Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force DCNGTF

The Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement group, consisting of federal, state and local agencies, operating throughout Dane County and the surrounding area.

Safe with drugs and cash

The Dane County Narcotics & Gang Task Force seized the pictured items from a drug dealer during the execution of a search warrant. Seized in the safe was approximately $3000 in cash, marijuana, and Psilocybin mushrooms. The 'raid' occurred one block from the University of Wisconsin campus and the drugs were destined to be sold to students.

The Task Force is comprised of personnel from the University of Wisconsin Police Department, Dane County Sheriff's Office, and the Madison Police Department, who are assigned to the Task Force in a full-time capacity.  A UWPD Detective is assigned full-time to the Task Force. 

In addition to these personnel, the Task Force also has liaison officers assigned from all other Dane County Agencies, who serve as points of contact in their respective areas.

The Task Force is overseen by the Task Force Steering Committee, which is made up of: Chief Susan Riseling - University of Wisconsin Police Department, Sheriff Gary Hamblin - Dane County Sheriff's Office, Chief Noble Wray - Madison Police Department, Tom Blatter - Fitchburg Police Department (representing Dane County Cities), and Chief Greg Leck - McFarland Police Department (representing Dane County Villages). 

The Task force has active partnerships with agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and State and Federal Revenue agencies.

Goals of the Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force are:

  • Identify, investigate and seek prosecution of middle and high-level drug dealers.
  • Work with Federal, State and local agencies on conspiracies, which affect drug activities in Dane County.
  • Conduct surveillance to identify and arrest drug offenders.
  • Use "knock and talk" tactics to confront suspected drug offenders.
  • When available, investigate and/or assist with other significant drug investigations.
  • Identify, disrupt and where appropriate, seek prosecution of individuals involved in illegal gang activity.
  • Identify, disrupt and where appropriate, seek prosecution of individuals involved in prostitution and illegal gambling operations.
  • Develop and maintain an intelligence network for tracking drug and gang activities.
  • Disseminate information regarding drug and gang activities to appropriate law enforcement commanders and chiefs.
  • Provide drug and gang training to Dane County law enforcement personnel.
  • Support community-based anti-drug and anti-gang educational programs.
  • Solicit support of the residents of Dane County to aid in the suppression of drug and gang activities.
  • Identify and arrest fugitives and violent offenders on warrants and apprehension requests related to guns, gangs and drugs.
Ten pounds of 'high grade' marijuana and five pounds of Psilocybin mushrooms were seized in a search warrant executed at a storage room near the UW campus. The seizure of 'magic mushrooms' which occurred in February 2000, is the largest known seizure in Dane County history. The approximate street value of the above illegal narcotics is $70,000. the narcotics were to be sold by UW students to fellow students.