Yes, contracting with the Dane County Sheriff’s department has been explored. I do not recommend this course of action however due to several factors. Reimbursement to the County would likely result in a greater financial cost to the village than hiring our own officers. Additionally, community integration, policy differences, control and accountability, and potential dependency issues are significant concerns I have.
I think that hiring additional full-time officers within our department is more beneficial for maintaining effective, community-focused policing. It ensures that officers are familiar with the specific needs and nuances of our community and can provide tailored and effective responses. While contracted services can provide additional support, they cannot replace the advantages of having a dedicated and well-integrated police force within our own department.