According to a survey conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum in 2025, overall staffing levels were 5.2% lower than they were in 2020 despite a modest 0.4% increase between 2024 and 2025. Staffing challenges were one of the reasons the county opted not to build a new jail.
Scott Syzdel says it is important to form connections with new and prospective hires and to get involved in the community.
Eric Zellner says that even though the pool of applicants is getting smaller, the department cannot fill a position simply to fill it.
Kevin Schmidt says the goal is to have at least three deputies on each shift so there is adequate coverage if calls become busy.
All three candidates also cited the jail as one of the biggest issues facing the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department. You can visit this link to listen to all three interviews ahead of the Aug. 11 fall primary.
