Sheriff Denita R. Ball

Welcome to the official website of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)

I hope you find the information both useful and informative.  Our social media pages are frequently updated with real-time public safety announcements and other information of interest relative to our agency and the communities we serve.  

We are dedicated to our mission: To serve and protect everyone within Milwaukee County with fairness, integrity, and respect. 

Milwaukee County, which is situated in Southeastern Wisconsin, was established in 1835 and is the oldest Sheriff’s Office in the state.  This year we proudly celebrate 190 years of service to the community. 

According to the 2023 census, Milwaukee County has a recorded population of 916,205. It holds the distinction of being both the most populous and densely populated county in the state. Encompassing an area of 241 square miles, Milwaukee County has a diverse blend of urban, suburban, and rural living experiences, all nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. 

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency and provides law enforcement services for the 158 miles of federal and state expressways and the 156 county parks and parkways located within Milwaukee County. MCSO provides a law enforcement presence at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee County Courthouse, Milwaukee County Safety Building, Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center, and maintains the Milwaukee County Jail.

Our vision is to be a model public safety agency based on service and trust. And as a team, we are committed to service through our core values: professionalism, fairness, integrity, and respect. 

The Sheriff's Office utilizes community policing through community engagement as an organizational philosophy and remains sensitive to the needs of our county. Recognizing that safety is a countywide responsibility, the Sheriff's Office engages the community, knowing that our effectiveness is determined by public cooperation.  The higher the degree of public involvement in addressing community problems the greater the potential for effective problem solving.

It is an honor to serve as your Sheriff and I strive to serve all within Milwaukee County with the highest level of dignity and respect. Again, this website provides valuable resources, updates, and information to keep you informed and connected with the work of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Thank you for visiting, and together, we can continue to make our community a safer place for all.

Denita R. Ball, PhD

Sheriff - Milwaukee County