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DCSO - SOP
Wisconsin State Police Standard Operating Procedures
DANE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
_____________________________________
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
AND POLICY MANUAL
ROLEPLAY USE ONLY
FICTIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DOCUMENT
Issued By:
Office of the Sheriff
Dane County, Wisconsin
Effective Date:
January 1, 2026
Supersedes:
All Previous SOP Manuals
Approved By:
_____________________________________
Sheriff, Dane County
Jack Wilson
_____________________________________
Chief Deputy
Alex Kosmos
This document is intended solely for roleplay and simulation purposes.
It does not represent an official policy of the real Dane County Sheriff’s Office.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Agency Foundations and Mission
Legal Authority and Jurisdiction
Organizational Structure and Command Authority
Oath of Office, Ethics, and Professional Conduct
Recruitment, Hiring, and Training Standards
Performance Evaluation and Career Development
Uniforms, Equipment, and Appearance Standards
Patrol Operations
Communications and Dispatch Procedures
Use of Force and De‑Escalation Policy
Arrests, Detention, and Custodial Interrogations
Search and Seizure Procedures
Jail Operations and Prisoner Management
Court Services and Judicial Security
Emergency Management and Critical Incidents
Vehicle Operations and Pursuit Policy
Criminal Investigations
Evidence and Property Control
Community Policing and Public Information
Internal Affairs and Professional Standards
Discipline and Corrective Action
Records Management and Data Security
Mutual Aid and Interagency Cooperation
Off‑Duty Conduct and Secondary Employment
Policy Review, Accreditation, and Amendments
1. Agency Foundations and Mission
1.1 Mission Statement
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office exists to protect life, liberty, and property; preserve peace and public order; enforce federal, state, and local laws; and uphold the constitutional rights of all persons through ethical, impartial, and professional law enforcement services.
1.2 Vision Statement
To be a trusted, accountable, and service-oriented law enforcement agency recognized for professionalism, innovation, and partnership with the community.
1.3 Core Values
Integrity and honesty in all actions
Respect for constitutional rights and human dignity
Accountability and transparency
Professional excellence and competence
Courage, service, and community partnership
2. Legal Authority and Jurisdiction
2.1 Authority of the Sheriff
The Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of Dane County and is vested with authority pursuant to state law to enforce the laws, operate detention facilities, provide court security, and serve legal process.
2.2 Authority of Deputies
Deputies act under the authority of the Sheriff and possess full peace officer powers while on duty and, when authorized, while off duty.
2.3 Jurisdiction
DCSO jurisdiction includes:
All unincorporated areas of Dane County
County-owned or leased property
Dane County Jail facilities
Circuit, appellate, and county court facilities
2.4 Concurrent and Extended Jurisdiction
Deputies may exercise authority within municipalities or outside county boundaries under circumstances including fresh pursuit, mutual aid, warrant service, task force assignment, or court order.
3. Organizational Structure and Command Authority
3.1 Chain of Command
The chain of command shall be observed at all times except in emergencies. Orders shall flow downward and accountability upward.
3.2 Command Levels
Sheriff (Shr)
Chief Deputy (Chief Dep)
Captains (Cpt)
Lieutenants (Lt)
Sergeants (Sgt)
Corporals (Cpl)
Deputies (Dep)
Reserve Deputies (R Dep)
3.3 Divisions
Patrol Division
Criminal Investigations Division
Jail and Detention Division
Tactical Emergency Response
Speed Enforcement
Professional Standards / Internal Affairs
Administrative and Support Services
3.4 Supervisory Responsibility
Supervisors are responsible for operational oversight, policy enforcement, training, discipline, and employee welfare.
4. Oath of Office, Ethics, and Professional Conduct
4.1 Oath of Office
All sworn members shall swear or affirm to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin.
4.2 Code of Ethics
Employees shall perform duties with honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect for the law and public trust.
4.3 Conduct On and Off Duty
Employees shall avoid conduct that discredits the Sheriff’s Office, including criminal behavior, dishonesty, or moral misconduct.
4.4 Truthfulness
Untruthfulness in any official matter is grounds for termination.
5. Recruitment, Hiring, and Training Standards
5.1 Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet minimum age, citizenship, education, background, and physical fitness standards.
5.2 Background Investigation
A comprehensive investigation shall include criminal history, employment history, credit review, interviews, and reference checks.
5.3 Psychological and Medical Screening
Applicants shall undergo psychological evaluation and medical examination prior to appointment.
5.4 Academy Training
All sworn personnel shall complete a state-certified law enforcement academy.
5.5 Field Training Officer (FTO) Program
New deputies shall complete a documented FTO program evaluating decision-making, officer safety, report writing, and professionalism.
5.6 In-Service Training
Mandatory annual training includes firearms, defensive tactics, use of force, legal updates, emergency vehicle operations, and de-escalation.
6. Performance Evaluation and Career Development
6.1 Evaluations
Employees shall receive periodic performance evaluations.
6.2 Promotions
Promotions shall be based on merit, performance, testing, and seniority as applicable.
6.3 Remedial Training
Supervisors may assign remedial training when deficiencies are identified.
7. Uniforms, Equipment, and Appearance Standards
7.1 Uniform Policy
Uniforms shall be worn as prescribed for assignment and maintained in a clean and professional condition.
7.2 Authorized Weapons and Equipment
Service handgun
Approved long gun (when assigned)
Electronic Control Device (ECD)
Oleoresin capsicum spray
Baton (if authorized)
Handcuffs and restraints
Body-worn camera
7.3 Body-Worn Cameras
Cameras shall be activated during all enforcement actions, arrests, searches, and citizen contacts unless impractical or unsafe.
8. Patrol Operations
8.1 Responsibilities
Patrol deputies shall respond to calls for service, conduct traffic enforcement, perform preventive patrol, and complete initial investigations.
8.2 Call Priority Levels
Priority 1: Immediate threat to life
Priority 2: Crimes in progress
Priority 3: Past crimes / service calls
8.3 Field Interviews
Field interviews shall be documented when appropriate.
9. Communications and Dispatch Procedures
9.1 Radio Protocol
Plain language shall be used unless otherwise directed.
9.2 Status Reporting
Deputies shall promptly report en route, on scene, clear, and out-of-service statuses.
9.3 Emergency Traffic
Emergency traffic shall be restricted to urgent safety-related communications.
10. Use of Force and De-Escalation Policy
10.1 Guiding Principles
The preservation of human life is paramount.
10.2 Objectively Reasonable Standard
All uses of force shall be judged from the perspective of a reasonable deputy on scene.
10.3 De-Escalation Requirements
Deputies shall use communication, time, distance, and cover when feasible.
10.4 Force Options
Presence and verbal commands
Control techniques
Less-lethal force
Deadly force
10.5 Deadly Force
Deadly force is authorized only when necessary to prevent imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.
10.6 Reporting and Review
All uses of force shall be documented and reviewed by supervision and command staff.
11. Arrests, Detention, and Custodial Interrogations
11.1 Arrest Authority
Deputies may arrest with or without a warrant as permitted by law.
11.2 Miranda Warnings
Miranda warnings are required prior to custodial interrogation.
11.3 Juvenile Arrests
Juvenile procedures shall comply with applicable law and parental notification requirements.
12. Search and Seizure Procedures
12.1 Constitutional Standards
All searches must comply with the Fourth Amendment.
12.2 Search Warrants
Warrants shall be properly obtained, served, and documented.
12.3 Inventory Searches
Inventory searches shall be conducted according to standardized procedures.
13. Jail Operations and Prisoner Management
13.1 Duty of Care
The Sheriff’s Office has a duty to provide for the safety, medical care, and welfare of inmates.
13.2 Classification
Inmates shall be classified based on risk and housing needs.
13.3 Use of Force in Jail
Use of force in detention settings shall be governed by the same principles as patrol operations.
14. Court Services and Judicial Security
14.1 Courtroom Security
Court deputies shall ensure safety and decorum in court facilities.
14.2 Prisoner Transport to Court
All prisoner movement shall be documented and supervised.
15. Emergency Management and Critical Incidents
15.1 Critical Incidents
Includes officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, mass casualty events, and natural disasters.
15.2 Incident Command System
ICS shall be implemented during major incidents.
15.3 Notifications
Immediate notification of command staff is required.
16. Vehicle Operations and Pursuit Policy
16.1 Emergency Driving
Deputies shall balance enforcement needs with public safety.
16.2 Vehicle Pursuits
Pursuits shall be terminated when risks outweigh benefits.
16.3 Use of Force with Vehicles
Vehicle intervention techniques require supervisory approval when feasible.
17. Criminal Investigations
17.1 Investigative Responsibility
Investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigations Division shall be objective, lawful, and thorough. All investigative actions must be documented and follow departmental and legal standards.
17.2 Case Assignment
Cases may be assigned based on severity, complexity, and specialization. Supervisors ensure that cases are prioritized appropriately and that investigative resources are allocated efficiently.
17.3 Evidence Handling
Investigators are responsible for preserving evidence integrity and following proper chain-of-custody procedures.
17.4 Interviews and Interrogations
Interviews shall be conducted professionally and legally, with Miranda warnings administered when applicable. Juveniles and vulnerable adults must be handled according to legal and departmental guidelines.
18. Evidence and Property Control
18.1 Evidence Collection
All evidence collected shall be properly labeled, packaged, and documented according to evidence protocols.
18.2 Evidence Storage
Evidence shall be stored in secure facilities with access restricted to authorized personnel. Sensitive evidence shall be double-locked if necessary.
18.3 Chain of Custody
Chain-of-custody documentation is mandatory for all evidence from collection to final disposition. Any transfer of evidence must be logged and signed by all parties involved.
18.4 Evidence Disposal
Evidence no longer required for prosecution shall be disposed of following legal and departmental procedures, including documentation of destruction or return to owner when applicable.
19. Community Policing and Public Information
19.1 Community Engagement
Community policing is a core function of the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies shall actively engage with citizens, organizations, and schools to promote safety, trust, and cooperation. Activities include neighborhood patrols, public meetings, and educational initiatives.
19.2 Media Releases
Only authorized personnel may release information to the media. Statements shall be accurate, timely, and respect privacy and legal restrictions. Supervisors must approve releases related to ongoing investigations.
19.3 Social Media Policy
Deputies shall exercise caution on personal social media accounts and avoid posting material that could compromise investigations or the department’s professional image. Official Sheriff’s Office accounts shall be managed only by authorized personnel.
19.4 Community Feedback
The Sheriff’s Office shall provide citizens with a mechanism to provide feedback, commendations, and complaints. All feedback shall be documented and periodically reviewed by command staff to improve policies and community relations.
19.5 Public Education and Crime Prevention Programs
The Sheriff’s Office shall develop programs to educate the public on topics including:
Personal and property safety
Drug and alcohol awareness
Traffic safety
Cybersecurity and online safety
These programs should be coordinated with schools, neighborhood associations, and community partners to maximize outreach and effectiveness.
20. Internal Affairs and Professional Standards
20.1 Complaint Acceptance
All complaints, whether written, verbal, or anonymous, shall be accepted and logged for review. No complaint shall be dismissed solely due to format or perceived credibility.
20.2 Investigative Process
Investigations of misconduct shall be conducted thoroughly, objectively, and in a timely manner. Supervisors are responsible for documenting findings, recommendations, and corrective actions.
20.3 Confidentiality
All internal investigations shall remain confidential to protect the integrity of the process and the rights of involved personnel.
21. Discipline and Corrective Action
21.1 Progressive Discipline
Disciplinary actions shall follow a progressive approach unless severity warrants immediate termination. Levels include:
Counseling / verbal warning
Written reprimand
Suspension
Termination
21.2 Due Process
Employees are entitled to procedural due process in all disciplinary actions, including notification, opportunity to respond, and appeal where applicable.
22. Records Management and Data Security
22.1 Report Writing
All reports shall be accurate, thorough, and submitted in a timely manner. Reports must reflect facts objectively and include all relevant details.
22.2 Data Security
Confidential information must be safeguarded. Access to sensitive data shall be restricted to authorized personnel, and electronic systems must be secured against unauthorized access.
23. Mutual Aid and Interagency Cooperation
23.1 Mutual Aid Requests
Requests for mutual aid must be approved by the Sheriff or designee. All operations conducted under mutual aid agreements shall be documented, including personnel, resources, and jurisdictional authority.
23.2 Task Force Participation
Deputies may be assigned to multi-agency task forces with clearly defined responsibilities and reporting lines.
24. Off-Duty Conduct and Secondary Employment
24.1 Off-Duty Authority
Deputies retain limited law enforcement authority while off duty but shall exercise caution and restraint. Off-duty actions must comply with departmental policy and applicable law.
24.2 Secondary Employment
Secondary employment must receive prior written approval from the Sheriff. Deputies shall not engage in employment that conflicts with departmental duties or presents a conflict of interest.
25. Policy Review, Accreditation, and Amendments
25.1 Review Cycle
All policies shall be reviewed at least annually or whenever legal, operational, or procedural changes necessitate updates.
25.2 Amendments
The Sheriff has final authority over policy amendments. All changes shall be documented, communicated to personnel, and incorporated into the SOP manual promptly.
APPENDICES
Appendix A — Definitions and Terms
Deputy: A sworn peace officer appointed by the Sheriff.
Correctional Officer: Personnel assigned to detention operations.
Reasonable Suspicion: Specific and articulable facts that criminal activity may be afoot.
Probable Cause: Facts and circumstances sufficient to warrant a prudent person to believe a crime has been committed.
Deadly Force: Force likely to cause death or great bodily harm.
Less-Lethal Force: Force options intended to reduce the likelihood of death or serious injury.
Critical Incident: Any incident involving serious injury, death, or significant public impact.
Appendix B — Use of Force Reporting Requirements
Mandatory Reporting: Any use of force beyond compliant handcuffing, ECD deployment, baton strikes, OC spray deployment, or firearm discharge.
Supervisor Responsibilities: Respond to the scene, ensure medical aid, secure evidence, complete review.
Appendix C — Vehicle Pursuit Decision Matrix
Considerations for Initiation: Severity of offense, road and traffic conditions, time of day, officer skill, pedestrian presence.
Mandatory Termination Factors: Loss of visual contact, unreasonable public risk, supervisor order.
Appendix D — Discipline Matrix (Roleplay)
Offense Level
Examples
Typical Discipline
Level I
Minor policy violation
Counseling / Training
Level II
Repeated minor/moderate violation
Written reprimand
Level III
Serious misconduct
Suspension
Level IV
Gross misconduct
Termination
Appendix E — Body-Worn Camera Activation Guide
Mandatory Activation: Calls for service, traffic stops, arrests, searches, use of force.
Deactivation: Once an incident is concluded and no further enforcement action is anticipated.
Appendix F — SOP Acknowledgment
I acknowledge receipt, review, and understanding of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office SOP. I agree to comply with all policies.
Employee Name: ___________________________
Badge / ID Number: ________________________
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ____________________________________
END OF DCSO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
DCSO - Standard Operating Procedures
Author : Senzzz
Co-Founder
Posted: 1/8/26
Updated: 1/8/26
