Good afternoon-
Welcome Home were the first words that announced my return to the South District. For those that may not be aware, back in 2008 when I joined the Madison Police Department, I started my career in the South Police District. I was immediately embraced by the community and partnered with groups such as the "Boys and Girls Club," "Amigos en Azul", as well as Mount Zion's group "Cops, Community and Clergy." In 2009, I was saddened to leave the South District due to staffing and vowed that one day I would return.
I was provided the opportunity in 2013-2015 when I joined the Crime Prevention Gang Unit and became the South Police District Liaison. I was blessed at that time to work directly with Bram's Neighborhood Officer Michael Alvarez as he introduced the "Southside Soccer Series" to the community. The soccer series worked in collaboration with local business owners, schools and organizations to bring together youth on the south side and provide them with access to the sport they loved. My role in the soccer series utilized my connections with the professional soccer team, the Chicago Fire, and rewarded the kids from the Southside who participated in the soccer series with a trip of a lifetime to a major league soccer game in Chicago.
At the end of 2015 into 2016, I started my promotional journey with MPD with the goal of one day returning as the South District Police Captain. During my promotional journey, I was able to become a Sergeant in the South District prior to getting promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and spending the next 4 years in the Central District.
On Monday, February 6, 2023, my personal goal came to fruition and I have now returned to the South Police District! I am excited to reconnect and build on the relationships previously established, as well as work towards new partnerships that will lead the South District into the future. Although I was not born and raised in Madison, the Southside has always embraced me as one of its own. The Southside of Madison has provided me with a strong sense of family and community that I refuse to neglect.
As I enter week one of my transitional phase, please do not hesitate to contact me. We have a great group of officers and command staff that truly understand and abide by the mission, vision, and core values of the Madison Police Department.
Respectfully,
Captain Harrison Zanders