5 Critical Ways The City Of Muskego Police Department Is Evolving In 2025

Contents

The City of Muskego Police Department (MPD) is currently operating with a highly focused strategy to enhance both public safety and community engagement across the Waukesha County area. As of late 2025, the department is actively addressing modern law enforcement challenges, from complex staffing needs to high-profile incident response, all while maintaining its core mission of service.

Recent high-profile events, such as the massive fire at Bass Bay Brewhouse in December 2025, have highlighted the MPD's crucial role in coordinating emergency response and managing critical infrastructure, including road closures and investigation support. [cite: 12, 13 (from step 1)] This detailed look explores the key operational areas, leadership, and programs that define the City of Muskego Police Department today.

The Muskego Police Department: A Profile in Service

The Muskego Police Department is a foundational institution in the City of Muskego, Wisconsin, with a deep-rooted history of protecting the community. The department's official mission is "to provide the highest quality impartial service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect" the lives and property of its residents. [cite: 2 (from step 2)]

  • Department Start Date: December 15, 1967. [cite: 6 (from step 2)]
  • First Chief of Police: Ervin W. Kraus. [cite: 6 (from step 2)]
  • Pre-MPD Law Enforcement: Constable William E. Bohlman served as the City's Constable from 1963 to 1967. [cite: 11 (from step 2)]
  • Current Chief of Police: Chief Stephen Westphal, who was promoted on April 16, 2021, becoming the department's seventh Chief. [cite: 3 (from step 3)]
  • Current Staffing (as of 2025): 42 sworn police officers and 10 civilian, non-sworn employees. [cite: 5 (from step 1), 9 (from step 3)]
  • Divisions: The MPD is organized into two main branches: the Operations Division and the Services Division. [cite: 3 (from step 2)]
  • Headquarters Address: W182 S8200 Racine Avenue, Muskego, WI 53150. [cite: 4 (from step 2)]
  • Non-Emergency Phone: 262.679.4130. [cite: 5 (from step 2)]

The original Muskego police station was a modest, two-story, seven-room house situated near the intersection of Janesville Road and Pioneer Drive, a stark contrast to the modern facility serving the City of Muskego today. [cite: 6 (from step 2)]

Staffing and Recruitment Challenges in 2025

A major focus for the City of Muskego Police Department in 2025 is managing staffing levels amid a challenging national recruitment environment. The department is authorized for 41 sworn officer positions, and the Chief of Police has been actively seeking "buy-in" from the city council to potentially authorize a 42nd sworn slot. [cite: 9 (from step 1)]

Recruitment and retention of qualified personnel remain a priority, with the Chief acknowledging that the market and conditions for police officer recruiting have significantly changed. [cite: 17 (from step 1)] The Police and Fire Commission (PFC) plays a vital role in overseeing these personnel matters, ensuring the department maintains its high standards for law enforcement service. [cite: 18 (from step 1)]

This focus on capacity is essential for the MPD to effectively manage its diverse responsibilities, which range from routine patrols to specialized operations like the K9 Unit, whose mission is to "promote service and safety in the community by providing general and specialized police services." [cite: 8 (from step 2)]

Key Community Outreach and Safety Programs

The MPD places a high value on its partnership with the community, offering numerous programs designed to foster trust, educate residents, and enhance public safety. These initiatives are crucial for strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the citizens of Muskego.

The Citizens Academy: An Inside Look for Spring 2025

One of the most popular offerings is the Citizens Academy, with a Spring 2025 session already announced. [cite: 2 (from step 1)] This free program is specifically designed to provide Muskego residents with an in-depth, "inside look" at the daily life and functions of a Muskego Police Officer and the overall department. [cite: 2 (from step 1)] It serves as a vital educational tool, demystifying police work and promoting transparency.

Year-Round Community Enhancement Programs

Beyond the academy, the MPD runs a variety of community-focused programs that contribute to the City of Muskego's quality of life:

  • National Night Out: An annual community-building campaign that actively promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. [cite: 16 (from step 1)]
  • Police Cadets: A program for younger residents interested in law enforcement careers. [cite: 7 (from step 1)]
  • Police Chaplain: Providing spiritual and emotional support to department personnel and community members during times of crisis. [cite: 7 (from step 1)]
  • Police Department Tours: Offering public access and insight into the Operations and Services Divisions. [cite: 7 (from step 1)]
  • Safety City and Snowmobile Education: Targeted programs focusing on youth safety and specialized recreational safety, particularly relevant to life in Waukesha County. [cite: 7 (from step 1)]
  • Muskego K9 Association: A non-profit organization that supports the K9 program, which enhances the department's capabilities in crime prevention and law enforcement. [cite: 15 (from step 1)]

Recent Enforcement and Incident Response Updates

The Muskego Police Department is consistently on the front lines of law enforcement, handling a range of incidents that impact the community. Recent reports highlight the department's responsiveness to significant events:

  • Bass Bay Brewhouse Fire (December 2025): The MPD provided a critical update on road closures and assisted investigators following a massive structure fire, demonstrating inter-agency cooperation. [cite: 12, 13 (from step 1)]
  • Police Pursuit and Arrest: Officers were involved in a police chase near the Kwik Trip on Janesville Road, which resulted in a crash, injuries to three people, and the arrest of the driver, with criminal charges referred to the Waukesha County District Attorney. [cite: 4, 10 (from step 1)]
  • Tactical Situation Resolution: The department successfully resolved a tactical situation near Longfellow Lane and Kipling Road, leading to the arrest of a 41-year-old man. [cite: 3 (from step 1)]
  • Traffic Enforcement: Routine activity includes responding to two-vehicle accidents and issuing citations, such as one to a 16-year-old Wind Lake resident for operating a motor vehicle infraction below the reportable damage amount. [cite: 8 (from step 1)]

These incidents underscore the daily commitment of the Muskego Police Department to maintaining order and safety, whether through high-speed pursuits or managing the aftermath of major emergencies.

5 Critical Ways the City of Muskego Police Department is Evolving in 2025
city of muskego police department
city of muskego police department

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