Sheriff William L. McReynolds
 

OPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

The Office of Sheriff is an elected constitutional position under provisions of the Wisconsin Constitution and State laws. The Sheriff serves as the top law enforcement officer in the County. The Sheriff is elected in a County-wide 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 serves as the coordinator and facilitator of all law enforcement efforts throughout the County.

The Sheriff's budget contains the following subcategories: Sheriff’s Operation, 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 performs countywide investigations into illegal drug activities and is subsidized by Federal and State funds. This unit also has officers assigned to it from other law enforcement agencies in Racine County.
   

•    Federal and State funds also subsidize the Special Investigative Unit. It 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 the focus of the unit.
   

•    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

Continue to foster close working relationships with other law enforcement agencies in Racine County.

Increased 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.
 

2003 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES

•    Seek out funding opportunities from various sources to enhance our operations and reduce operating costs to the taxpayer.
   
•    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.