Law Enforcement Experience of Carl Waterstreet

Early in my career, I learned a fundamental truth about leadership and law enforcement: no one ever knows everything. Sound judgment is built through experience, continuous learning, and surrounding yourself with capable professionals. While I remain committed to growing and learning, I am proud of the career I have built and the strong network of trusted colleagues I have developed across Wisconsin and the nation.

Law Enforcement Experience

Door County Sheriff’s Office

Reserve Deputy (Non-Sworn) | 1998

• Began my law enforcement service as a reserve deputy
• Gained early exposure to patrol operations and community-based policing

This role laid the foundation for my commitment to public service and my understanding of the unique needs of Door County.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Park Ranger – Whitefish Dunes State Park | 1999

• Certified law enforcement officer assigned to one of Wisconsin’s busiest state parks
• Responsible for public safety, enforcement, and emergency response

This position strengthened my ability to balance enforcement with public interaction and education in a high-traffic environment.

Sturgeon Bay Police Department

Officer / Sergeant | 2000–2015

• Served more than 15 years in increasingly responsible roles
• Instructor, Field Training Officer, and Acting Shift Supervisor
• Promoted to Sergeant in 2011, supervising night and afternoon shifts

Key Accomplishments:

• Investigator with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force
• Led investigations resulting in the arrest of dangerous offenders
• Assisted in securing Port Security Grant funding, bringing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the community
• Developed officers through training, supervision, and mentorship

These years shaped my leadership style and reinforced the importance of accountability, training, and proactive policing.

Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation

Special Agent / Senior Special Agent | 2015–2021

• Assigned to the Appleton Regional Field Office
• Specialized in Human Trafficking and Internet Crimes Against Children investigations
• Helped develop Wisconsin’s first statewide Human Trafficking Task Force

Key Accomplishments:

• Delivered training to medical professionals, NGOs, schools, and law enforcement agencies
• Presented nationally in Florida, Texas, and Georgia
• Collaborated with Thorn, Inc. to locate victims and disrupt trafficking networks
• Planned and executed large-scale operations, including Super Bowl LII

One of the most meaningful roles of my career was serving on the Child Abduction Response Team, participating in multiple AMBER Alert investigations including the Jayme Closs case. I also led an AMBER Alert in Shawano County where a 16-year-old victim was abducted and repeatedly assaulted. From the start of the investigation to the victim’s safe recovery, only six minutes elapsed. The offender was later sentenced to prison.

Major Crimes Bureau – DOJ

Public Integrity & Critical Incident Investigator | 2019–2021

• Investigated homicide cases, officer-involved critical incidents, and public integrity matters
• Led or assisted in dozens of high-risk, high-liability investigations

This work demanded precision, impartiality, and absolute professionalism—experience that directly translates to the responsibilities of Sheriff.

Door County Sheriff’s Office

Professional Standards Captain | 2021–Present

• Returned to serve the community while prioritizing family
• First-ever Professional Standards Captain for the agency
• Oversight of training, policy development, internal investigations, Jail, and Field Services

Key Accomplishments:

• Introduced specialized, grant-funded training to improve deputy preparedness
• Strengthened accountability and professionalism across the agency
• Played a key role in drafting and passing the Kelsey Smith Act
• Recognized as 2025 First Assembly District First Responder of the Year

Looking Forward: Leadership You Can Trust

At this stage of my career, I bring the right balance of experience, energy, and long-term vision. With more than a decade of service still ahead of me, my goal is to leverage my leadership, operational experience, and professional relationships to make the Door County Sheriff’s Office one of the most respected and professional agencies in Wisconsin.

I believe in accountability, sound judgment, and following through on commitments. I am ready to lead with confidence, integrity, and transparency, always putting public safety, victims, and the people of Door County first.