About the Wisconsin Department of Justice

The Office of Crime Victim Services (OCVS) provides direct assistance to victims of crime, administers state and federal funding for programs that assist victims of crime, directly helps victims understand and exercise their crime victim rights, and works with allied professionals to enhance services for victims through training and public policy initiatives.

Victims of violent crime and family or household members of deceased victims may have significant out-of-pocket expenses through no fault of their own. The Crime Victim Compensation (C​VC)  program administered by OCVS helps pay for unreimbursed eligible expenses that result from the crime, which may include costs of medical and mental health services, lost wages and benefits, and burial expenses for eligible victims and their families.

OCVS staffs a Victim Resource Ce​nter (VRC) to assist with questions about the rights afforded to victims and witnesses of crime as they move through the criminal justice process, and what to do if a victim or witness believes a right has been violated. Victims also may choose to be notified of the progress of cases involving them as the cases move through the criminal appeals process. Assistance is available in multiple languages through a toll-free number, email, or webform. Victim Resource Center staff also provide victim/witness assistance on criminal cases prosecuted by the Department of Justice and engage in informal victims' rights mediation.

OCVS manages the Safe at Ho​me program. Safe at Home is a statewide address confidentiality program that provides victims of actual or threatened domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and trafficking, or those who fear for their physical safety, with a legal substitute address to be used for both public and private purposes.

OCVS also offers technical assistance and reimbursements to county Victim/Witness Assistance programs. OCVS provides training, continuing education, and technical assistance to victim services professionals​ as well as funding for county victim witness programs in district attorneys' offices in Wisconsin. OCVS offers guidance to ensure victims and witnesses understand the criminal justice process and receive appropriate support and information.

OCVS manages and administers a number of federal grant programs and state funding streams​, such as the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) grants, State Child Advocacy Center Grants, and the Children's Justice Act. Victim services grants are available to qualifying organizations that provide victim services.

The Sexual Assault Forensic Exa​m (SAFE) fund reimburses health care providers for the cost of a forensic medical exam for victims of sexual assault.

The Office of School Safety (OSS) supports Wisconsin public and private schools, tribal schools, law enforcement, and community-based agencies to implement evidence-based school safety practices. Created in 2018, OSS has become an integral part of efforts to keep schools in Wisconsin safe. OSS partners with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin School Safety Coordinators Association, and the Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Center, as well as other agencies to promote model practices for school safety.

The OSS staff provide direct service, consultation, technical assistance and support to school staff, students, and law enforcement through the “Speak Up, Speak Out" School Safety Resource Center (SUSO). SUSO includes a 4-pronged approach to school safety: a 24/7 confidential statewide threat reporting system, threat assessment, critical incident response, and general school safety guidance.

Through the Critical Incident prong, the OSS aids schools who may have experienced a crisis event in the school community. In addition, under OSS leadership, 12 regionally-based Critical Incident Response Teams (CIRTs), comprised of multi-disciplinary volunteers including law enforcement officers, school administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, teachers, school safety experts, and community representatives have been trained and are ready to assist schools. The goal of the CIRTs is to minimize the psychological impact of a school critical incident; provide resources to help stabilize the school community; work to identify individuals that may require long-term mental health services after a critical incident occurs; and offer support to school administrators and educators.

OSS maintains a wide variety of safety documentation and data including the following: blueprints of school buildings, school safety plans, violence drill documentation, safety trainings, and safety assessments completed in conjunction with law enforcement. Schools are required by statute to update documentation annually.

OSS delivers school safety-related trainings that provide participants with the tools and resources needed to implement evidence-based school safety plans, best practices, and address implementation issues. Subject matter experts in OSS provide training in behavioral threat assessment and management, school crisis prevention, school crisis response, and other school security-related topics. 

The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is charged with investigating crimes of statewide nature, importance or influence. DCI employs sworn law enforcement officers with statewide jurisdiction. DCI Special Agents and criminal analysts work closely with local, county, tribal, state, and federal law enforcement officials to​ investigate and prosecute a broad array of crimes, including homicide, arson, financial crimes, illegal gaming, multi-jurisdictional crimes, drug trafficking, internet crimes against children, human trafficking, sexual assault, cybercrimes, homeland security, public integrity, and government corruption. DCI also provides focused management of officer-involved death investigations, bringing extensive experience and added confidence to investigations involving use of force by law enforcement that results in death. In addition, DCI provides extensive training to local, state and federal officers on current issues in law enforcement. 

DCI has regional field offices in the areas of Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton, Eau Claire, and Wausau. Additionally, DCI works in partnership with other law enforcement agencies at the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) office in Milwaukee, the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group – Drug Unit, the Native American Drug and Gang Initiative, as well as other state and federal task forces.

The Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center (WSIC) is one of two fusion centers in Wisconsin. WSIC serves as the primary focal point for threat information sharing among federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, emergency management, fire service, public health, corrections, military and private sector partners for the state. WSIC criminal intelligence analysts provide analysis and specialized investigative and tactical intelligence support to enhance the efforts of DCI and other law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin. Analysts provide investigative support by identifying suspects, developing investigative leads, examining patterns of criminal activity, gathering and examining records, and defining the roles of participants in criminal organizations to support prosecutions.

DCI manages the Wisconsin Anti-​Human Trafficking Task Force, which combines law enforcement with victim advocate groups to combat human trafficking using a victim-centered approach. Human trafficking investigations involve cases of sexual exploitation and/or labor trafficking.

Wisconsin's ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force formed in 1999 and is a partnership with local law enforcement agencies. DCI ICAC personnel provide investigative and prosecutorial assistance statewide, as well as training to law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public.

The State Fire Marshal's Office conducts investigations of fires and explosions to determine origin and cause. As Deputy State Fire Marshals, Special Agents use scientific methods to conduct investigations of fires and explosions and classify these events as accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined.

Digital Evidence Unit (DEU) staff aid department investigators and local law enforcement agencies by analyzing elect​ronic media and devices using complex forensic and analytical software systems to identify and present evidence of crimes.

DCI manages the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network consisting of the AMBER, Silver, Missing Child Alert and Green Alert programs, and the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Missing and Exploited Children and Adults.

The Division of Forensic Sciences (DFS) was established as a separate division within Wisconsin DOJ in 2019, though the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory (WSCL) began in 1947. DFS employs forensic scientists, technicians, evidence specialists, and crime scene response professionals and offers scientific testing and impartial forensic analysis of evidence in criminal cases for every community in Wisconsin. DFS crime laboratories—located in Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau—are the only full-service forensic science laboratories in Wisconsin. The DNA Databank stores DNA profiles on all convicted offenders and DNA profiles of certain persons arrested for violent felonies after a judicial finding of probable cause. The state system is connected to the national system to help identify suspects when unknown DNA is found at a crime scene. All three laboratories staff an on-call Crime Scene Response Unit​ to assist law enforcement at major crime scenes by processing the crime scene and maintaining evidence integrity. Crime scene response staff receive special training to aid in the recognition, documentation, recovery, and preservation of physical evidence. The scientific disciplines in DFS include:

• DNA Analysis​: Examination of evidence for the presence of biological material, developing DNA profiles utilizing scientific techniques.
• Controlled Substance Identification: Chemical and instrumental analysis and identification of suspected controlled substances, narcotics, pharmaceuticals, and other ingredients.
• Firearms and ​Toolmarks: Examination of firearms, ammunition, toolmarks, suspect tools, serial number restoration, and distance determination tests.
  
• Forensic Imaging: Specialized forensic photography and video imaging services using specialized lighting techniques, hi-resolution imaging equipment, and computer applications to record and recover information.
• Latent Print and Footwear: Development and examination of latent or visible fingerprints, palm prints or footprints, tire tread and footwear impressions, and maintenance of the computerized fingerprint repository.
• Trace Evidence: Examination of trace evidence such as paints, soil, plastics, glass, safe insulation, arson accelerants, fireworks, explosives, as well as synthetic fiber comparison and identification.
• Toxicology: Identification and quantification of drugs and alcohols found in body fluids and tissues.
  

The Division of Law Enforcement Services (DLES) is organized into four bureaus.

The Bureau of Justice Information and Analysis (BJIA) was created in 2014 to support effective policy development and data-driven decision making through criminal justice research, analysis, and program evaluation. BJIA manages several data collection programs, including the Wisconsin Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and the Wisconsin Use-of-Force and Arrest Related Death (UFAD) program. In addition, the bureau evaluates grant-funded programs—such as the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) program—and provides data support to other criminal justice initiatives such as the Wisconsin Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) program and victim services funded by the Wisconsin DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services (OCVS).

The Crime Information Bureau (CIB) is responsible for managing programs that are critical to the daily operations of law enforcement throughout the state. For example, the Transaction Information for the Management of Enforcement (TIME) System managed by CIB is the law enforcement message switch and network that provides law enforcement with current information on warrants, driver licenses and vehicle registration, criminal histories, sex offender and corrections status, missing persons, and more. CIB provides public access to Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) and manages the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). CIB also issues Wisconsin concealed carry weapon (CCW) licenses and manages Wisconsin's Handgun Hotline, a background check system that Wisconsin law requires all registered firearms dealers to use when any person requests to purchase a handgun in Wisconsin.

The Training and Standards Bureau is responsible for statewide coordination of specialized training for law enfor​cement and administers the programs of the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB). The Certification and Curriculum program section of the bureau assists LESB in establishing and maintaining professional standards for Wisconsin law enforcement as well as jail and secure detention officers. Bureau staff maintain law enforcement training and certification records.

The Bureau of Justice Programs (BJP) serves as the designated State Administering Agency (SAA) in Wisconsin for federal criminal and juvenile justice formula and discretionary grant programs, as well as related state grant programs. BJP also seeks federal discretionary funding opportunities on behalf of the state. BJP awards and disseminates grants to local, tribal, state, and non-profit agencies, and provides program/fiscal oversight and assistance.

BJP is also responsible for coordinating two statewide advisory councils. The statewide Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) brings to​gether state and local decision-makers as a collaborative body to assess the criminal justice system and improve system outcomes. The Governor's Juvenile Justice Commission (GJJC) is a diverse group of appointed commissioners from across the juvenile justice system and serves as the State Advisory Group (SAG) on juvenile justice issues for Wisconsin. 

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides legal representation and advice to the governor, legislature, other state offices, and state agencies. It represents the state in all felony appeals and prosecutes certain criminal and civil matters. The division consists of six units.

The Civil Litigation Unit handles a wide variety of matters, such as civil rights, property rights, torts, administrative law, and employment law on behalf of the state, its agencies, the University of Wisconsin System, and individual state employees and agents.

The Criminal Appeals Unit represents the state in all felony appeals before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Wisconsin Supreme Court, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court. The unit also represents the state with respect to appeals arising from selected misdemeanor, traffic, and juvenile cases. The unit works closely with the state's local prosecutors, providing training, support, and legal advice.

The Criminal Litigation Unit prosecutes criminal violations and provides training and advice to prosecutors and law enforcement. At the request of district attorneys, members of this unit assist with investigations and prosecutions throughout Wisconsin in homicide, public corruption, election fraud, multi-jurisdictional criminal cases, and other cases where the district attorney needs assistance or is unable to act due to a conflict. The unit provides training, support, and legal advice to local prosecutors and assists with specialized support in the areas of traffic safety and sexual assault.

The Medicaid Fraud Control and Elder Abuse Unit investigates and prosecutes crimes committed against vulnerable adults in nursing homes and other facilities, as well as fraud perpetrated by service providers against the Wisconsin Medicaid program. In conjunction with law enforcement and other state and federal agencies, the unit investigates and prosecutes cases involving a variety of matters, including Medicaid provider fraud, illegal marketing of pharmaceutical products, and elder abuse and neglect.

The Public Protection Unit enforces the laws that protect Wisconsin's consumers and natural resources. The Consumer Protection and Antitrust Section of the unit enforces laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive business practices in a wide variety of areas, including advertising, charitable solicitations, consumer credit matters, debt collection, mortgage-related complaints, sales practices, telecommunications, telemarketing, landlord/tenant, and fair housing matters. The Environmental Protection Section enforces state environmental laws including those relating to air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous substance spills.

The Special Litigation and Appeals Unit provides legal advice to the State and its agencies and litigates matters on a wide variety of substantive issues, frequently involving constitutional law and governmental authority. The cases that the unit handles often involve challenges to the validity of state statutes and administrative rules. 

The Division of Management Services (DMS) is responsible for providing a wide range of operational support to the department. DMS develops and monitors the department's budget; manages personnel recruitment and payroll/benefits; performs accounting and fiscal control; oversees the department's facilities; maintains data security; and provides information technology services. DMS is comprised of three bureaus.

The Bureau of Budget and Finance (BBF) develops and monitors the department's statutory and operating budgets. The bureau also processes and records financial transactions and provides support services for grant management, fleet vehicles, purchasing, records, and facilities.

The Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) manages personnel processes including recruitment and selection, classification analysis, compensation, performance appraisal, payroll and benefits administration, and the Employee Assistance Program.

The Bureau of Computing Services (BCS) manages the department's information technology infrastructure and assets. The Bureau also develops, supports, and maintains applications for the department's programs.