Office of Professional Standards

The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office prides itself on providing quality law enforcement and support services to everyone in St. Croix County.

Mission of the Office of Professional Standards

The Office of Professional Standards is the investigative arm of the Sheriff’s Office and is the repository for all conduct or service by our employees. The primary mission of the Office of Professional Standards is to assure that the office members meet the highest standards of integrity and ethical performance. Its function is to impartially interview witnesses, collect evidence, and present facts to the Sheriff’s administration for review and disposition.

Employees Held Accountable

Employees will be held accountable for illegal, immoral, or unethical behavior when it has come to our attention through any means.

Any person who believes they have not received the level of service they deserve or have been treated improperly by any employee of the Sheriff’s Office is encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the Office of Professional Standards.

Office of Professional Standards Investigations

The Office of Professional Standards reports directly to the St. Croix County Sheriff on all matters. A Lieutenant is assigned to this office who demonstrates integrity, fairness, outstanding work record, investigative ability, and good common sense.

At the conclusion of an investigation, the Office of Professional Standards submits the case file to the Sheriff for review and also provides a verbal account of the investigation. The investigator will recommend a disposition to the Sheriff following a review of the facts of the case. In all cases, the Sheriff is the final decision making authority.

Case Dispositions

Once the Sheriff renders a final disposition, the complainant will be advised of the case disposition in writing. The possible dispositions are:

  • Unfounded - Allegation is false or not factual
  • Not Sustained - Insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the incident.
  • Exonerated - Incident occurred but it was lawful and proper
  • Sustained - Allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable conclusion of guilt.

Disciplining Employees

Discipline of any employee, if the complaint is sustained, may take several forms ranging from counseling to termination. The details of any disciplinary action taken against an employee remain confidential.

Call or Write

Office of Professional Standards
St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016

Phone: 715-381-4320

Citizen Complaint Form

You will be asked to fill out a Citizen Complaint Form which can be downloaded and printed off by clicking here. Complaints may be filed in person, in writing, verbally, or by emailing Lt. Brandie Hart.

WI Statute 946.66 states, "Whoever knowingly makes a false complaint regarding the conduct of a law enforcement officer is subject to a Class A forfeiture."

If your situation requires immediate attention, you may contact the Sheriff’s Office during business hours, the on-duty shift supervisor, or the Sheriff directly.

Pre-Employment Background Investigations

The Special Services Division Lieutenant coordinates the pre-employment background investigations for employees of the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office. This process ensures that a thorough and consistent investigation is conducted on every potential employee.