Community.
Accountability.
Justice.
Character.
All residents of Dane County deserve to be treated with humanity, dignity and respect while being provided with highest level of law enforcement and assistance. Kalvin has history of successfully engaging with the community to deliver these services. As Dane County Sheriff, Kalvin has continued to increase the integrity, honor, and trust of the Sheriff’s Office.
Competence.
Kalvin brings a unique perspective to the position of Dane County’s Sheriff by coming from a family of law enforcement professionals and being an African American. Kalvin has also brought a wealth of experience to the position as a peace officer, while working in the Dane County jail, as an educator and trainer of the next generation of peace officers.
Compassion.
Kalvin recognizes that not all members of our community who commit crimes do so with deviant intent. Many of those incarcerated in our jail today have mental health issues and need to be approached, confined and helped differently. Other members of the community have strained relationships with law enforcement. Kalvin will continue to build relationships throughout the community and the professionals that work to rehabilitate and serve Dane County residents.
Courage.
At times law enforcement may be an adversary to some, however their service to our community is essential to protect and serve all those who live, work or travel through Dance County. Kalvin is committed to providing the highest quality services, with the finest possible men and women who serve in the Dane County Sheriff Office. Kalvin has a strong sense of community and will continue to advocate for all.
Communication.
Lack of accurate and complete communication can provide for a multitude of damaging deductions. Kalvin has been and will continue to build trust through complete accountability and transparency.
MEET SHERIFF BARRETT.
Kalvin Barrett is currently serving as the 53rd Dane County Sheriff. He was appointed by Governor Tony Evers in 2021 and elected with 76.7% of the vote in 2022. Kalvin brings 15 years of experience as a peace officer, educator, and trainer to the Dane Country Sheriff’s Office. He continues the work of building an agency that reflects the community it serves.
Originally from the San Diego area, Kalvin came to Madison in 2000 to attend the University of Wisconsin and to play football for the Wisconsin Badgers under legendary coach Barry Alvarez. Kalvin graduated in 2004 with a degree in sociology. During this time, he fell in love with the community and culture of Dane County.
Kalvin then moved to Texas to inspire junior high students as a science teacher and coach. In 2009, he returned to Dane County to begin his career as a peace officer, starting as a deputy at the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. In 2011, he joined the Sun Prairie Police Department as the first Black officer hired in the department’s history. Kalvin served as a Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Officer assigned to the dignitary protection team since 2019.
Most recently, Kalvin was an instructor at Madison College and a Faculty Director of the Criminal Justice Studies Program emphasizing community-oriented policing, professional development and diversity, amongst other topics. Kalvin was the lead Defense and Arrest Tactics instructor in the Madison College Law Enforcement Academy, and taught fundamentals of criminal justice, and agency policy as well.
Kalvin completed a master’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2020. Kalvin and his wife have two daughters who enjoy the outdoors and community service.
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