Frequently Asked Questions

We may make accomodations for out of state applicants or active deployed military members on a case-by-case basis depending on where they are in the application process. For more information, please contact a recruiter. 

No. The Dane County Sheriff's Office does not have a residency requirement. 

Dane County provides comprehensive benefits including: 

• Paid vacation from day one
• Six weeks of paid leave for birth or adoption of a child
• One of the best health insurance plans offered among Wisconsin employers
• Wellness Program
• Peer Support Team
• Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance

Pay consistently ranks in the top tier among Wisconsin law enforcement agencies. We offer generous longevity pay increases based on years of dedicated service. 

After completing the probationary period, Deputies receive an education incentive raise

• 12% for an Associates Degree
• 18% for a Bachelor's Degree
• 22% for a Master's Degree

• Unites States Citizenship
• Two years of full-time college attendance or two years of full-time work experience (military service will be considered as work experience)
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license (or eligibility for one) with a good driving record
• Good character and reputation, and the ability to serve as a credible witness in court
• Binocular vision correctable to 20/20 with normal peripheral vision and no significant eye disease
• Standard muscular strength, joint flexibility, and coordination, with the ability to use firearms
• Ability to swim, or to learn to swim during the probationary period
• Ability to successfully complete the recruit training academy, including 40 hours of firearms training
• High school graduation or its equivalency, with education and/or ability in reading, writing, reasoning, and arithmetic equivalent to a high school graduate
• Minimum of 20 years of age at time of appointment
• No criminal convictions and a history of obedience to the law
• Excellent physical condition, including weight in proportion to height as guided by accepted medical standards
• Standard normal hearing
• Understanding of basic human relations principles and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Availability for night and weekend assignments, plus 24-hour on-call status
• Experience with people of many types, through employment or other activity, is desirable

Note: Must meet State Law Enforcement Standards Board education requirements within 5 years of date of hire

No. The Dane County Sheriff's Office hosts it's own Law Enforcement Academy and Jail Academy or will send you to an academy at a local technical college to complete your training. This training is paid for by the department and you will also be paid for your time at the academy. 

The hiring process from start to finish takes approximately 4 months. 

Applications are screened for completeness, accuracy, and qualifications. A records check is also completed on each applicant. During the application screening, records are compared with the information the applicant has provided. Some automatic disqualifiers include felony convictions and convictions for domestic violence-related offenses.