Membership of the Emerald Society of Wisconsin is divided into four classes:
Regular Membership: Any person who is or was a member of any law enforcement department or other law-related organization is eligible for membership.
Associate Membership: Any person who does not qualify for regular membership and is sponsored by a regular member in good standing is eligible for membership in this category. A person wishing to be considered for Associate Membership must be sponsored by a Regular Member in good standing.
Special Membership: The President may nominate a person or persons to be a Special Member. A Special Member is an Associate Member who might otherwise not qualify for Regular Membership but has shown extraordinary support of the Society.
Honorary Membership: The President may nominate a person who has demonstrated political, civic, or religious distinction that is consistent with the Purpose of the Society.