Like those of you who saw the video out of Minneapolis earlier this week, my reactions were disbelief and dismay. And while this involved another police department, in another city, in another state, I recognize the impact it has locally. Many in our community, and particularly members of the African American community, are rightfully feeling pain and anger as they contemplate what took place. So, it's important for those served by MPD to hear from me about this. Attached below is a letter from the Dane County Chiefs of Police Association, condemning the actions of the officers in Minneapolis and highlighting the efforts made by law enforcement here in Dane County to build trust. I join in and endorse this message. What we saw on that video is completely at odds with the training, policy, values and philosophy of the Madison Police Department.
Public trust in a police department can be a fragile thing, and nothing has the potential to damage it like a use of force encounter. MPD has put forth considerable efforts in recent years to improve outcomes in crisis situations. This has come in the form of improved policies, additional training, and new equipment. However, what's more important to outcomes in these incidents – in my view – are less tangible things: what kind of people we hire, what our values are as an organization, and what our culture is. My focus will continue to be on ensuring that we hire the best people who are called to serve the community; that we operate in a manner consistent with our core values and mission statement; and that our organizational culture be one centered on service, justice and fairness.
Statement from Dane County Chiefs of Police Association
The information provided below about some of the calls officers responded to is derived from notes provided by MPD Officers-In-Charge (OIC) at the end of their shifts. Most narratives represent early and preliminary information that was gathered by an OIC from those in the field who were actively working cases. The OIC is sharing what they were being told, in the moment. In many instances, facts and circumstances, even the type of crime listed, can change as officers, detectives and investigators continue their work.
From 6:00 a.m. on 05/27/2020 through 6:00 a.m. on 05/28/2020, MPD received 421 calls for service. This number does not include parking complaints or 911 misdials. A breakdown of the calls for service per district is as follows: Central (64), East (79), Midtown (60), North (69), South (51), West (61), and Other (37). "Other" is used for calls that either do not have a sector or the sector is not in the City. This would be used in the case of one of our officers assisting another law enforcement agency.
05/27
**Priority calls from 3:56 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. due to calls for service.
NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 6:03 a.m. Officers responded to a disturbance between two subjects (male victim and 37-year-old female suspect) involving a knife. The victim reported being stabbed and punched him. The suspect was not on scene. Probable cause developed to arrest/charge the suspect once she is located. Investigation continuing.
MIDTOWN: Domestic Disturbance – 6:45 a.m. Officers responded to a residence and met with a victim (male) who reported that a known suspect (30-year-old female) damaged his vehicle the night before and was sending him threatening text messages. The suspect was not able to be contacted. Probable cause developed to arrest/charge the suspect once she is located. Investigation continuing.
MIDTOWN: Stolen Vehicle – 8:14 a.m. Officers received a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was reported to be left unlocked and had a key in it. **The vehicle was located/recovered.
SOUTH: Stolen Vehicle – 9:03 a.m. Officers received a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence. A key was left in the vehicle. The vehicle was entered as stolen in the appropriate databases.
CENTRAL: Stolen Vehicle – 11:52 a.m. Officers received a report of a stolen motorcycle. The keys were left with the motorcycle. Attempt to locate aired. The motorcycle was listed as stolen in the appropriate databases.
WEST: Domestic Disturbance – 12:06 p.m. Officers met with a victim (female) who reported a physical disturbance with a known suspect (27-year-old male) a few days prior. The victim sustained visible injuries from the altercation. Probable cause developed to arrest/charge the suspect, once he is located. Investigation continuing.
EAST: Drug Incident – 1:21 p.m. Officers responded to a suspect (29-year-old male) experiencing an overdose. Naloxone was administered, which revived the suspect. The suspect admitted to using heroin. The suspect was medically cleared and then arrested/charged with possession of heroin, bail jumping and a probation hold.
WEST: Juvenile Arrest – 1:45 p.m. An officer observed a wanted juvenile (16-year-old female) and a traffic stop was attempted but the juvenile/vehicle fled. Later in the day the juvenile was observed at Southdale Park. The juvenile attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended.
EAST: Recovered Stolen Vehicle – 2:41 p.m. A stolen vehicle from Fitchburg was located running and unoccupied in the Darbo/Worthington neighborhood. Fitchburg PD notified.
WEST: Death Investigation – 3:38 p.m. Officers responded to a report of a deceased subject (67-year-old female). Medical Examiner's office responded. Autopsy pending. Investigation continuing.
CITY-WIDE: Assist Police – 3:51 p.m. Officers responded, and assisted Fitchburg PD, with a shots fired incident on Anton Drive. MPD assisted with stabilizing the scene. Fitchburg PD has the lead on this investigation.
WEST: Weapons Offense – 8:42 p.m. Officers responded to a report of shots fired and numerous subjects/vehicles in the area. Subjects involved fled as officers were arriving in the area. Limited information/cooperation provided. Canvas of the area yielded several casings. No report of injuries or property damage at this time. Investigation continuing.
WEST: Disturbance – 9:55 p.m. Officers responded to a disturbance after a road rage incident occurred between two subjects (male victim and 23-year-old male suspect). The suspect threatened the suspect and mentioned having a gun (although one was not seen). The suspect was arrested for disorderly conduct.
SOUTH: Information/Sexual Assault – 10:44 p.m. Officers met with a victim (female) who reported being sexually assaulted by a known suspect (24-year-old male). Investigation continuing.
SOUTH: Check Person – 11:09 p.m. Officers consulted with Journey Mental Health regarding a male subject with cuts on his arms. EMS responded. No transport deemed necessary. Officers disengaged but were called to the subject's employer later in the night where the subject was believed to be intoxicated. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital. An emergency detention has not been approved/supported at this time. The subject was left in the care of medical staff.
NORTH: Child Neglect – 11:10 p.m. A subject brought three children to the North Police District stating that they were given to him from a semi-friend (father of the children) and he needed to surrender them. Attempts were made to identify/locate the parents of the children. Child Protective Services responded and took custody of the children. Investigation continuing.
05/28
NORTH: Residential Burglary – 5:30 a.m. Officers responded to a group of juveniles entering a residential garage, cause damage and steal personal property. Investigation continuing.