VIPS - Dane County

The Dane County Sheriff’s office offers an annual Citizen’s Academy at no cost to citizens who live and/or work in Dane County. The 11-week program is scheduled on a yearly basis and meets one time per week in the evening. Locations for the meetings vary within the county based on the subject matter.

Potential candidates for the Citizen’s Academy must meet the following criteria.

• Be 18 years of age
• Live or work in Dane County
• No felony convictions
• Be willing to submit to a background check

The Dane County Citizen’s Academy will provide community members with an inside look at the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The programs designed to give citizens an overview of the department’s operations. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is striving for a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement’ role in the community through education and participitation. Class space is limited to allow for an interactive experience.

If you would like to join the Citizen Academy, fill out the form below and mail it to:

ATTN: Citizens Academy
Dane County Sheriff's Office
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703

• Citizen's Academy Application

For more information on this program and how you can be part of the next class, contact Elise Schaffer, Public Information and Education Officer, at 608-284-6142 or schaffer@co.dane.wi.us.

VIPS - Madison Police Department

The Madison Police Department works with the Retired Officer Advisory Council (ROAR) to participate in the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. ROAR is comprised of retired Madison Police Department officers, detectives and supervisors. These individuals are available to address neighborhood associations, civic organizations or other groups in matters of personal safety, property security, neighborhood watch and the importance of citizen involvement in building and maintaining safe communities.

Requests for this service may be made through the Crime Prevention Office of the Madison Police Department. Please direct your inquiries to Officer Mary Anne Thurber at mthurber@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-4238.