Specialized Units

The detectives assigned to the ID Bureau handle evidence and crime scene processing, to include photographs/videos, fingerprints, DNA collection, shoe impressions, and illicit drug identification. They are also responsible for the management of all evidence storage while cases are processed through the courts.

The Waukesha County Motorcycle unit has been in existence since 1994 and performs general patrol duties, parade duties, charity escorts, funerals escorts, and dignitary escorts. 
 
The Sheriff's Office has four motorcycles assigned to the unit which consists of two BMW R1250RTP and two are Harley Davidson Electra Glides. The Motor Unit is comprised of three deputies and a lieutenant.  The members assigned to the unit receive advanced training in law enforcement motorcycle operations. 

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office Crisis Negotiation Team consists of eleven sworn personnel, including the team leader.  All members are certified negotiators having completed the FBI Crisis Negotiations training.  The team hones their skills by participating in conferences, specialized training and in-house training events throughout the year.  The Crisis Negotiation Team works in collaboration with the Tactical Team during critical incidents.  The ultimate goal of the team is to maintain voluntary compliance using strategic dialogue for a peaceful resolution.

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office utilize UAS to assist Law Enforcement and Fire Departments with enhancing public safety, evidence collection, and search and rescue operations. The UAS are used to provide real time situational awareness during emergency operations and civil disturbance events.  The UAS are equipped with high-definition and FLIR camera systems, which assist in locating both suspects and victims. The UAS unit is comprised of 17 sworn personnel through the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office. The unit utilizes a dedicated vehicle, a trailer which stores all the equipment and a total of 7 UAS. All operators obtain their Part 107-Remote Pilot Certification, which demonstrates the operator understands the FAA regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.

The Computer Forensic Unit utilizes state of the art equipment and software to extract and analyze electronic data related to criminal investigations. This Detective Bureau Unit plays a critical role in investigations by extracting evidence from computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office provides an experienced Detective to the U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern Wisconsin Violent Offender Task Force.  This Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office - Detective is deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service as a Task Force Officer and has full federal jurisdiction for fugitive-related investigations/apprehensions. 

The Sheriff’s Department has one detective assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force. The assigned detective works within the Milwaukee FBI field office and assists with collaborative efforts between local and federal assets to thwart terrorist activity in our community.

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office provides an experienced Detective to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s-Chicago Division/Milwaukee District Office.  This Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office - Detective is deputized by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Task Force Officer and has full federal investigative authority and jurisdiction for drug-related investigations. 

The Recreational Patrol Unit carries out enforcement patrols on Waukesha County's trail systems using All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles. These patrols also help deputies familiarize themselves with local trails, which aids in emergency responses like search and recovery missions.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department bicycle unit is composed of Deputies who want to interact with the community and engage on a more personal level. We patrol many areas, such as the Village Sussex, Village of Lisbon Village of Merton, the Bug Line trail, and Waukesha County Parks.

The D.A.R.E. Program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is an opportunity for Deputies to teach and connect with students in 5^th grade about life skills.  The 10 week program promotes positive decision making, educating students about Risks and Consequences relating to choices made.  We encourage good decision making using the DARE Decision Making Model (Define, Assess, Respond and Evaluate).  To stay away from and how to avoid Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping and other substances.  The program promotes positive ways of handling stress, ways to report bullying and how to be a good citizen.

The D.A.R.E. Mascot, Daren the Lion represents the courage it takes to be your own person.    To Be Safe, Be Responsible and Make Good Choices.   

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office utilizes five dedicated deputies as School Resource Officers {SRO's}. The School Resource Officers are currently serving the Kettle Moraine School District, Sussex Hamilton School District, and Arrowhead Union School District.  

The Waukesha County Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU) is a unit composed of Members specifically selected from participating agencies and serves as a ready response unit for incidents requiring enhanced intervention while protecting life, property, and civil liberties. Currently there are 15 agencies and over 80 members. The Civil Disturbance Unit utilizes specialized tactics and equipment throughout the Emergency Management phases of operations, when normal patrol responses may not be sufficient.

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office has several Drug Recognition Experts amongst its ranks. A Drug Recognition Expert, or DRE, is one of the highest levels of training a Law Enforcement Officer can obtain for impaired driving enforcement. DREs complete a month-long certification process before becoming certified through the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The DRE completes a standardized and systematic evaluation on the impaired driver, following an operating while impaired arrest, where they can opine on the drug category that is contributing to the impairment. DREs not only assist with impaired driving cases but also criminal investigations, serious injury or fatal crash investigations, drug use in a school, and education of law enforcement and the community. DREs serve the community 24/7/365 and assist all Law Enforcement agencies throughout the area.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department joint Honor Guard is a dedicated team of 14 members from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Muskego Police Department, and Village of Pewaukee Police Department.  Its members represent the unit at various community and ceremonial events. Their responsibilities include providing services at funerals, participating in parades,  attending festivals, and other formal occasions that require a ceremonial presence. The Honor Guard serves to uphold the department’s values, pay tribute to fallen officers, and strengthen ties with the community through their appearances.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department Field Training Program is an intensive and comprehensive training initiative aimed at equipping all new deputies with the essential skills, knowledge, and experience required to perform their duties effectively and safely. This program provides a structured learning environment where new deputies are guided by experienced Field Training Officers (FTOs).

The Field Training Program is a cornerstone of our department's commitment to excellence and community trust, aiming to shape the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Our emphasis on practical training and continual evaluation ensures deputies are equipped to face the challenges of today’s dynamic law enforcement environment with confidence and integrity.

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office Peer Support - Critical Incident Stress Management {CISM} group is comprised of 18 dedicated deputies who are trained to provide information and support. Along with referrals to First Responders Psychological Services and Employee Assistance Program {EAP} to fellow deputies who may have experienced a traumatic event due to a critical incident or personal life stress. Members of the team also take part in critical incident debriefs, coordinate department chaplain meetings, and provided healthy coping mechanisms to those seeking assistance.