Undersheriff Christy Knowles announced her candidacy for Ozaukee County Sheriff. Christy Knowles, a 22 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, said the impending retirement and support of current Sheriff Jim Johnson made her decision an easy one. “I have always been proud to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office, and I feel I have prepared myself to take the next step to pursue the top leadership position of this agency.”

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Knowles was appointed to her current position in 2019. Prior to being named Undersheriff, the second highest ranking officer in the department, she served as Deputy Sheriff-Jailer, Deputy Sheriff-Patrol, Detective, Lieutenant-Patrol Commander, and Captain of Operations.

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Knowles points to her experience as the main factor that will allow her to provide the leadership necessary to make a difference during these uncertain times. 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 also a graduate of the elite FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Knowles is a certified Defense and Arrest Tactics Instructor providing instruction at Waukesha County Technical College law enforcement recruit academy.

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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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Knowles has volunteered in the community as a Girl Scout leader, youth basketball coach, and Boy Scout advancement coordinator. Knowles is directly involved as the coordinator of the Crisis Intervention Team of Ozaukee County committee and is a participating member of the Coordinated Services Team of Ozaukee Family Services. 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 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,” Knowles said. “I have what it takes to be the Sheriff of Ozaukee County.” Sheriff Johnson says “Undersheriff 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 Knowles, “If elected 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 Knowles was raised in Cedar Grove and has lived in Ozaukee County most of her adult life. She calls Belgium her home where she raises her three children.