5 Key Updates On The De Pere Police Department: New Chief, High-Profile Case, And Community Safety Initiatives

The De Pere Police Department (DPPD) is currently undergoing a significant transition in leadership and is focused on strengthening its community-centric policing model, as of December 17, 2025. This article provides an in-depth look at the latest developments, including the appointment of a new Chief, the status of a high-profile officer-involved investigation, and the proactive programs that maintain De Pere's reputation as one of Wisconsin's safest cities. The department’s integrated team approach, which emphasizes pro-active patrol, crime prevention, and criminal investigation, remains the core of its mission. The recent changes highlight the DPPD's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in public safety services for the citizens of De Pere, Wisconsin.

The New Face of Leadership: Chief Jeremy Muraski’s Profile

The De Pere Police Department recently welcomed a new era of leadership with the swearing-in of Chief Jeremy Muraski. His appointment marks a significant moment for the department, replacing the former Chief, Derek Beiderwieden. Muraski's background is characterized by a decorated, adaptable, and innovative approach to law enforcement, including notable awards for saving individuals earlier in his career. This transition was met with enthusiasm from city officials, including Mayor James Boyd, who praised Captain Muraski as an excellent leader for the community. Chief Muraski’s vision aligns with the department’s existing commitment to the "Team Policing Model," striving to learn more about the community and address citizen concerns daily.

Key Personnel and Contact Information

The DPPD operates with a dedicated team, ensuring comprehensive coverage across various functions, from administration to specialized investigative units.

• Chief of Police: Jeremy Muraski
• Former Chief: Derek Beiderwieden
• Police Records Specialist: Aubrey Fugate
• Detective Sergeant: Aaron Hanson
• Primary Address: 325 S Broadway, De Pere, WI 54115
• Non-Emergency Phone: (920) 339-4078
• Emergency: 911

De Pere’s Commitment to Transparency and Recent Events

The DPPD has been in the news recently regarding a serious, high-profile incident, underscoring the complexities of modern policing and the need for rigorous oversight.

Update on Officer-Involved Death Investigation (2025)

In a major development in July 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) provided an update on an officer-involved death investigation that occurred in De Pere. The incident involved a subject who produced a rifle shortly before law enforcement officers from the De Pere Police Department and other agencies were on the scene. As is standard procedure in such cases, multiple officers were placed on administrative leave pending the full investigation and review by the DOJ. This ongoing investigation highlights the DPPD's adherence to state protocols for external review in critical incidents.

Proactive Community Initiatives: PACK, De Pere Aware, and Shop With a Cop

The De Pere Police Department places a high value on community policing, viewing it as an essential component of crime prevention and public trust. This philosophy is manifested through several well-established and newly revamped programs.

The Police and Community Kids (PACK) Program

The PACK Program is a cornerstone of the department's outreach, specifically designed to unite the police with children in the community. This initiative fosters positive relationships between youth and officers, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the next generation. The program has received funding from entities like the Crime Prevention Foundation of Brown County to support its mission.

De Pere Aware: The Revamped Neighborhood Watch

In a move to modernize and strengthen neighborhood engagement, the DPPD revamped its traditional neighborhood watch program into a new initiative called De Pere Aware. This program utilizes dedicated community police officers to work directly with residents, aiming to foster a stronger sense of partnership. The goal is to move beyond passive observation to active, collaborative problem-solving, ensuring citizens are truly "aware" and involved in local safety efforts.

Shop With a Cop and Civic Honors

The annual Shop With a Cop event remains a cherished tradition, where officers volunteer their time to take local children shopping for gifts during the holiday season. Furthermore, the department's dedication to service is regularly recognized. In a testament to the high standards of public safety in the city, De Pere police and fire rescue staff were honored at a 2025 civic club event, celebrating their long-standing commitment to the community.

De Pere Crime Statistics and the Integrated Team Model

De Pere consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Wisconsin and the United States, a fact the police department attributes to its proactive strategies and the Integrated Team Approach.

Maintaining a Low Violent Crime Rate

Data from recent years (2019-2024) shows that De Pere maintains a remarkably low violent crime rate, with one source reporting only 79 violent incidents per 100,000 residents, positioning it as one of the nation's safest cities. This stability in public safety is a key metric for the community's quality of life. The DPPD's organizational structure is specifically designed to support this outcome, focusing on three core operational areas: Patrol, Investigation, and Community Policing. The Team Policing Structure is not just a slogan; it is a framework that ensures officers are constantly engaged in pro-active patrol and crime prevention, rather than just reactive response. By fostering this integrated approach, the department aims to address the root causes of issues while maintaining a visible and responsive presence in all neighborhoods, from the historic downtown to the residential areas. The police department serves a population of over 20,000 residents, with approximately 30 sworn officers. The continuous evolution of the De Pere Police Department, marked by new leadership and a renewed focus on community-centric programs like De Pere Aware and the PACK Program, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a high level of public safety. Even while navigating challenging, high-profile investigations, the DPPD remains dedicated to its mission of providing an integrated, proactive approach to serving the citizens of De Pere.