Milwaukee County Sheriff implements new cost-saving hiring practice for deputies

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Sheriff Richard Schmidt has implemented a new hiring model for the Sheriff's Office, which he says will quickly increase deputy staffing levels needed for summer safety initiatives. 

Recruits who have earned their Law Enforcement Standards Board certification on their own will no longer need to complete the six month course at the Sheriff's Office Training Academy.

“We hired nine deputies who I swore in on Friday who had earned their LESB certification on their own. Previously, our agency required that all new deputy hires complete the MCSO Training Academy certification class. This innovative move is saving the taxpayers $215,000 in training costs and will enhance our patrols this summer,” said Sheriff Schmidt.

The LESB certified officers underwent several weeks of training on MCSO policies and procedures, handgun qualification, Narcan, courts orientation, record management and agency technology. Substantial additional taxpayer savings will result from less overtime required as these new deputies begin their duties.

Due to a recent large number of deputy retirements, there is a shortfall in the number of active duty deputies. New hires without LESB certification will continue to enroll in the MCSO Training Academy as classes open.