Police Blotter

October 23, 2024 3:39 PM

As promised on my September blotter- Coffee With a Cop will be held on the evening of Tuesday the 29th! Unfortunately, my prediction about "sweater weather" wasn't quite on the mark... Tuesday, October 29 6:00PM to 7:30PM Madison Public Library- Pinney Branch (516 Cottage Grove … [read more]

August 14, 2024 9:08 AM

The Madison Police Department's Community Outreach Unit, in collaboration with the Black Officers Coalition, participated in 100 Black Men of Madison "Back To School" event last week. MPD is proud to have particpated the last two years in our effort to support students in need as they prepare … [read more]

August 11, 2024 11:47 AM

Dear Madison Community Members, Thank you for attending our 2024 National Night Out (NNO) event in partnership with the Madison Police Department! Your presence made the evening a tremendous success and a wonderful celebration of community spirit. We would also like to extend a special … [read more]

August 5, 2024 11:13 AM

Greetings! We hope to see you out during National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6th from 4-7PM. Communities throught the city will be hosting events in partnership with the Madison Police Department. Come out and meet officers from our specialized teams (K-9; Mounted; Drone; SWAT; and … [read more]

April 12, 2024 2:41 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the Pinney Public Library in Community Room B (516 Cottage Grove Rd. Madison, WI 53716). Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when … [read more]

March 13, 2024 2:11 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr.) in the community room. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold our event to … [read more]

March 1, 2024 11:13 AM

Hello Northsiders, We are shaking things up in March! In an attempt to afford folks an opportunity to attend Coffee with a Cop that can't attend during the day, we made a change to the date and time for this month. On March 20th at 5:00 pm, Coffee with a Cop will occur at the Madison … [read more]

November 28, 2023 6:58 AM

Greetings! During the month of November and December, the Community Outreach and Resource Education team (CORE) has been, and will continue to be very busy. Below is a list and summary of activities to date; and some of the upcoming events.... MPD Cares On Monday November 20th, Madison … [read more]

November 16, 2023 9:23 AM

Greetings: It is that time of year again where we consider various financial donations and toy drives. In 2018 we offered a new "gift" to donate toward, which will last a lifetime. The gift to read. Many youth in our community fall behind in their reading skills at an early age. Reading … [read more]

November 14, 2023 7:44 AM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at The Hawthorne Library (2707 E Washington Ave.) in the front community room. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold our … [read more]

October 17, 2023 2:56 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr.) in the front community room. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold our … [read more]

September 25, 2023 9:57 AM

‘Coffee with a Cop’ this week will look a little different as we are swapping the coffee for a slice of pizza. Our friends at Mentoring Positives have graciously offered to host us at their kitchen, Muriel’s Place, 2844 E. Washington Ave (location previously of Ella’s Deli), where they serve Off … [read more]

September 8, 2023 1:41 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop' twice this month. First one will be at 10:00am-11:00am Friday September 15th in The East Police District Community Room at 809 S. Thompson Drive. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events … [read more]

July 20, 2023 7:35 AM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at The Hawthorne Library (2707 E Washington Ave.) in the front community room. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold our … [read more]

June 21, 2023 7:37 AM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr.) in the front community room. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold our … [read more]

April 4, 2023 11:03 AM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr.) in the front community room. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold our … [read more]

March 8, 2023 2:26 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr.) in the front community room. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold our … [read more]

January 25, 2023 1:24 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr.) in the front community room. Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold our … [read more]

December 28, 2022 2:45 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the Pinney Public Library in Community Room B (516 Cottage Grove Rd. Madison, WI 53716). Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts … [read more]

November 29, 2022 10:35 AM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the Madison Police East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr., Madison Wisconsin). Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of … [read more]

October 25, 2022 1:41 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', at the Madison Police East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr., Madison Wisconsin). Coffee will be provided for those who join us! For this event and future Coffee with a Cop events we will be continuing our efforts of adjusting when we hold … [read more]

September 28, 2022 7:41 AM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', that incorporates an in person option at The Madison Police East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr., Madison Wisconsin). There is also an alternative option to participate via a Zoom meeting link. Coffee will be provided for those who attend … [read more]

May 3, 2022 2:39 PM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', that incorporates an in person option at The Madison Police East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr., Madison Wisconsin). There is also an alternative option to participate via a Zoom Meeting. Coffee will be provided for those who attend the … [read more]

April 5, 2022 11:12 AM

Hello! We will have our monthly 'Coffee with a Cop', that incorporates an in person option at The Madison Police East District Station (809 S Thompson Dr., Madison Wisconsin). There is also an alternative option to participate via a Zoom Meeting. Coffee will be provided for those who attend the … [read more]

June 21, 2021 3:07 PM

Hello--please see the below link for our first Midtown Strategic Plan update. /police/blog/documents/MSPupdate1.pdf Thank you and be well. Captain Freedman [read more]

January 4, 2021 2:07 PM

Good day! Our last Virtual Coffee With A Cop was extremely successful and we are finding that the use of ZOOM’s video conferencing platform has been a good way to reconnect with community members. I am excited about having our next meeting on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 at 10:00am, and I look … [read more]

December 4, 2020 2:29 PM

Good day! We have had a tumultuous 2020, when you consider the continuous fallout from COVID-19 and what we all have had to endure since the pandemic became our new norm. We saw a fair amount of civil unrest throughout the United States during this same time, and that was partially responsible … [read more]

October 28, 2020 4:36 PM

Thanks to our special visitors to West PD today for National First Responders Day. Connie "Kolp" Kolpin and then the Coffee with a Cop crew stopped by to show their support and deliver snacks to the troops. You made our day! Captain Patton [read more]

May 21, 2019 1:52 PM

Today a Community Coffee was hosted by the Bridge-Lakepoint-Waunona Neighborhood Center, for area residents to ask questions and express concerns. We had a great turnout! The Director, Art, gave an update on the possibility of a new neighborhood center, and mentioned they pitched the idea to … [read more]

March 1, 2019 2:30 PM

Assistant Chief Wahl joined us this week for Coffee with a Cop. The group discussed recent calls in the West District, police staffing and a number of other topics. Thanks to all for a great conversation. [read more]

February 8, 2019 8:48 AM

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January 4, 2019 10:39 AM

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December 27, 2018 8:14 AM

As of Jan 2, I am moving to the South District and Captain Tim Patton is replacing me here at the WPD. Captain Patton comes to us from being in charge of Investigative Services and is currently supervising 6 of our centralized investigative units. He brings many years of experience including … [read more]

November 30, 2018 7:40 AM

Yesterday we were surprised by our core members of the Thursday Coffee with a Cop group from Steep and Brew. They came bearing gifts of coffee, snacks, tea, cookies. Their gifts filled two tables! Our officers were very grateful and humbled by their generosity. We very much appreciate the … [read more]

November 30, 2018 7:14 AM

This holiday season, please consider giving the gift of learning to a child who may be struggling. Lt. Mike Hanson is starting a program to raise money to pay for tutors for dozens of kids who are at risk and may be struggling with reading., " This initiative is a huge step forward or … [read more]

July 26, 2018 1:32 PM

Last week, worldwide policing icon, Professor Herman Goldstein, a Madison resident, visited with the Coffee with a Cop (CWAC) Professor Goldsten was recently invited to Sweden to accept the International Stockholm Prize in Criminology. The CWAC group seemed to enjoy the interactive … [read more]

June 11, 2018 10:38 PM

We are experiencing a rash of burglaries and stolen autos again. The burglars are entering unlocked cars in driveways and taking the garage door openers. They then open the garage doors and enter the homes through unlocked doors leading into the home from the garage. Sometimes they steal … [read more]

June 2, 2018 12:31 PM

Today was the groundbreaking for the Ronald McDonald House expansion on Marshall Court near UW Hospital. This is fantastic news for families with children who are being treated at UW Hospital and need a place to stay. The MPD was asked to safely escort Ronald today. See their website for … [read more]

June 1, 2018 1:22 PM

As of Sunday, we sadly say goodbye to Lt. Paige Valenta. She is leaving the west district to become the Captain of the South District. We congratulate her on her promotion and wish her fantastic success in her new position! We now welcome in Lt. Greg Esser who will be the new … [read more]

May 7, 2018 1:19 PM

Just a reminder for you Craigslisters or other on-line shoppers. Instead of meeting people in your homes when selling something, feel free to offer to meet in the parking lot of the West District. I can't imagine anyone with suspcious motives, agreeing to meet you at a police station! [read more]

May 2, 2018 2:43 PM

Friday May 11 is Blood Pressure Awareness Day, there will be free blood pressure screenings at the Meadowridge Public Library parking lot from 10a-2p. For questions, contact Sheray Wallace at sherayw@yahoo.com [read more]

April 30, 2018 7:44 AM

Over 30 volunteers from Blackhawk Church gave up their Sunday morning to help spruce up the exterior of the West District. In 3 hours, this group accomplished a summer's worth of landscape work! I get comments from citizens all the time impressed at how nice the district looks when the blooms … [read more]

April 25, 2018 1:48 PM

For those of you who have come into the West District Police station, you have probably met Melody, our Police Report Typist who is responsible for ensuring this district runs smoothly. Today, on Administrative Assistant Day, we salute Melody, she has worked in districts around the city for … [read more]

April 9, 2018 2:14 PM

With the return of winter weather, so followed the return of auto thieves. We had 3 vehicles stolen over the weekend just in the west district. Each of these vehicles were recovered. There was also a gun stolen out of a 4th vehicle. Just a reminder, please don't leave valuables in your … [read more]

April 5, 2018 10:43 AM

We had a great turnout on Tuesday night at Our Redeemer Church for the Chief's West District community meeting. We had short presentations from members of the Violent Crime Unit, Burglary Unit, Gang Unit, a Mental Health officer and a Neighborhood Officer. The weather appeared to be more … [read more]

March 27, 2018 7:33 AM

On Tues. April 3 at 6pm, Police Chief Mike Koval will be hosting a west district community meeting at Our Redeemer Church at 1701 McKenna Blvd. This is your chance to hear an update on police related issues and to ask questions. Representatives from the Violent Crime Unit, Burglary Unit, Gang … [read more]

March 22, 2018 9:04 AM

Yesterday afternoon and evening there were a couple of different series of shots fired calls. One was around 3:5oPM near the 5800 block of Dorsett Dr. The other was around 9:20pm near the 5800 block of Russett Rd. At this time, we do not know if these incidents are connected. We have made … [read more]

March 20, 2018 1:53 PM

Recently, a citizen reported being contacted by someone who claimed they were with MG&E. They were told they had a several hundred dollar outstanding bill and that if it was not paid within 45 minutes, their power would be cut off. They were then told to go to Walgreens and buy a cash card … [read more]

March 16, 2018 11:57 AM

Today was a landmark day for the Madison Addiction Recovery Initiative (MARI) ! Five people had a graduation ceremony from the program and are now drug free!!! Chief Koval was the keynote speaker today. The MARI program is a pre-arrest diversion program for low level property crime or … [read more]

March 7, 2018 10:45 AM

The other night, a group of our West District officers showed their caring and compassion to a family who recently underwent a horrible personal tradgedy. The officers went over and shoveled the driveway and sidewalk for them. This just goes to show the characer of the officers who work for … [read more]

February 12, 2018 7:39 AM

Anyone up for a quick game of snow football with some of the West District officers? [read more]

February 9, 2018 8:39 AM

I was hoping with the cold weather there would be a decrease in calls for service but I was wrong. We are still battling the stolen auto issue. Again a reminder, please do not leave your vehicle unlocked and running! For those of you who have not looked on our website, here is a link to the … [read more]

February 9, 2018 8:14 AM

We recently went through a shift change where Officers are now assigned to the Midtown district. Since the Midtown station is not completed yet, some of the officers are currently working out of the West District and some out of the South District. On the radio, the West officers identify … [read more]

February 1, 2018 11:22 AM

Our stolen auto statistics for January of 2018 are quite eye opening. We had 57 stolen autos in the city which is a 72% increase over Jan of 2017. Of those, 94% had the keys in the car and 71% were unlocked and running. As I am am writing this, another 3 cars were just stolen this morning … [read more]

January 26, 2018 7:57 AM

Here are the 2017 West District Calls for Service (CFS) stats. Your officers serviced 48,904 CFS in 2017, that is an average of 137 CFS per day, just in the west district. By time of day: By day of week: [read more]

January 5, 2018 9:25 AM

Many of you know we tried a social media campaign over the holidays to remind people to lock up their cars. It was on Twitter under #Nightlylockup and we had some billboards throughout the county as well. Off. Tyler Grigg coordinated much of it. As a result, we did experience an increase in … [read more]

December 27, 2017 11:42 AM

We have recently had at least 3 incidents of purse snatchings on the west side. These have been occurring in business parking lots with female victims. Ideas to prevent purse thefts are as follows: Leave your purse at home, carry cash or credit cards in your pocket (they can't steal … [read more]

December 20, 2017 1:09 PM

A number of groups and people have worked together to bring better access to health care to the Meadowood Neighborhood. The partners include, Meadowridge Library, Today Not Tomorrow, Inc- Project Babies, Meadowood Neighborhood Center and Neighborhood Connectors. Access Community Health … [read more]

December 19, 2017 1:22 PM

Recently, a local school dropped of notes of encouragement and crayon pictures of our police officers. It was very much appreciated by our officers! Thanks to all the kids (and teachers) for taking the time to do that!! [read more]

December 15, 2017 11:47 AM

At least a dozen cars had their windows shattered (probably in a drive-by with BB guns or similar) in the Meadowood Dr, Monticello Wy, Leland Rd, Thrush Ln areas overnight between 8pm on 12-14-17 and 6am on 12-15-17. We have extra patrols in the area but we need your help! Please be on the … [read more]

December 14, 2017 9:47 AM

Some of our faithful Coffee with a Cop members came bearing gifts for officers today! The coffee from Steep and Brew (thanks Saad) and snacks are much appreciated by all the officers at the West District! Please remember the CWAC group meets on Thursday's at 9am at Steep and Brew at 6656 … [read more]

November 29, 2017 9:53 AM

Don't let the snow lead to a ticket or a tow. Here are few things you need to know to AVOID a ticket or a tow: Alternate Side Parking is in effect city-wide with the exception of the Snow Emergency Zone (unless there is a Declared Snow Emergency). Alternate Side Parking is in effect from … [read more]

November 27, 2017 11:49 AM

Tis the season for thankfulness, celebration and SCAMS. There are a number of scams going on around Madison, one being the Grandparent scam. This is where are called and a person claiming to be a police officer says the grandchild was arrested and they need bail money to get out. The victim … [read more]

November 21, 2017 10:08 AM

This year so far, we have had 362 cars stolen in the city. Many of these are stolen by juveniles and are later recovered, but usually the cars have been damaged or involved in accidents. Many of these kids then endager themselves and the public as they speed and drive recklessly in the stolen … [read more]

November 16, 2017 7:36 AM

We started a new social media campaign yesterday on trying to prevent theft from auto. The City of Madison has experienced over 1100 Thefts from Auto so far this year. There have been 26 guns stolen out of autos this year There were 41 guns stolen out of cars in 2016 Since 2016 there are … [read more]

November 6, 2017 3:18 PM

Theft from autos is still a big issue Theft from Auto is down about 15% but we still have had about 1107 this year. There have been 25 guns stolen this year from autos. Many of them were actually unlocked! This is 25 guns getting into criminals hands that did not have to happen. … [read more]

November 1, 2017 1:08 PM

Thanks to Officers Wipperfurth and Ward who were out on patrol last night in the Raymond Road area helping kids feel safe! [read more]

November 1, 2017 12:58 PM

This blog profiles Officer Andy Slawek. This year will mark Andy’s 10th year at the West District Police Department, with a total of 22 years as a police officer. Previous to working in the West District, Andy worked for eight years as a TEST officer (Traffic Enforcement Safety Team). Andy … [read more]

October 11, 2017 11:00 AM

Officers Charles Warren and Sam Ward recently paid a visit to Bright Beginnings Day School and were met with lots of smiles. The kids enjoyed seeing the squad cars, visiting with the officers and getting stickers! Please contact us if you would like a similar visit. [read more]

October 2, 2017 8:51 AM

“National Coffee with a Cop Day” Open House You’re invited to a special open house on Wednesday, October 4th to celebrate National Coffee with a Cop Day! Stop in at Steep N Brew West (6656 Odana Road – Market Square Shopping Center) from 3:30 to 4:30pm to enjoy free coffee and treats and meet … [read more]

September 27, 2017 1:56 PM

In an effort to constantly improve our police service to you and your neighborhood, we would like to hear your thoughts and comments. Please take about 5 minutes to fill out this survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MPDWEST2017 [read more]

August 24, 2017 12:59 PM

Several of us from MPD were fortunate to take part in the first annual (I hope) Back to School Picnic that was organized by Officer Theresa Magyera and Jenifer Vondrak from the West Middleton Elementary School. As I mentioned in previous blogs, there are about 140 kids who live in The … [read more]

August 22, 2017 4:03 PM

Officer Justin Nelsen is one of our West District Neighborhood Officers assigned to the Theresa/ Betty's/Park Edge/Park Ridge area. He recently organized a one day football camp at Edgewood for some kids who may not otherwise be able to attend. Here is what he had to say; ? Madison Police … [read more]

August 17, 2017 10:53 AM

This month we profile Officer Mike Evans who is a 1st Detail officer in the West District. Michael currently works in patrol and has been with the police department since 1999. Before becoming a police officer, Michael worked as a counselor for a group home in Janesville, Wisconsin. Michael … [read more]

July 7, 2017 6:42 AM

Officers Ryan Henderson and Chris Marzullo are the two new neighborhood officers assigned to Allied Dr. Off. Gatdula, who was the previous officer, has been promoted and is now a Detective assigned to the Burglary Unit. There had also been a vacancy for a second officer in the neighborhood as … [read more]

July 3, 2017 12:57 PM

Every Saturday throughout the summer there is a farmers market being held at Elver Park from 8a-noon. This week, some of the West Police District Command Staff will be hosting a tent for questions and a meet and greet. Please stop by for a cup of coffee on us! [read more]

June 11, 2017 7:01 AM

Every year, Special Olympics WI holds the WI State Games in Stevens Point, WI. Athletes from around the state compete in a variety of events similar to the Olympics. Several of our officers assist in the softball throw event which is sponsored by the WI Professional Police Association, which we … [read more]

April 17, 2017 10:10 AM

Today, we profile one of our officers who also hold a law degree, Officer Brian Vandervest. Many of you know him as a regular at Coffee with a Cop. It is held everyThursday morning at 9am at Steep and Brew at 6656 Odana Rd. Anyone is welcome to join the group! Brian has been serving in … [read more]

April 12, 2017 4:50 PM

Today an anonymous person was kind enough to drop off a cake to our officers. If the donor is out there, we just want to send a huge THANK YOU your way for thinking of us!! [read more]

April 7, 2017 7:39 AM

Officers Cummings and Acker responded to an alarm at a residence on the far west side of Madison. With the strong wind, the door was blown open, which set off the alarm. They checked the house and this mature, rescued, Golden Retriever named “Buttercup” greeted them at the door. After they … [read more]

March 1, 2017 2:02 PM

I don't know how many of you realize we have a policing celebrity in our midst! Professor Herman Goldstein currently lives in our fantastic district. His roots in policing run long and deep. He is worth a Google search. He is considered the father of "Problem Oriented Policing" which for … [read more]

February 24, 2017 8:13 AM

Yesterday we had a fantastic multi agency discussion at Steep and Brew on Odana Rd. with some interested citizens, Off. Brian Vandervest and Sheriff Dave Mahoney. Thanks again to Steep and Brew for hosting, this is a weekly event occurring every Thursday at 9am if you are interested in … [read more]