Welcome to the Dane County Sheriff's Office
115 W. Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284- 6800
Business Hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm
ASSISTANCE REQUESTED
July 19th, 2025 marks one year since Paul H. Ferrall of Madison was last seen. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office and Paul’s family wish to remind the public that he remains missing. He was last seen in the area of Larry Lane in the town of Burke. Paul is a white male, approximately 5’11” and 165 lbs. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a multi-colored sweater. In the days and weeks after Paul’s disappearance, Sheriff’s deputies conducted several searches on foot through fields and wooded areas near his last known location. Still, those searches did not result in any evidence or additional information.
Anyone who may have information on Paul Ferrall's whereabouts is asked to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or go to P3TIPS.com.
On behalf of the more than 600 men and women that I represent as Sheriff, I would like to welcome you to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office official website. The Sheriff’s Office is the largest peace officer agency in Dane County, and continually strives to build trust by implementing a variety of initiatives focused on strengthening community relationships, reducing recidivism, and implementing innovative jail diversionary programs. Our leadership philosophy emphasizes character and competence to earn the trust of the community in our intentions, directions, and influence. The brave men and women of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office work daily to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and community service.
As the Sheriff's Office with the largest number of sworn staff members in the State of Wisconsin, we have the pleasure to serve over 565,000 residents in a county that covers 1,200 square miles. Dane County has more than 60 cities, villages, and towns that provide the amenities of a Capital City as well as the comforts of a cozy small-town experience. Madison is the largest city in Dane County and is home to several world-class higher education institutions; the University of Wisconsin, Madison College and Edgewood College.
Dane County is home to over 200 parks, hiking trails, biking trails, rivers, five area lakes and breathtakingly beautiful countrysides. All of which contribute to Dane County being a great community in which to live, work and raise our families.
It is an honor to serve as your Sheriff and I look forward to serving all of our residents and visitors with the highest level of humanity, dignity, and respect. I encourage you to visit our website daily to keep up with community engagement opportunities, news, and noteworthy topics.
Sheriff Kalvin D. Barrett
Pay Attention ~ School is in Session
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is joining with AAA-Wisconsin to raise awareness of safety around school buses. As the school year begins, drivers must increase their awareness and watch out for children going to and from school.
Traffic will naturally increase this time of year, so drivers should plan accordingly and add time to their morning commute. During the first days/weeks of school, children may be excited and, at times, unpredictable, making it more important than ever to slow down and give driving your full attention. Save the texting, phone calls, and other distractions for later, because being distracted could be deadly.
What do drivers need to know?
• Watch for the STOP sign on the side of the bus. If it’s extended and the red lights are flashing, you must stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
• If the STOP sign is extended and the yellow lights are flashing, prepare to stop.
• If the STOP sign is not extended, but the yellow lights are flashing, slow down and proceed cautiously.
“The safety of our children is one of my highest priorities as your Sheriff,” said Kalvin Barrett. “That’s why we are dedicating extra patrols around school zones and bus stops to stop violators and educate drivers on the dangers of ignoring these traffic laws.”
For a more detailed guide on safety tips for students, go to AAA’s School’s Open Drive Carefully campaign page, Schools Open, Drive Carefully They provide safety tips for students and parents, no matter what mode of transportation they choose to take to and from school.
Embedded Mental Health Workers
