The new Oshkosh substation on Algoma Boulevard in downtown. September 4, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — 101 Algoma Boulevard in Oshkosh has been transformed into a new substation for police officers, with a distinct purpose in mind.
“The reason we’re here goes back to 2024, when a lot of the community members were complaining about some of the quality of life issues nearby in the park, as well as issues that they saw dealing with people who were homeless,” said Officer Brenden Bonnett, the supervisor of the Oshkosh Police Department Community Impact Team.
The new community outreach center, as OPD calls it, is meant connect with the homeless population in the city. Two officers are currently assigned to the building, with a third to be assigned by the end of the month.
Each one of those officers also has a social worker assigned with them who works for Winnebago County, so they will go out on calls together so that when they are dealing with people in a mental health crisis and/or people in need, they have resources from the community and the county with them at all times.
Winnebago County Human Services has been working alongside the police department for years, and according to Crisis Center Supervisor Kayla Rodriguez, it’s seen significant growth.
“We have seen a really great outpouring of support from the community, from human services, from the police department. They’ve put a lot of trust in these programs, in these teams,” said Rodriguez. “So we’re hoping to just keep making a difference.”
The station is also home to OPD therapy dog Gema, to support those who may be going through mental health struggles.
Since opening in June, the police department has been taking time to assess the downtown area and understand what the community’s needs are there.
“Once those have been identified, then coming together and figuring out the solutions from that with the entire community,” Bonnett explained. “Not just the police department, not just human services, but other people. Other stakeholders in the community.”
Oshkosh Police Chief Dean Smith said the department received $15,000 from the Community Development Block Grant to cover the lease and utility expenses through April of next year.
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