three types of civil orders of protection, commonly referred to as restraining orders, domestic abuse, harassment, and individuals at risk. Petitioners, (persons seeking the restraining order) can register for automated notification via VPO (VINE Protective Order) by calling toll-free, 1-855-948-7648 or online at www.vinelink.com.
You will be able to register to receive automated telephone and/or email notifications when the temporary restraining order has been served by law enforcement and/or when firearms have been surrendered to law enforcement. Please be aware that you will only receive notification if the temporary restraining order, or TRO, is served on the respondent by law enforcement, usually your local sheriff's department. If the TRO is served by a private process server, you will not receive a notification. Many local domestic violence or sexual assault victim advocates provide assistance in obtaining a restraining order. You can search for resources in your county at the WCADV and/or WCASA web sites in the resource list below.
VINE and VPO services are designed to empower and protect crime victims, improve personal and public safety and assist corrections, law enforcement and victim service providers. WI VINE is provided by your County Sheriff and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
You will be able to register to receive automated telephone and/or email notifications when the temporary restraining order has been served by law enforcement and/or when firearms have been surrendered to law enforcement. Please be aware that you will only receive notification if the temporary restraining order, or TRO, is served on the respondent by law enforcement, usually your local sheriff's department. If the TRO is served by a private process server, you will not receive a notification. Many local domestic violence or sexual assault victim advocates provide assistance in obtaining a restraining order. You can search for resources in your county at the WCADV and/or WCASA web sites in the resource list below.
VINE and VPO services are designed to empower and protect crime victims, improve personal and public safety and assist corrections, law enforcement and victim service providers. WI VINE is provided by your County Sheriff and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
General Information
The Wisconsin Statewide Victim Notification service (WI-VINE) is a free and anonymous telephone and online service that provides victims of crime and the general public with two important features: Information and Notification. Wisconsin VINE is a service provided by your County Sheriff and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
WI VINE is being implemented across Wisconsin through a SAVIN grant (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification), awarded by U.S. Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. Please visit vinelink to see which counties have implemented WI-VINE to date. Dane and Outagamie counties have been providing this service since 1999 and 2000 respectively.
VINE monitors the custody status of offenders in Wisconsin’s county jails and makes the information available either by phone or online. The information is stored at the VINE Communications Center in Louisville, KY. Information is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Wisconsin VINE service is available in English, Spanish, and Hmong and is supported by 24-hour trained operator assistance.
Data Transfer Schedule
County jail offender information:
Every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Information
Anyone may call Wisconsin VINE to determine the custody status of an offender. Callers only need a touch-tone telephone to use the service. Information is also available online at vinelink To search for offender information through Wisconsin VINE, callers will need to provide either the:
Callers may register with WI-VINE to receive automated notification when there is a change in the offender’s custody status. To register for telephone notification, callers will be prompted to provide:
When calling WI-VINE, users will be asked to enter the offender’s first and last name or the offender’s identification number, if they know it. If the offender is located by name, the system will provide the caller with the offender’s identification number for future calls. Users will then be given the option to register to receive notification and prompt the caller through the registration process. Using their telephone keypad, users enter and confirm the telephone number where they wish to receive notification calls and choose their PIN.
If a registered person changes their phone number or email address, they must update their registration with their new information by calling Wisconsin VINE at 1.888.944.8463 or online at vinelink.
When a person is notified of an offender’s transfer to another facility, they will be informed that they must re-register with VINE to continue to receive notification.
Notification
Unless otherwise noted, notification calls begin as soon as VINE receives updated records from the county jail. County jail data is updated every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Notification calls are made for the following changes in custody:
Calling Patterns
If the system reaches an answering machine or voice mailbox, the notification message is repeated twice and the calls then continue every two hours for the remainder of the call period. If a person answers the call, but does not enter the correct PIN, calls continue every two hours for the remainder of the call period or until the call is answered and the correct PIN is entered. Entering the PIN confirms and stops the calls.
Caller ID or Anonymous Call Block:
Notification calls from VINE will display a telephone number with a “502” area code so that the notification will not be blocked. This 502 phone number will not be answered when called, but is only used for purposes of getting the notification through the anonymous calls are blocked.
Stopping Calls:
For more information call 1.800.APPRISS ext 1 (1.866.277.7477) and follow the directions to get to a VINE Operator.
For technical assistance, please contact the Appriss Operations Center at 1.866.APPRISS ext. 2.
The Wisconsin Statewide Victim Notification service (WI-VINE) is a free and anonymous telephone and online service that provides victims of crime and the general public with two important features: Information and Notification. Wisconsin VINE is a service provided by your County Sheriff and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
WI VINE is being implemented across Wisconsin through a SAVIN grant (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification), awarded by U.S. Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. Please visit vinelink to see which counties have implemented WI-VINE to date. Dane and Outagamie counties have been providing this service since 1999 and 2000 respectively.
VINE monitors the custody status of offenders in Wisconsin’s county jails and makes the information available either by phone or online. The information is stored at the VINE Communications Center in Louisville, KY. Information is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Wisconsin VINE service is available in English, Spanish, and Hmong and is supported by 24-hour trained operator assistance.
Data Transfer Schedule
County jail offender information:
Every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Information
Anyone may call Wisconsin VINE to determine the custody status of an offender. Callers only need a touch-tone telephone to use the service. Information is also available online at vinelink To search for offender information through Wisconsin VINE, callers will need to provide either the:
- Offender Name, or Offender Identification Number (if known)
- Offender Name
- Offender Number (if searching by name)
- Current Offender Custody Status
- Location of Offender
- Scheduled Release Date (if available)
Callers may register with WI-VINE to receive automated notification when there is a change in the offender’s custody status. To register for telephone notification, callers will be prompted to provide:
- Telephone number where they wish to receive notification, including the area code
- Select a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)
When calling WI-VINE, users will be asked to enter the offender’s first and last name or the offender’s identification number, if they know it. If the offender is located by name, the system will provide the caller with the offender’s identification number for future calls. Users will then be given the option to register to receive notification and prompt the caller through the registration process. Using their telephone keypad, users enter and confirm the telephone number where they wish to receive notification calls and choose their PIN.
If a registered person changes their phone number or email address, they must update their registration with their new information by calling Wisconsin VINE at 1.888.944.8463 or online at vinelink.
When a person is notified of an offender’s transfer to another facility, they will be informed that they must re-register with VINE to continue to receive notification.
Notification
Unless otherwise noted, notification calls begin as soon as VINE receives updated records from the county jail. County jail data is updated every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Notification calls are made for the following changes in custody:
| Custody Status Change | Calling Pattern |
| Release | Normal |
| Escape | Normal |
| Return from Escape | Normal |
| Return to Custody | Non-Emergency |
| Death | Non-Emergency Delay 1 |
| Unsupervised Custody | Normal |
| Transfer | Non-Emergency Delay 2 |
| Scheduled Release (30 days) | Advanced |
Calling Patterns
If the system reaches an answering machine or voice mailbox, the notification message is repeated twice and the calls then continue every two hours for the remainder of the call period. If a person answers the call, but does not enter the correct PIN, calls continue every two hours for the remainder of the call period or until the call is answered and the correct PIN is entered. Entering the PIN confirms and stops the calls.
- Normal: Calls begin immediately and will be made every 30 minutes for 48 hours.
- Non-Emergency: Calls will be made every 30 minutes between 7:00 am – 9:00 pm for 48 hours.
- Non-Emergency Delay 1: Calls begin 24 hours AFTER the status change, to allow notification to the offender’s family or emergency contact to occur. Calls will be made every 30 minutes between 7:00 am – 9:00 pm for 48 hours or until the call is confirmed.
- Non-Emergency Delay 2: Calls begin 8 hours AFTER the transfer. Calls will be made every 30 minutes between 7:00 am – 9:00 pm for 48 hours or until the call is confirmed.
- Advanced: Notification is made 30 days prior to the scheduled release date. Calls will be made every 30 minutes between 7:00 am – 9:00 pm for 48 hours or until the call is confirmed. On the day of the scheduled release, release notification will be made under the normal pattern listed above.
Caller ID or Anonymous Call Block:
Notification calls from VINE will display a telephone number with a “502” area code so that the notification will not be blocked. This 502 phone number will not be answered when called, but is only used for purposes of getting the notification through the anonymous calls are blocked.
Stopping Calls:
For more information call 1.800.APPRISS ext 1 (1.866.277.7477) and follow the directions to get to a VINE Operator.
For technical assistance, please contact the Appriss Operations Center at 1.866.APPRISS ext. 2.