Chief Grabandt - THANK YOU For Your Service!

Josh Grabandt, Platteville Chief of Police with Optimist President, Terri Ellis

Josh Grabandt began his career with the Platteville Police Department in January, 2000. On March 2, 2026, he began his duties as Platteville Chief of Police.

Chief Grabandt spoke about his transition from officer to chief noting that the biggest adjustment is that everyone looks to the chief for directive. He's responsible for writing policies, setting goals, and engaging staff and keeping them enthusiastic knowing they have to exist within budgets and time frames. Josh understands that much of their budget is reliant on property taxes, and that our community has been generous in funding several large projects in town. He's working to acquire equipment through grants versus asking for more tax dollars. In addition, he challenges his staff that when they come to him with a problem, to also come with suggestions for solutions. Because of that, he stated that his officers are getting creative in ways to come up with funding dollars.

Chief Grabandt shared that they recently conducted a dispatch study to determine if it's feasible to consolidate with the Grant County dispatch services. Both the city and county need significant technological upgrades that would cost $650,000 each and they each have continued staffing issues as the number of people willing and able to do the dispatch job is dwindling. Needless to say, they compete for the same staff. There are grants available that could pay up to 90% of the upgrade costs, but the grant would only be eligible for one entity. The city is projected to save $4 million over the next 10 years, but the county is looking at the same amount as an increase. There would be some changes in service if they were to merge as all dispatchers wouldn't have local knowledge and it would add to the patrolman workload as they would need to complete more paperwork, reports, etc. Any final decisions will be made by the city council and county board.

Staffing issues don't stop at the dispatch level. Josh talked about the recruitment and retention of officers. He said when he applied for his position over 25 years ago, there were 55 applicants. Their most recent application process yielded two applicants. Unfortunately, this is a national trend and they've consistently been operating with less people. Platteville is authorized to have 20 officers but have been fully staffed for only four years out of the last twenty. The city invests 6-9 months in a new hire before he or she can work in a solo capacity. Josh stated the city will not compromise their standards. They would rather operate short staffed than to hire underqualified candidates.

The stress and mental strain of being a police officer takes its toll. The national average of a career in the police force is <8 years. Where the average person experiences 5-6 traumas in their lifetime, a police officer deals with 5-6 major traumas every 6 months. In an effort to reduce the strain, the department implemented a mental health policy whereby, at least annually (during the officer's birthday month), each department member meets with a mental health specialist at Healthy Minds in Madison. They hope this will help with retention.

When asked about a K9, Josh stated they'd love to get one as Platteville is one of the few departments in the area that doesn't have one. Unfortunately, the cost to obtain a fully equipped (training, upfitting, vehicle, kennel) K9 is $90,000. Grants are available which could bring the cost down to $40,000. They've also considered getting a "therapy" dog as you can get any breed to serve this role for a $10,000 out the door price.

On the positive side, crime is down, both in Platteville and nationwide. Violent crimes are down, traffic stops are down...the only increase is in youth crimes, many of which are behavioral. Chief Grabandt talked about Platteville's Community Resource Officer, Jared, who works with the Platteville School District and focuses on education and support. They work to identify problems before they start and offer solutions.

Chief Grabandt and the Platteville Police Department, thank you for your service. We appreciate you and all you do for us and our community!