About Kalvin Barrett

Sheriff Kalvin Barrett made history in 2021 when he was appointed as the first African American Sheriff in Dane County’s 188-year history—a milestone he solidified by winning election in 2022 with more than 76% of the vote. His leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, transparency, and rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Before taking office, Sheriff Barrett built a diverse career that uniquely prepared him for this role. He began as a deputy with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, later transitioned into education by teaching criminal justice at Madison College, and ultimately returned to the Sheriff’s Office with a broader perspective on both public safety and human potential. Barrett is proud University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate where he played football under Hall of Fame coach Barry Alvarez.

Barrett has led with transparency, accountability, and compassion. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has prioritized people over politics.

As Sheriff, Barrett has:

• Expanded co-response teams that pair deputies with mental health professionals

• Strengthened treatment and re-entry programs to reduce recidivism and support successful community reintegration

• Refused the agency’s participation in 287(g) agreements and other immigration-enforcement partnerships that eroded community trust

and so much more.

A devoted husband and father, Sheriff Barrett leads with empathy and resolve, consistently advocating for policies that make Dane County not only safer, but fairer and more compassionate for everyone who calls it home.

Sheriff Barrett’s story is one of service, education, and courageous reform—proof that leadership rooted in understanding can transform both an agency and a community.