Retired MPD Captain Joe Balles created the non-profit Madison Community Policing Foundation (MCPF) in part to "grow the relationship between the police and the community in any way we can." Since 2016 the foundation has raised over $300,000 in donations that are used for community outreach programs and to continue MPD's "progressive legacy around problem-solving and community policing."
In this episode of the Chief's Corner you'll hear from MCPF Chair Joe Balles and learn about a special challenge coin the foundation is presenting to every MPD employee to acknowledge their difficult work during the pandemic.
"We may bend a little, but we certainly don't break, and the way we do that is by serving together." – Chief Shon F. 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 04/15/2021 through 6:00 a.m. on 04/16/2021, MPD received 409 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 (69), East (71), Midtown (71), North (63), South (34), West (60), and Other (41). "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.
04/15
CENTRAL: Domestic Disturbance – 6:57 a.m. The victim reported that the suspect (26-year-old male) took her car keys and her vehicle without her permission. Officers determined that the suspect has bail conditions not to have contact with the victim. Officers developed probable cause to charge the suspect with bail jumping. The suspect is at large.
MIDTOWN: Domestic Disturbance – 7:47 a.m. The victim reported that during an argument, the suspect (76-year-old male) pushed him which caused him to fall and cut himself. Officers arrested the suspect and charged him with domestic battery and disorderly conduct.
EAST: Disturbance – 7:54 a.m. During an argument, the suspect (13-year-old male) swore at one victim and attempted to break her car window. The suspect also threatened, pushed and punched a second victim. Officers arrested the suspect for disorderly conduct.
WEST: PNB Response – 9:45 a.m. Officers responded to a residence where a subject (31-year-old female) was found down with agonal breathing and a faint pulse. MFD paramedics transported the subject to the hospital.
SOUTH: Disturbance – 9:53 a.m. Officers made contact with several subjects who were involved in a dispute over vandalism that was done to the car of one of the subjects. None of the subjects was interested in pursuing a complaint. A police report was done to document the incident.
MIDTOWN: Mental Health Conveyance – 10:07 a.m. Officers assisted with the transfer of a hospital patient to the psychiatric ward of the hospital.
EAST: Domestic Disturbance – 12:17 p.m. The victim reported that during an argument, the suspect (35-year-old male) kicked down her door after she locked him out. Officers developed probable cause to charge the suspect with domestic disorderly conduct and damage to property. The suspect is at large.
NORTH: Child Abuse – 1:54 p.m. Officers investigated a report of abuse of an infant. CPS was notified. Investigation continuing.
MIDTOWN: Check Person – 2:01 p.m. Dispatch received a call informing that a subject (45-year-old male) had possibly harmed his roommate. Officers responded to the residence and determined the roommate was ok and did not need police or medical assistance.
CENTRAL: Death Investigation – 4:25 p.m. Staff at a retirement home found the subject (93-year-old female) deceased in her residence. Medical examiner responded.
MIDTOWN: Domestic Disturbance – 10:49 p.m. The victim reported that the suspect (25-year-old male) attempted to enter the victim's residence. The suspect was previously served a stalking letter. The victim reported that several days ago during an argument, when the suspect was moving his belongings out of their apartment, the suspect scratched the victim. Officers developed probable cause to charge the suspect with stalking and domestic disorderly conduct. The suspect is at large.
04/16
EAST: Mental Health Conveyance – 1:20 a.m. Officers responded to a residence for a suicidal subject (18-year-old male). The subject was conveyed to a local hospital where after making contact with mental health professionals, a safety plan was made and the subject was released to the care of his family.
NORTH: Check Person – 1:56 a.m. Officers responded to check the welfare of a subject (47-year-old male) who reportedly made suicidal statements when speaking with Journey Mental Health staff. Officers made contact with the subject and determined he did not need police or medical assistance.
MIDTOWN: Mental Health Conveyance – 3:25 a.m. Officers responded to a local hospital for a patient (37-year-old female) who had caused a disturbance and ran away from the hospital. Officers located the subject, placed her in protective custody and returned her to the hospital. Officers consulted with Journey Mental Health and made preparations for an emergency detention.