Vernon County, WI Sheriff's Office, Jails and Inmate Lookup

About the County  

Vernon County is located in the west-central area of Wisconsin and has its county seat in Viroqua. The county’s name is a reflection of the area’s green lands as a result of wheat plantations and Mount Vernon.  

Vernon County was first formed in 1851 from Richland and Crawford Counties portions. During this time, the county’s name was Bad Ax County, and it was until March 1862 that authorities changed the name to Vernon County. The initial inhabitants of the area were farmers, which has been the case up to date, with the county being home to Organic Valley, a cooperative family of farmers deemed to be the world’s largest.  

According to the 2020 census results, Vernon County has a population of 30,714, a 4.04% increase from 2010. This data also indicates that Whites comprise 97.4% of the people, with the other ethnic groups being African Americans, Asians, and Latino. Additionally, the United States Census Bureau indicates that Vernon County covers 816 square miles, with 792 of the area being land and the rest being water.  

About the County Sheriff’s Office 

The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office has been operating since 1862, comprised of a Sheriff and an Undersheriff. However, in 1933, the county authorities, led by the Board of Supervisors, permitted the Sheriff to hire a deputy who would be responsible for traffic control. Additionally, the Board purchased a police motorcycle to help with traffic control operations.  

Today, the office has several divisions and officers, including the Patrol Division consisting of Patrol Sergeants (4) and Patrol Deputies (14). These officers, together with other divisions, work hand-in-hand to ensure the Sheriff’s Office achieves its goal of community protection.  

Community Services  

Police officers play a crucial role in community education to reduce county crime rates and drug use. These officers provide education services, including the Counteract Drug Program, in schools and businesses. Usually, the Patrol Division is responsible for this exercise.  

The Investigation Unit  

Most investigations in Vernon County are under the Patrol Division. However, the division refers complex cases to this unit for expert analysis. The officers are equipped with advanced equipment and gear to help deal with these cases. Additionally, they undergo regular training and retraining programs organized by the Sheriff.  

Some of the cases that this unit handles include: 

• Felonies
• Sexual Assault
• Child Pornography
• Crimes against Persons
• Narcotics  

Court Services  

Court services include providing security during courtroom proceedings and looking after the well-being and safety of courtroom staff. The court services officers also organize inmate transportation to the Vernon County Circuit Court and back to the Vernon County Detention Center. Other responsibilities include assisting the Clerk of Court in performing some duties, if necessary. 

Fingerprinting Services  

Individuals interested in fingerprinting services must visit the Vernon County Detention Center’s lobby at 1320 Bad Axe Ct, Viroqua, WI, 54665, from Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm. You must present a valid photo identification card, such as a passport or a state-issued ID.  

The process costs $5, and you don’t need an earlier appointment. If you plan to pay in cash, ensure you have the exact amount. On the other hand, you’ll incur an extra $1.75 for credit and debit card payments. 

County Inmate Search 

The Vernon County Detention is the main correctional center in the county that houses male and female inmates. Most of these offenders are arrestees awaiting trial or sentencing, while others are serving sentences from the County Circuit Court.  

The Freedom of Information Act classifies offender information under public records. As a result, various agencies and departments must ensure the records are easily accessible to the general public. Unlike other correctional facilities, the Vernon County Detention Center lacks an online jail roster. However, offender data is available through the jail roster at the Sheriff’s Office, in person, or by calling 608-638-5780. You can also fax the Detention Center at 608-638-5785 or send an email with the details of the inmate, including the full name.   

The jail roster contains the following information: 

• Arrest Date  
• Incarceration Date  
• Bond/Bail Information  
• Offender’s Name  
• Charges  

County Inmate Search via the Sex Offender Registry  

The Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry maintains information for incarcerated and registered sex offenders in the community. Most information on sex offenders, particularly violent ones, remains on the sex offender registry for years, even after release. 

The following search categories are available through the website:  

• Name Search  
• Geographical Search 

If you’re not interested in a particular offender, the geographical search option is the best option. It enables you to narrow the search results to a certain radius, from 1 mile to 3 miles. Additionally, there is an option to choose the county, city, and area zip code.  

A successful search will provide information on all registered sex offenders within the area and their registration compliance statuses.  

Inmate Search after Transfer to the DOC’s Custody  

In some cases, the Vernon County Sheriff may recommend an inmate transfer from the local authority’s custody to state-run correctional facilities. This happens when an offender’s security level changes to a level that’s only manageable at a DOC-run facility. The transfer may also occur after a judge sentences an inmate who was initially awaiting trial. 

In case of any of the abovementioned scenarios, utilize the Wisconsin Department of Correction’s website to locate the inmate. It contains information on all offenders in the state’s custody, except juveniles.  

Vernon County Sheriff's Office

Address

1320 Bad Axe Court, Viroqua, Wisconsin, 54665

Phone

608-637-2123

Fax

608-637-5565

Website

website

County Jails in Vernon County, WI

Police Departments in Vernon County, WI

Vernon County, WI Incarceration Statistics

Vernon County, WI Jail Inmate Population, Jail Pretrial Population and Confined Population, for 2010-2015 years

Vernon County, WI Female Population, Rate & Count for 2010-2015 years

Vernon County, WI Male Population, Rate & Count for 2010-2015 years

Vernon County, WI Incarceration Rates by Race, for 2010-2015 years