With a proud history of over 150 years of law enforcement service, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office has over 425 sworn personnel, and over 100 non-sworn support staff in four major divisions:
The tasks and functions within the organization are many and varied, including patrol, investigations, jail, conveyances & extradition, warrant & civil process service, court bailiff & security, airport security, task force, and marine & trail enforcement. Personnel also have opportunities to serve on specialty teams, such as:
We strive to create a peaceful community to live, work and visit by serving Dane County as a respected and trusted Sheriff’s Office.
We are dedicated to building relationships and solving problems through evidence-based decision-making and procedural justice.
Character- We are committed and accountable to maintaining the highest level of character in our respectful motives, and actions. Our character directs our integrity and safeguards justice. We are leaders, always demonstrating character, especially in times of great challenge.
Competence- We use our knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve our community. Competence is our ability to do our designated jobs tasks with professional excellence.
Compassion- We understand our role as community caretakers and temper our application of the law with compassion and empathy. We are compassionate in our words, demeanor, and actions.
Courage- We demonstrate moral and physical courage in the performance of our duties. We recognize the dangers and sacrifices inherent of our profession. We are willing to place the safety of others above that of our own. We confront internal and external challenges with responses that are both honorably and ethically sound.
Communication- We improve our communities through collaboration, education, accessibility, and transparency. We build trust through active community engagement.
The Support Services Division is one of the most diversified divisions within the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Staff in this area are responsible for each of the following areas:
The Security Services Division of the Dane County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the management and services of three jail facilities in the Madison, Wisconsin area.
Learn more about our programs and services by visiting the Jail section of the Sheriff Office website.
The Field Services Division handles most of the traditional law enforcement functions for the Sheriff's Office including patrol, investigations, and special teams. Our Marine and Trail Enforcement Unit (MATE) also provides patrol of our lakes, rivers, and trails throughout Dane County. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office provides contract policing services to several villages and townships, as well as our Freeway Service Team (a contract with WisDOT) and the Dane County Regional Airport. Detectives within Field Services investigate cases requiring more extensive follow-up, including but not limited to sexual assaults, domestic abuse, cyber crimes, burglaries and homicides.
Our Traffic Team focuses on enforcing traffic laws and targeting areas in which we have high incidents of traffic crashes. Our experienced Crash Reconstruction Unit is made up of highly skilled crash reconstruction specialists and detectives trained to investigate traffic crimes.
Transcriptions of reports by deputies and data entry are handled by the civilian staff assigned to Field Services.
Dane County Sheriff's Office patrol jurisdiction is divided into three precincts (West, South East, and North East). The precincts are then divided into beats. Each precinct consists of supervisors, patrol deputies, community deputies, and detectives. Patrol Deputies and Community Deputies each have assigned beats. Community deputies work closely with Patrol Deputies, Service Providers, and Community Partners to reduce reoccurring calls for law enforcement services, by connecting citizens with needed resources.
Many deputies in Field Services are also members of the Sheriff’s Office Special Teams. Learn more about Special Teams here.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office Executive Services Division is responsible for employee related services including recruitment, background investigations, hiring, training, scheduling, payroll, benefits, promotions, resignations, and retirements.
Additionally, the Executive Services Division handles payments of services and expenses and the procurement of department supplies and equipment. Executive Services also coordinates budget submissions from each Sheriff’s Office division and submitting the budget to the County Executive and the County Board.
