OPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE
The Office of Sheriff is an elected
constitutional position under provisions of the Wisconsin
Constitution and State laws. Serving as the top law
enforcement officer in the County, the Sheriff is elected
in a countywide election and enjoys a great deal of
autonomy in the exercise of his constitutional authority
in the operation of the Sheriff's Department. He is
responsible for certain mandated functions and also
coordinates and facilitates all law enforcement efforts
throughout the County.
The Sheriff's budget contains the following subcategories:
Sheriff’s Operations, Water Patrol, Metro Drug
Unit, Special Investigative Unit, and Child Support
Operations.
- The Sheriff's Operations budget covers the traditional
law enforcement services, such as patrol, response
to residents' calls for assistance, investigations,
civil process, courts, and various support functions.
- The Water Patrol, subsidized by funds from the
Department of Natural Resources, provides patrol
functions on Lake Michigan, as well as support to
the inland waters of Racine County.
- The Metro Drug Unit, which includes officers from
other law enforcement agencies in Racine County,
performs countywide investigations into illegal drug
activities and is subsidized by Federal and State
funds.
- Federal and State funds also subsidize the Special
Investigative Unit, which is responsible for working
with the Human Services Department in investigating
illegal use of food stamps, AFDC, and other related
programs. The W-2 program, which started in 1997,
changed some of its focus.
- The Child Support Officer, subsidized by State
funds, locates and takes into custody persons delinquent
in making court-ordered child support payments.
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
MEASURES
- Increase the local level of law enforcement service
through the use of small contracts with Towns and
Villages, including an expanded contract with the
Village of Waterford to include a School Resource
Deputy through a grant and a contract with the Town
of Rochester.
2005 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES
- Support local law enforcement agencies in an effort
to increase efficiency and maximize available resources.
- Continue efforts to instill the attitude of
service to the public.
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