The Special Operations Unit is a group of diverse personnel who work together to provide exceptional training — guided by community expectations, evolving tools and technology — to best equip all UWPD staff to protect the safety, security, well-being, and sanctity of all people. We collaborate with community stakeholders to lead the coordination of safe special events and the securing of facilities. We deliver effective and efficient lake rescue and educational water safety services and specialty services to the community with an emphasis on safety, professionalism, customer service, and community building
Lake Rescue & Safety
UWPD Lake Rescue & Safety provides a vital lake rescue service for UW-Madison students — and the greater Madison community — who frequent the waters of Lake Mendota. More than 100 years later, LR&S continues to provide a lake safety and rescue operation for boaters and swimmers.
Special Events
Our Special Events unit is tasked with keeping large-scale and high-profile events at UW-Madison safe and secure. From Badger Football games at Camp Randall to Crazylegs, political visits, concerts, and protests/demonstrations, the Special Events Unit works tirelessly — often unseen and in the background — to ensure events are successful and enjoyable for our community and guests.
Athletic Department Security Services
Athletics Security Officers provide dedicated security services to the UW Athletic Department, prioritizing the protection of Athletic Department property and the safety of staff, student-athletes, and guests. The security services provided to the Athletic Department include access control, door and gate monitoring, visitor management, exterior protection, and more. Athletics Security Officers team up with the Special Events Unit to provide asset security and crowd management during football game days and other special events at Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center.
Motor Unit
The UWPD Motorcycle Unit has been an integral part of the department since 2000. This unit allows officers to be highly visible, easily approachable, and able to maneuver and access areas normally inaccessible to traditional patrol cars. The fleet consists of two Harley-Davidson motorcycles equipped with laptop computers, automated external defibrillators, and portable laser speed detection systems. Motor Unit officers undergo extensive training with neighboring agencies in high-speed braking, evasive maneuvers, dignitary escort procedures, and patrol/safety tactics. They’ve been called upon to participate in countless dignitary protection motorcades for U.S. presidents, the Dalai Lama, and other State Department heads. On Football Saturdays, the Motor Unit also provides escorts for the Badger Football Team and visiting teams.
K9s & Therapy Dogs
- The UWPD K9 Unit comprises two K9 teams — each with a specialty — that can be seen at various times and events around campus. Learn more »
- The goal of the UWPD Therapy Dog Program is to provide comfort in times of stress or crisis. Learn more »
Drone Team
Established in late 2023, the UW–Madison Police Department Drone Team has quickly become an invaluable asset to the department. Our unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, are used to enhance public safety, support emergency response, and improve officer safety.
Training & Logistics
The UWPD Training & Logistics Units ensure our team is always prepared — both by providing training and by ensuring our officers have the necessary equipment and vehicles to adequately respond to incidents and keep our community safe.