25/05/2025, Sunday

The Outagamie County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) wishes to inform the citizens of Outagamie County about a significant Court Order issued by the Honorable Daniel Lee, effective today. This order addresses serious concerns regarding our operations and outlines a path for comprehensive reform within our department.

"We recognize the gravity of the Court's findings and the profound impact this has on the trust placed in us by the community," stated Acting Sheriff S. Jason. "Our commitment to the citizens of Outagamie County is absolute. We are fully dedicated to cooperating with Special Master Cxnfl1ct3d and implementing every directive of this order to ensure accountability, transparency, and a renewed focus on professional service and public safety."

Key Directives of the Court Order Include:

• Court-Ordered Oversight: The Court has appointed Special Master Cxnfl1ct3d to oversee all OCSO operations. This oversight will involve weekly review of all policy changes, administrative decisions, and use of force reports, ensuring adherence to the highest standards.

• Temporary Suspension of Tactical Operations: All tactical operations, including SWAT, K-9, and Special Enforcement units, are suspended immediately to allow for thorough review and necessary reformation.

• Budget Freeze and Financial Review: Discretionary spending has been frozen, and all grant disbursements and department purchases are halted pending a comprehensive financial review.

• Civil Penalties and Accountability: The OCSO has been fined $1,000,000 in civil penalties. We also understand that any failure to comply with this order will result in direct contempt charges, underscoring the gravity of our obligations.

• Formal Censure and Ethics Referral: The current interim sheriff and department leadership have been formally censured. This matter has also been referred to the Board of Commissioners for Law Enforcement Standards for further investigation.

• Declaration of Pattern of Misconduct: The Court has declared a multi-year pattern of civil rights violations and administrative dereliction. We accept this finding as a clear indicator of the urgent need for fundamental change.

• Personnel and Equipment Restrictions: All performance and financial bonuses are suspended. Furthermore, all new hires, promotions, and internal transfers require approval from the Special Master. Restrictions are also in place regarding the deployment of certain equipment, including riot gear, drones, and specialized K9 units.

• Mandatory Recertification: Our Special Weapons and Tactics and K9 divisions are mandated for recertification, emphasizing the Court's demand for operational excellence.

• Ongoing Judicial Hearings: OCSO leadership will appear before the Court every 14 days for performance evaluations and public accountability hearings.

Our Commitment to Reform and the Community:

We understand that trust must be earned, especially in challenging times. The Outagamie County Sheriff's Office is committed to full transparency and unwavering compliance with every aspect of this Court Order. Our immediate priority is to work diligently with Special Master Cxnfl1ct3d to implement the necessary reforms, address every identified deficiency, and rebuild the trust that has been eroded.

We recognize the profound responsibility we have to ensure the safety and welfare of every resident. We will use this mandate as an opportunity for complete internal transformation, ensuring that the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office becomes a model of integrity, accountability, and professional service.

We will keep the public informed of our progress through regular updates on this website and other official channels. We are dedicated to restoring public confidence and ensuring that the OCSO fulfills its statutory duties with the highest standards of excellence.