Chain Of Command

Please follow the chain of command for any concerns, and contacting the sheriff should be the last line of resort and should only be contacted when it is a really important department matter.

Rank Structure

1. Sheriff

• Role: The Sheriff is the highest-ranking deputy in the sheriff's office and is elected by the public. They are responsible for overseeing all operations of the office, including law enforcement duties, jail management, security at courts, and community outreach.

• Responsibilities: The Sheriff sets the overall direction of the department, makes key policy decisions, manages the budget, ensures departmental compliance with laws and regulations, and represents the Sheriff's Office in the community and to other government entities.

2. Chief Deputy Sheriff

• Role: The Chief Deputy at the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) serves as the third-highest-ranking officer and acts as the Sheriff’s primary assistant. Their role involves overseeing the overall operations of the department, including managing staff, implementing policies, and ensuring the effective functioning of various divisions. They step in for the Undersheriff when needed, contribute to strategic planning, handle administrative duties, and maintain communication with other law enforcement agencies, community partners, and the public.

• Responsibilities: The Chief Deputy at the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) is the third-in-command, assisting the Sheriff in overseeing the daily operations of the entire department. Their responsibilities include supervising department staff, managing administrative functions, ensuring the effective implementation of policies and procedures, coordinating resources, and stepping in for the Sheriff during their absence. The Chief Deputy also works on strategic planning, budgeting, and maintaining relationships with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations.

3. Commander

• Role: The Commander at the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) plays a key leadership role in managing specific divisions or units within the department. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the daily operations of these divisions, ensuring that tasks are completed effectively, resources are allocated efficiently, and policies and procedures are followed. Commanders also provide guidance to Lieutenants and other supervisory staff, contribute to strategic planning, handle operational issues, and may represent the department in high-level meetings or collaborations with other law enforcement agencies.

• Responsibilities: The Commander at the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) is responsible for overseeing large operational units or sections within the department, such as patrol, investigations, or special operations. They manage the performance of subordinate officers, including Lieutenants and Sergeants, ensure departmental goals are met, and implement policies and procedures. Additionally, Commanders are involved in resource allocation, ensuring effective use of personnel and equipment, and play a key role in operational planning, crisis management, and inter-agency coordination.

4. Major

• Role: The Major at the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) oversees multiple things, such as shifts, investigations, and corrections, ensuring efficient operations and adherence to policies. They also play a key role in strategic planning, budgeting, interagency collaboration, and emergency management, helping guide the department's long-term goals and overall success.

• Responsibilities: A Major is responsible for managing multiple divisions or specialized units, such as patrol, investigations, or detention services. They provide strategic oversight, ensure that operational goals are met, and that departments run smoothly. This includes coordinating resources, supervising Captains or Lieutenants, and ensuring that each division adheres to departmental policies and procedures. 

5. Captain

• Role: Captains oversee the major divisions within the Sheriff’s Office. They typically manage large, specialized units such as patrol, investigations, or support services.

• Responsibilities: They supervise lieutenants and sergeants, ensure that operations are running smoothly, develop and implement procedures, and report to the Undersheriff or Sheriff. They are responsible for managing day-to-day operations within their respective divisions, ensuring compliance with department policies, and addressing issues as they arise.

6. Lieutenant

• Role: Lieutenants typically serve as mid-level managers and are in charge of specific units or shifts. They report to Captains and help coordinate the work of sergeants and deputies.

• Responsibilities: They manage the day-to-day operations of their assigned area, supervise sergeants and deputies, ensure proper training, and enforce departmental policies. Lieutenants may also be responsible for handling administrative tasks, such as preparing reports or coordinating between different units.

7. Sergeant

• Role: Sergeants are supervisory officers who oversee deputies and other lower-ranking personnel. They are responsible for leading teams of deputies and ensuring that they perform their duties in accordance with the department's policies and procedures.

• Responsibilities: A sergeant supervises officers during patrol, investigations, or other assignments, provides guidance and mentorship, reviews reports, conducts roll calls, and enforces operational protocols. They act as the first level of leadership for deputies and are responsible for overseeing the effectiveness and safety of their team.

 8. Corporal

• Role: The Corporal is a non-commissioned officer who provides leadership and guidance to junior officers (typically deputies or lower-ranking staff). While the role of a Corporal varies depending on the department, they generally serve as the first level of formal leadership within the department. 

• Responsibilities: The Corporal may be seen as a "team leader" or a "frontline supervisor," especially in situations where the Sergeant is unavailable or overseeing larger areas. They may have more direct responsibilities in managing smaller teams of officers or specific tasks 

9. Master Deputy

• Role: The Master Deputy is often a senior-level Deputy Sheriff with significant experience and training. 

• Responsibilities: A Master Deputy often serves as a mentor and a role model for new deputies. This includes providing guidance, demonstrating proper law enforcement techniques, ensuring that new deputies understand policies and procedures, and offering on-the-job training to help them develop the skills needed to succeed in the field. Master Deputies play a critical role in ensuring that newer deputies are properly integrated into the department and are performing their duties to the highest standards. 

10. Deputy Sheriff

• Role: Deputies are the frontline officers responsible for carrying out the core law enforcement duties of the Sheriff's Office. They have the most direct interaction with the public and handle day-to-day tasks such as patrolling, responding to emergencies, and enforcing the law.

• Responsibilities: Deputies conduct investigations, enforce traffic laws, make arrests, respond to emergency calls, and provide security for various events. They may work in specialized areas like patrol, criminal investigations, or court security. Deputies report to sergeants or lieutenants and are typically involved in the community policing efforts that strengthen public relations.

Note: All ranks are to be treated with respect.