The Wisconsin State Patrol's Dignitary Protection Unit (DPU) serves as the state's primary protective detail for the Governor, the Governor's family, the Lieutenant Governor, and their staff. At the Superintendent's direction, the DPU also extends its services to other elected officials and to national or international dignitaries visiting Wisconsin on official business. Over the years, the unit has coordinated travel and security for Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States, presidential candidates, Cabinet secretaries, foreign governors, senior U.S. military leaders, and prominent religious figures.
DPU operations include advance reconnaissance of all venues, secure transportation planning and execution, on-site protective coverage, and any supplemental security support required for an assignment.
Staffed by the Governor's Protection Detail (GPD) and Lieutenant Governor's Protection Detail (LGPD), DPU officers are among the most highly trained law enforcement professionals in the state. Their specialized training covers threat assessment, methods of attack, terrorist operations, security formations and tactics, protective countermeasures, surveillance detection, motorcade procedures, command-post operations, explosives and IED response, and emergency evacuations. Charged with safeguarding lives, these officers embrace personal risk as part of their unwavering commitment to this critical mission.