The Wisconsin State Patrol enforces traffic and criminal laws, oversees the motor carrier safety and weight facilities (SWEFs), inspects and regulates motor carriers, school buses and ambulances, and assists local law enforcement agencies with traffic safety, civil disturbances and disasters (natural and man-made).

On September 1, 1939, the Wisconsin legislature passed a statute creating the Motor Vehicle Department, which consisted of three divisions.

The new traffic officers were supplied a siren, flashing red lights, police license plates and an official shield for the sides of their personal cars.

The Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) was established the purpose of providing law enforcement services in a rapidly changing transportation environment.

Along with that effort, it was recognized from its inception that the WSP would stand ready to provide public safety assistance to local, county and tribal units of government as well as our partner agencies at the state and federal levels.

Through the years many changes have been made, but the patrol's goal has always been and will continue to be assisting the motoring public and making Wisconsin's highways safe.

These are the services provided statewide by the agency: Troopers typically patrol an assigned geographic area along key travel corridors like interstates and other multi-lane freeways.

Their primary duties are to ensure safe traffic movement, respond to crashes or other incidents, assist stranded motorists and local law enforcement agencies.

SWEFs at key state border locations incorporate modern technologies such as weigh-in-motion devices and indoor inspection bays that enhance public safety and the efficient movement of commerce.

[3] A training academy was established in 1955 to offer formal education instructions in partnership with the Northwestern University Traffic Institute.

The Bureau of Field Operations (BFO) provides traffic law enforcement services and promotes highway safety in Wisconsin.