St. Croix County Sheriff's Office reports on emergency detentions and drug recovery efforts

The St. Croix County Public Protection meeting held on May 1, 2025, focused on several key issues, including the establishment of a new cremation burial transit fee and updates from the Sheriff's Office regarding public safety statistics and initiatives.

One of the primary discussions involved the approval of a cremation burial transit fee set at $114.38. This fee is intended to help recoup costs associated with the medical examiner's office, which conducts records reviews prior to cremation. The fee is projected to generate approximately $25,000 annually, based on the current volume of cases.

Sheriff's Office representatives presented quarterly statistics for the first quarter of 2025, reporting consistent call volumes, with around 25,000 calls for service. They highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services, particularly in handling emergency detentions. A notable incident involved a 25-hour emergency detention that underscored the strain on resources and the need for improved support systems in the region.

The meeting also addressed recent public safety incidents, including a grass fire that generated a high volume of dispatch calls and a domestic violence situation that required extensive police response. The use of drones and K-9 units was emphasized as critical in managing these incidents effectively.

Additionally, the Sheriff's Office reported on a successful drug take-back event, collecting 480 pounds of unwanted medications, with plans for another event scheduled in October. Staffing updates were provided, including the announcement of a captain's retirement and ongoing recruitment efforts for various positions within the department.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of resource management and community safety, with officials expressing gratitude for the hard work of emergency personnel in navigating complex and often dangerous situations. The discussions highlighted the need for continued support and improvements in public safety infrastructure in St. Croix County.