MILWAUKEE — Denita Ball is the new sheriff in town.
Upon former Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas’ departure, Gov. Tony Evers appointed Ball to the position. Ball is the first woman in the role. She's also the first Black female sheriff in Wisconsin.
“I offer my deep appreciation to the governor and Sheriff Lucas for being tremendous partners and trusting me to lead,” said Ball. “I promise the people of Milwaukee County we will make it safer. Additionally, my promise to everyone in the Sheriff’s Office is we will continue to make our agency a better place to work. I am only here due to the grace of God and the hard work of those who came before me. Together we will make Milwaukee County safer and stronger.”
Lucas’ resignation was effective Oct. 23. Ball will complete the rest of the term as acting sheriff through at least Jan. 2, 2023. She is currently running unopposed to hold the position in the November election.
“With over 35 years of service in law enforcement and criminal justice education, Dr. Denita Ball is a dedicated public servant who is committed to ensuring the safety of her community,” said Evers. “I am confident she will serve Milwaukee County well as the next sheriff.”
Ball spent more than 25 years with the Milwaukee police department, where she ultimately became a deputy inspector. When left the police force in 2011, she worked at Bryant & Stratton College as an instructor, subject area coordinator and criminal justice program director; she was also an adjunct faculty instructor at Cardinal Stritch University. She earned a Ph.D. from Cardinal in 2018.
Lucas asked her to be Milwaukee County Sheriff’s chief deputy when he was elected in 2018. Upon taking over that role, she became responsible for overseeing the agency’s daily operations.
The sheriff’s office said its staff oversees “safety and security at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the Milwaukee County Circuit Courts, the Milwaukee County Jail and the Milwaukee County parks and freeway systems.”
“There is no one more prepared to lead in these difficult times. We will continue our strong partnership with the Sheriff’s Office to improve our quality of life and ensure our streets are safe for all,” Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said.
Lucas served as the Milwaukee County Sherrif for four years. He recently took on a new role as at Fiserv as vice president of security for Wisconsin.
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