MILWAUKEE – Gov. Tony Evers appoints Dr. Denita Ball as Milwaukee County Sheriff after Sheriff Earnell Lucas’ resignation on Oct. 23. Ball will serve out the remainder of the term ending Jan. 2, 2023.
“With over 35 years of service in law enforcement and criminal justice education, Dr. Denita Ball is a dedicated public servant who is committed to ensuring the safety of her community,” said Gov. Evers in a statement. “I am confident she will serve Milwaukee County well as the next sheriff.”
Ball spent 25 years with the Milwaukee Police Department. She retired from policing in 2011 but returned after then-Sheriff Lucas asked to join his office as chief deputy. As chief deputy, she ran the day-to-day operations under Lucas, commanded areas like District 4, Sensitive Crime Division and Internal Affairs as well as implementing a neighborhood task force that led to crime reduction.
She worked as an instructor, subject area coordinator and as the director of the criminal justice program at Bryant & Stratton College. She was also an adjunct faculty instructor at Cardinal Stritch University. The same college she earned her Ph.D. in 2018.