I feel that available, accessible, approachable is how policing should be. We are not only on campus but are part of the campus. We aren’t just riding around in cars responding to calls but are out in the campus community getting to know the people we serve. By getting to know the students and staff, they are much more comfortable talking and reporting to us. Being an officer on campus is the best job in law enforcement!
Samantha McCluskey attended Chippewa Valley Technical College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science and obtained her Law Enforcement Criminal Justice certification. She was hired by the UW–Stout Police Department on August 11, 2014. During her tenure with the department, she has served in several key roles, including Field Training Officer (FTO), Drug Investigator, and Patrol Officer. Samantha is Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certified and is an active member of the Wisconsin Narcotics Officers Association. On November 7, 2021, she was promoted from Police Officer I to Police Officer II. Most recently, on December 5, 2025, she was promoted to her current rank of Interim Lieutenant.