Lieutenant Michael J. Luell is a highly respected law enforcement officer and licensed attorney with the Wisconsin State Bar, currently serving at the Racine County Sheriff’s Office. He is also the founder of Legacy Law Enforcement Analysis, LLC – specializing in 1983 Civil Rights litigation, law enforcement policies and procedures, internal affairs, employment discipline, public relations, open records laws, use of force claims, officer-involved shootings, and in-custody deaths.

With nearly 25 years of experience in the criminal justice system, Lt. Luell has built a distinguished career marked by a unique blend of law enforcement expertise and legal acumen. Before joining the Racine County Sheriff’s Office in 2019, Lt. Luell served as a police officer with the Oak Creek Police Department and as an Assistant District Attorney at the Racine County District Attorney’s Office.

At the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Luell has rapidly advanced through the ranks, taking on key roles such as patrol deputy, criminal investigator, administrative sergeant, and administrative lieutenant. His investigative experience spans a wide range of cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, white-collar crimes, election law violations, and public integrity issues. He has also provided expert testimony on complicated issues, and managed critical functions at the Sheriff’s Office such as Lexipol policy management, internal affairs investigations, public information officer duties, managed federal civil rights lawsuits, legal analysis, and risk management.

Lt. Luell has acquired several advanced certifications, including a National Internal Affairs Certification from the Public Safety Internal Affairs Institute of the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute in 2024, the FBI-LEEDA’s Internal Affairs training in 2024, and the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute: Law Enforcement Liability and Risk Management training in 2023, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice: White Collar and Public Integrity Investigations in 2023.

Prior to his current role, Lt. Luell spent a decade with the Oak Creek Police Department, where he gained valuable expertise as a patrol officer on 3rd shift, a trainer and a senior operator on the Emergency Response Unit (SWAT), specializing in chemical irritants and mechanical breaching. Lt. Luell was also a state-certified trainer in Defense and Arrest Tactics (DAAT), a field training officer for new officers, and was an integral member of both the Special Investigations Unit and Criminal Investigations Units.

For just under a decade, Lt. Luell was an Assistant District Attorney with the Racine County District Attorney’s Office. He progressed from handling traffic and misdemeanor cases, to prosecuting serious felonies, including homicides, sexual assaults, stalking’s, and drug crimes. Lt. Luell’s exemplary work culminated as a special prosecutor in Juneau County, Wisconsin, for a double homicide. After both suspects were convicted, the Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigators awarded then Special Prosecutor Luell with the 2010 Homicide Prosecutor of the Year award.

Lt. Luell graduated cum laude with a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law school in 2000. While in law school, Lt. Luell worked as an extern with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Criminal Appeals Unit, where he authored legal briefs filed with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

Lt. Luell’s dual background as both a law enforcement officer and attorney uniquely positions him to navigate the complexities of law enforcement operations and a wide range of legal issues. His firm, Legacy Law Enforcement Analysis, provides invaluable support to law enforcement agencies and law firms, offering expertise in law enforcement agencies, litigation, policy analysis, and personnel matters.

A dedicated professional, Lt. Luell’s career is driven by his commitment to integrity, public safety, and the continuous professional development of law enforcement personnel. His contributions continue to shape the field, particularly in bridging the gap between legal frameworks and law enforcement practice.