Dane County Sheriff's Office

Our trainers are not messing around! This academy class is making the most of their fitness goals. #officerfitness #TeamDane

We went into the weekend on a high note! Our annual award ceremony at American Family Insurance is an excellent reminder of the great acts our staff performs every day. We also recognized some citizens for going above and beyond for their fellow neighbor. Thank you to our host, Rebecca Ribley, and White Picket Photography for capturing the day. #awards #TeamDane

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office and Peace Officers nationwide recognize National Peace Officer Memorial Day today. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation to designate the day, which honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. This week, tens of thousands will gather in our Nation’s capital to remember the more than 23,000 men and women whose names are etched on the national memorial. During a candlelight vigil on Monday, 282 names were added to the memorial. As in past years, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office participates by sending representatives from our Honor Guard and Motor Unit to escort the family members of the fallen. Historically, Dane County has lost four deputies in the line of duty. Most recently, in 2020, Deputy Rick Treadwell died from complications of COVID-19, which he contracted while on duty. Others include Deputy Harlend Orsburne (1979), who died after his squad was rammed by a stolen vehicle. Deputy Bernhardt Brattlie (1936) died in a motorcycle crash, and Earl Van Deusen (1930) was shot while responding to a domestic dispute. “We will continue to honor and remember these peace officers for making the ultimate sacrifice,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Congratulations to Lt. Heidi Gardner on graduating from the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officer Course. This is a 12-week in-residence course designed to develop informed, effective, ethically, and technically competent law enforcement managers. We also want to recognize Lt. Gardner for being voted Sergeant at Arms for the 151st AOC class. #30x30challenge #womeninlawenforcement #leadershipdevelopment

Our fantastic intern, Kathryn, is gaining hands-on experience as a Peace Officer. While she spent a few days with our west precinct deputies, she led presentations for the Waunakee Girl Scout troop and helped with threat readiness training at St. Peter's Catholic School. If you're considering a career as a Peace Officer, an internship is a great start. The DCSO is taking applications until July 15th for Fall internships. For more information, go to www.teamdane.com.

April is World Autism Month. Join us in shining a light on the brilliance, uniqueness, and boundless potential of individuals on the autism spectrum. #autismawareness

What an honor for Detective Lazami to be part of the bill signing on Human Trafficking at the State Capitol. Governor Evers signed three bills recommended by the Task Force on Human Trafficking to protect victims and prioritize this offense. #humantraffickingawareness

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is warning about the increasing advancements used by telephone scammers. The all too common “Grandparents Scam” has become even more believable with Artificial Intelligence (AI). By taking online videos and using AI to create a recording using the person’s voice, scammers can make their victims believe their grandchild is in danger and need help. By playing on people’s emotions, these scammers are stealing thousands of dollars from unsuspecting senior citizens. “We need to share this information far and wide to protect our most vulnerable community members from these callous scammers,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “The only way to deter this calculated criminal activity is to spread awareness of their ruthless tactics.” Be cautious of how much is shared on social media accounts. Locking down privacy settings so that scammers cannot access video content is another way to lessen their prospects. If you receive one of these calls, hang up and call the family member directly to check on their welfare. Chances are, they are doing just fine, and you can sigh with relief that your bank account is still intact.

Deputy Miller shares a good reminder, "as your level of alcohol goes up, your judgement goes down." Don't press your luck this St. Patrick's Day! Have a plan before you go out to celebrate. #stpatricksday2024 #dontdrinkanddrive https://lnkd.in/gPqmfgi7

The Dane County Jail project took another step forward this week. Sheriff’s Office staff, community leaders, and project partners joined for a short groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site to recognize the occasion's significance. “Today, we are taking a significant step toward providing a safe and humane jail facility in Dane County and eventually closing the City-County Building jail,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “Our ability to provide treatment and programming for incarcerated individuals will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our criminal justice system and our community as a whole.” Sheriff Barrett and several preceding sheriffs have advocated for a new jail facility. The new jail will provide appropriate medical and mental health space and significantly reduce or eliminate solitary confinement. Construction on the new building, positioned directly behind the Public Safety Building in downtown Madison, is set to begin in April. “It’s important that we have a safe and secure jail facility that provides opportunities for rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “When complete, this facility will end solitary confinement for people experiencing a mental health crisis and help close the much outdated and unsafe City-County Building jail location.”