Sheriff Christy Knowles announced her candidacy for a second term as Ozaukee County Sheriff. Christy is a 26-year veteran of the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, serving as Sheriff for the past four years. Christy said it was an easy choice to run for a second term. “I have had a successful four years as Sheriff. I have a great staff who have made my first term enjoyable. We have worked together through challenges and I’m ready to serve Ozaukee County for the next four years.”

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Christy was elected Sheriff for the term of 2023-2026. Prior to that, she served in the positions of Undersheriff, Captain of Operations, Lieutenant-Patrol Commander, Detective, Deputy Sheriff – Patrol, and Deputy Sheriff-Jailer, all with the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office.

During her first term, Sheriff Knowles has focused on mental health and substance use issues in Ozaukee County. She has been an integral part in the vision of the Sheriff’s Office wellness program which began in 2015. As Sheriff, she has implemented the Jail Re-Entry program, the Co-Responder Unit which is a team consisting of a deputy and a social worker who respond to mental health crises anywhere in the county and the Deflection Program which is a partnership with Sirona Recovery helping those with substance use issues obtain the resources they need to tackle their problem and not end up in (or back in) the criminal justice system. Sheriff Knowles is committed to a style of leadership that prioritizes accountability and support for her staff.

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Sheriff Knowles points to her experience as the main factor that will allow her to provide the continued leadership necessary to make a difference in Ozaukee County. Sheriff Knowles attended college at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University-Police Staff and Command College. She is a graduate of the elite FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Sheriff Knowles is also a certified Defense and Arrest Tactics Instructor, having provided instruction at Waukesha Area Technical College as an adjunct instructor prior to being elected Sheriff.

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Sheriff Knowles’ commitment to the community is apparent in her connections with the youth of Ozaukee County. She has forged a bond with the 4-H youth, the future leaders of Ozaukee County, by cultivating positive relationships. She believes that community engagement is important especially with our youth to build strong relationships with law enforcement which is evident by her direct involvement in the Sheriff’s Office community outreach programs.

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Sheriff Knowles has volunteered in the community as a Girl Scout leader, youth basketball coach, and Boy Scout advancement coordinator. Sheriff Knowles has been directly involved as a coordinator of the Crisis Intervention Team of Ozaukee County and is a participating member of the board of Ozaukee Family Services and Advocates of Ozaukee. Sheriff Knowles played an integral role developing Ozaukee County’s Critical Incident Debrief Team and Peer Support Team. She is an active member of the Legislative Committee of the Badger Sheriff’s Association/Wisconsin Sheriff’s and Deputy Sheriff’s Association, FBI National Academy Associates, and the Ozaukee County Republican Party.

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“Public safety has been and will continue to be my top priority,” Sheriff Knowles said. Retired Sheriff Johnson says, “Sheriff Knowles possesses proven leadership, law enforcement experience, educational background, and commitment to service which are all qualities that are expected of a successful Sheriff.” According to Sheriff Knowles, “As Sheriff, I will continue to work hard to keep Ozaukee County one of the safest places to live by continuing to forge collaborative relationships with the community."

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Christy was raised in Cedar Grove and has lived in Ozaukee County most of her adult life. She calls Belgium her home where she has raised her three children.