As a preamble to today's blog, I wanted to offer some brief comments on the OIR group's report that is scheduled for public release to the Ad Hoc Committee later this evening.
One of MPD's core values is a commitment to system(s) improvement. No organization should be immune from constantly evolving and exploring "best practices" that could lead to greater efficiencies, more humane outcomes, and sensitivities to new and/or emerging trends that affect our approach to providing qualitative services for our constituents. To this end, since I have not yet received (much less reviewed) the report, it would be premature to offer any opinions on the findings. As a matter of "process," once the report has been formally accepted by the Ad Hoc Committee and made public, MPD will spend a month in crafting a comprehensive response to the various recommendations. (Though not mandated, MPD employed a similar analysis when former President Obama's Committee on 21st Century Policing Recommendations were released; we posted our response to the applicable sections that governed municipal policing on our web site, where it can still be reviewed). It should be noted that it is only appropriate that our elected officials and members of the community should also be given sufficient time to consider the report on the merits. By the end of January (l8'), we are confident that we will have an accessible response to the OIR report.
From the outset of when OIR was first named as the consultant, MPD has cooperated fully and OIR has been granted unfettered access to people, products, and processes. There have been candid conversations and opportunities to make OIR aware of our strengths as well as those areas that could be improved. At the end of the day, it is my hope there are elements brought forward in the OIR report that can be incorporated not only in the short term but also as a means of strategic planning for the future.
From 5:30 a.m. on 12/13/2017 through 5:30 a.m. on 12/14/2017, MPD received 456 calls for service. This number does not include parking complaints or 911 misdials.
1) SOUTH: Residential Burglary – 6:48 a.m. Officers responded to the 1800 block of Beld St where a homeowner/victim (39 year old HF) reported that her home was entered sometime overnight. The keys to her vehicle were taken and the car was missing. The vehicle description was aired and entered into the appropriate databases. Investigation continuing.
2) EAST: Domestic Disturbance – 7:32 a.m. Officers responded to the 1300 block of S. Thompson Dr for a disturbance between a victim/mother (44 year old WF) and her son (15 year old WM). The victim reported being punched, strangled and having her haired pulled by her son after she requested that he take a shower. The juvenile has medical issues and mental health concerns. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation. Crisis contacted and an emergency detention to Winnebago started from Madison at approximately 3pm.
3) EAST: Crash with Injuries – 8:12 a.m. Officers responded to the Beltline/Stoughton Rd where a semi carrying a crane was overturned. Two occupants in the semi were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Lanes of traffic were closed at various times for the investigation and clean-up.
4) WEST: Recovered/Stolen Vehicle – 8:20 a.m. Officers responded to the 6000 block of Hempstead Rd for a report of an unoccupied stolen vehicle parked on the street. The vehicle was located and confirmed to be reported stolen. A second vehicle was also located in this same area, also confirmed to be reported stolen. As officers were in the area, a vehicle driven by a AAM drove past and sped from the area at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was not initiated. Investigation continuing.
5) SOUTH: Adult Arrested Person – 12:20 p.m. Officers contacted an occupied vehicle (with three occupants) on W. Shore Dr where marijuana and two handguns were located. The suspects were all AAM (ages 22, 25 and 26). They were arrested on various charges including felon in possession of a weapon, probation hold, possession with intent to sell THC, carrying a concealed weapon and bail jumping.
6) SOUTH: Death Investigation – 3:13 p.m. Officers responded to University Ave for a report of an obvious death. The decedent (22 year old WM) appeared to have overdosed given the drug paraphernalia on scene. Medical Examiner responded. Autopsy scheduled. Investigation continuing.
7) WEST: Weapons Offense – 4:01 p.m. Officers responded to the 5400 block of South Hill Dr where it was reported that a suspect (53 year old WM) was sending concerning text messages to the caller (wife) and was armed with a handgun. The suspect's son contacted the police to advise that his dad was pounding on his door and intoxicated. The son reported that his father handed him a loaded gun. The suspect was arrested for intoxicated use of a firearm and transported to a local hospital for an evaluation/treatment.
8) EAST: Armed Robbery – 6:47 p.m. Officers responded to the Subway in the 4600 block of Cottage Grove Rd for a report of a robbery. The suspect (HM) postured that he had a weapon and subsequently fled on foot. Investigation continuing. Press release completed.
9) CENTRAL: Domestic Disturbance – 7:41 p.m. Officers responded to the 600 block of E. Washington Ave reference a domestic disturbance. The victim (23 year old AAF) reported she was struck multiple times, tied up with electrical tape and strangled several times by a known suspect to her (25 year old AAM). The victim suffered injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. There are charges pending for the suspect once he is located for domestic disorderly conduct (2 counts), battery (5 counts), strangulation (3 counts) and false imprisonment. Investigation continuing.
10) SOUTH: Check Person – 9:16 p.m. Officers responded to assist MFD in the 500 block of S. Park St for a subject (18 year old WM) who overdosed on pills in a suicide attempt. The subject was not cooperative with EMS or MPD. The subject was taken into protective custody and transported to a local hospital for an evaluation. Journey Mental Health plugged in. The subject was admitted to the hospital; however an emergency detention may be sought if the subject attempts to leave the hospital against medical advice.
11) WEST: Armed Robbery – 10:11 p.m. Officers responded to a business in the 5500 block of University Ave for a report of an armed robbery by five suspects (all AAM). It was reported that the suspects entered the business, pointed guns and demanded money. During this incident, numerous victims were identified as being battered by the suspects. Investigation continuing.
12) SOUTH: Armed Robbery – 11:00 p.m. Officers responded to a convenience store in the 2700 block of the W. Beltline for an armed robbery. The suspect (AAM) displayed a handgun and hit the store employee/victim (21 year old AAM) with it. The suspect fled with money. A K9 track was conducted. Investigation continuing.
13) NORTH: Missing Juvenile/Runaway – 12:58 a.m. Officers responded to Rowland Ave for a report of a chronic missing runaway (15 year old WM). Attempt to locate aired. Juvenile was listed as missing in the appropriate databases.
Update from call on 12/12 - CENTRAL: Assist EMS/Fire – 5:56 a.m. Officers responded along with MFD to the 400 block of W. Mifflin St for a sprinkler system alarm activation. A suspect was observed on video surveillance holding up a flame to the sprinkler system. The suspect was identified, located and arrested. Search warrant in process. Investigation continuing.
**Update – the suspect ended up being transported to Winnebago on an emergency detention order during 4th detail (8p-4a shift on 12/13/2017).
**Priority only calls from 10:40 p.m. to 2:10 a.m. due to calls for service.