Have you ever heard of the Madison Method? It's MPD's nationally-recognized philosophy for policing events, crowds and protests. In this episode of the Chief's Corner, Midtown District Captain Jason Freedman sits down with Chief Barnes to discuss how MPD strives to protect First Amendment rights while ensuring public safety using the Madison Method.
Did you know that in 2020 MPD policed more than 180 consecutive days of protests? Only a handful of them involved violence or significant property damage. And because one of MPD's core values is continuous improvement, the Madison Method has continued to evolve and improve over the decades as each crowd event is reviewed.
"When people decide they want to express their First Amendment rights, our #1 priority is making sure they can do that, and do that in a way that's safe for everyone." ---Chief Shon Barnes
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 03/29/2021 through 6:00 a.m. on 03/30/2021, MPD received 368 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 (55), East (60), Midtown (59), North (66), South (40), West (68), and Other (20). "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.
03/29
CENTRAL: Mental Health Conveyance – 8:31 a.m. Officers responded to check the welfare of a suicidal subject. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. Final outcome pending.
WEST: Domestic Disturbance – 9:12 a.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a 30-year-old male suspect. The suspect was arrested/charged with domestic disorderly conduct, battery and false imprisonment.
SOUTH: Recovered Stolen Vehicle – 10:57 a.m. A stolen vehicle, unoccupied, was recovered. Vehicle towed. Investigation continuing.
NORTH: Disturbance – 11:18 a.m. A suspect (42-year-old female) threatened a victim with a machete. Probable cause developed to arrest/charge the suspect, once she is located. **The suspect was later located and arrested on multiple charges.
WEST: Death Investigation – 1:17 p.m. Officers responded to a residence for a deceased subject (81-year-old male). Nothing suspicious observed.
WEST: Assist EMS – 1:32 p.m. Officers responded, along with EMS, for a subject who called the VA for help and disconnected. Entry made into the residence and the subject was located in need of medical aid. Lifesaving efforts performed. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital.
NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 5:10 p.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a 20-year-old male suspect. The suspect was arrested/charged with domestic disorderly conduct while armed and battery.
NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 6:07 p.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a 26-year-old male suspect. The suspect was arrested/charged with domestic disorderly conduct and felony bail jumping (2 counts).
EAST: Death Investigation – 6:11 p.m. Officers responded to a residence for a deceased subject (52-year-old male). Nothing suspicious observed.
MIDTOWN: Domestic Disturbance – 6:33 p.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a 37-year-old male suspect. The suspect was not on scene when officers arrived. Probable cause developed to arrest/charge the suspect, once he is located.
EAST: Disturbance – 9:12 p.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a 37-year-old male suspect. The suspect was arrested/charged with robbery, disorderly conduct while armed, criminal damage to property, resisting and possession with intent THC.
CENTRAL: Disturbance – 9:12 p.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a subject/suspect (33-year-old male). The suspect attempted to flee when officers arrived on scene but he was apprehended. The suspect was conveyed to a local hospital for a medical clearance and attempted to flee again. The suspect was ultimately arrested/conveyed to jail on the following charges – resisting (2 counts), escape, possession of drug paraphernalia and bail jumping (several counts).
EAST: Domestic Disturbance – 10:36 p.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a 24-year-old male suspect. The suspect was arrested/charged with domestic battery.
03/30
WEST: Check Person – 3:59 a.m. Officers responded to a residence to check the welfare of a possible suicidal subject. Entry was made to the residence and the subject was found to be in need of medical attention. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital.