In June 2026, the Fitchburg Police Department implemented four service modifications intended to improve operational flexibility, maximize available resources, and enhance organizational efficiency as Fitchburg continues to grow. The information below addresses several common concerns and is intended to help community members understand what these service modifications mean for them. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about these changes and for your continued partnership with the Fitchburg Police Department.
What service modifications were made?
- During normal business hours, animal nuisance calls remain the primary responsibility of Community Service Officers, thus reducing a sworn member response, unless there is an active disturbance that threatens life, limb, or property. When appropriate and Community Service Officers are unavailable, Dane County Animal Services may respond in accordance with their policies.
- The Fitchburg Police Department will continue to respond to motor vehicle crashes. It will only include those involving roadway blockage, disabling damage, injury, or suspected impairment. Motorists involved in a crash that does not meet one or more of those criteria are encouraged to self-report the incident here.
- The department has modified its response to alarm calls. A police response and investigation of alarm activations will be limited to banks and ATMs, unless there is information substantiating an active burglary or other criminal offense that presents an elevated risk to public safety.
- The Fitchburg Police Department's investigation into minor property thefts from within vehicles will be limited to incidents involving a felony offense, a stolen firearm, stolen license plates, or suspect information. Depending on the circumstance, these types of incidents may not receive a response unless the theft is active or meets the above criteria.
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Why are service modifications happening?
The continued growth of the City of Fitchburg and increasing demand for police services have required the Police Department to evaluate how to best address the needs of the community. Fitchburg continues to be one of Wisconsin's fastest-growing communities. While the city has grown, police staffing has not kept pace. Today, the department operates at approximately 1.4 officers per 1,000 residents, compared to the state average of 1.8. This represents a staffing gap of 12 officers. In 2024, the Police Department completed a review of services and determined there were four areas in which service modifications could be made.
Are these the first service modifications that have been made?
No. The Fitchburg Police Department continually assesses the needs of the community to identify areas in which operational flexibility or service modifications may help address the needs of a growing community. In past years, the department has made service modifications to the Med Drop box, live traps, private property crashes, and what fire and EMS calls require a police presence.
What impact do these service modifications have on residents?
While these modifications affect how certain calls are handled, most residents are unlikely to notice a significant change in their day-to-day interactions with the Police Department. These changes do not automatically prevent an officer from responding to assess a situation and determine whether additional action is required. In all instances, a call for service will continue to be generated, which will continue to provide valuable data to the department.
Should I still call the police?
The department encourages the public to continue reporting all criminal activity and not to hesitate in contacting the Police Department out of concern that they will not receive services. The department remains committed to the principle of "See Something, Say Something," and community reporting continues to play a critical role in identifying crime trends, which includes the assessment of how an automated report system can be utilized to further capture important information.
How will crime trends be identified?
Under these modifications, incidents reported will continue to receive a call for service in the Dane County Communications Center's computer-aided dispatch. That information will continue importing into the department's record management system, regardless of an investigation. The culmination of this information will not change, allowing the department to continue analyzing crime trends, geographical patterns, and emerging challenges where they are most needed.
What is the difference between a stolen vehicle and a theft from a vehicle?
The theft of a motor vehicle is a felony offense and will continue to receive a police response and investigation, along with incidents involving a stolen firearm, suspect information, stolen license plates, or other felony-level offenses. The change only applies to thefts from vehicles, such as property stolen from inside an unlocked car, where investigative leads are often limited. If suspect information exists, a pattern of related offenses develops, or a larger public safety concern emerges, those incidents can still warrant investigative efforts.
How many alarms are unfounded or noncriminal?
In 2025 alone, the department responded to more than 425 alarm activations, and every one of them was determined to be a false alarm. That trend has continued in 2026, with more than 170 alarm activations and no confirmed criminal activity.
While alarm systems remain an important tool for businesses and property owners, these statistics demonstrate the significant amount of officer time dedicated to alarm responses that do not result in criminal activity. As a result, routine police response and investigation of alarm activations will be limited to banks and ATMs, which present an elevated risk to public safety. Police will continue to respond to alarm activations when information indicates an active burglary, robbery, or other criminal activity that may be occurring.
How is the department addressing growth in the community?
These service modifications are one response to growth, but they are not the only response. The Fitchburg Police Department continually evaluates a variety of options, including additional staffing, technological advancements that increase the effectiveness of the existing workforce, operational efficiencies, and community partnerships. Together, these approaches help ensure resources are used effectively while maintaining a high level of service and public safety.
What should residents anticipate in the future?
These changes are not about reducing the department's commitment to public safety but are intended to ensure resources remain focused on the areas where they can have the greatest impact.
As Fitchburg continues to grow, so too will the conversation about how public safety services are provided in the future. These challenges will require thoughtful discussion and ongoing community engagement as the department works to best meet the needs of the community. The department appreciates the community's support as it works to meet the needs of a growing community and emphasizes that the Fitchburg Police Department remains committed to providing the highest level of service possible with the resources entrusted to it.
