Tuesday, July 4. 2006
While the Sheriff’s Office has been proactive in the last four years under Sheriff Milbrath, the Drug Task Force unit has as well. The Jefferson County Drug Task Force has helped form the South East Area Drug Operation Group (SEADOG), along with Walworth, Racine, Kenosha, and Dodge Counties. This multi-county organization provides a cooperative working relationship and an effective intelligence gathering operation in the apprehension of drug-related criminals.
Sheriff’s Office personnel strive to find improved and effective ways to serve and protect the citizens of Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff’s Association partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to purchase and provide Beacon Bulbs at cost to individuals or families who wanted one. Beacon Bulbs, which are used in place of regular light bulbs, will flash on and off to identify locations where there is a need for officers or EMT services. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office has given out over 2,000 free gun locks in the past three years as an aid in preventing accidental gun mishaps, especially by children. The “A Child is Missing” program has also recently been implemented by Sheriff Milbrath. He has obtained close to 100% of the county chiefs of police to come on board as well. “A Child is Missing” is a crucial program which informs citizens and allows them to become involved when a child or other individual, such as a person with Alzheimer’s disease, is reported missing or has wandered off.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 program has just recently acquired its third patrol dog. The German shepherds, Jasko, Ahron, and Deuce are used for tracking, officer safety, and drug detection. The dogs have increasingly been used in school searches to help keep them as drug-free zones. They continue to be valuable tools for the Sheriff’s Office and the public.