Over 100 days ago, I stood before the Madison community and committed myself to what was described as an "ambitious agenda". That agenda included a prioritization of crime prevention, community engagement, and employee safety and wellness. I presented this agenda to innovate, reimagine, and focus our department on 21st-century policing ideals. I am humbled to have been entrusted with the public safety responsibilities of a world-class community, Madison, Wisconsin. It is my goal to continue policing the "Madison Way," which incorporates community policing, compassion, and procedural justice in all of our decision-making processes. With these promises in mind, I present a brief snapshot of my first 100 days as Chief of Police for the Madison Police Department. I am grateful to the men and women of this department who work every day to strengthen the relationships between the police and our community. I understand that we have a long way to go, and that there are people who are not optimistic about the future of policing in Madison (and across our country). I must always remain hopeful that our differences do not divide our community; realizing that we are stronger when we work together. I am hopeful because my leadership team and I have spent the last three months laying the foundation of stratified policing, community engagement, and working on the mental wellness of our dedicated workforce. We have created opportunities for open communication with the Madison community and any person who would call Madison home or a place to visit. Throughout all my various meetings and forums one thing has been a singular focus - continuous improvement of our organization so that we can fulfill our promise of being a national model for exceptional policing through our commitment to selfless public service. I am truly proud to call Madison, Wisconsin my home.
-Chief Shon F. Barnes
The First 100 Days - Chief 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 06/28/2021 through 6:00 a.m. on 06/29/2021, MPD received 490 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 (70), East (96), Midtown (80), North (87), South (50), West (71), and Other (36). "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.
06/28
NORTH: Death Investigation – 6:19 a.m. Officers responded to a pulseless non-breathing subject. The subject (57-year-old female) was pronounced deceased. The decedent had health concerns. Medical Examiner's office responded. Nothing suspicious identified.
WEST: Residential Burglary – 6:30 a.m. Officers responded to an interrupted residential burglary. The homeowner/victim chased two juveniles out of his garage. The suspects fled in a reported stolen vehicle. Investigation continuing.
WEST: Stolen Vehicle – 6:51 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen. Attempt to locate aired. The vehicle was listed as stolen in the appropriate databases.
NORTH: Suspicious Person – 10:45 a.m. Officers received a report of a suspicious person and inappropriate content shared between the suspect and a minor. Investigation continuing.
WEST: Adult Arrested Person – 11:02 a.m. Officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on scene. Officers arrived and a passenger fled on foot. A 21-year-old male suspect was taken into custody. Charges include operating a motor vehicle without consent (passenger), resisting and bail jumping. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
NORTH: Assist EMS/Fire – 2:11 p.m. Officers assisted with perimeter security and traffic control on Woodward Drive after a vehicle backed into a LP tank causing a leak. Multiple other agencies on scene to assist.
MIDTOWN: Death Investigation – 2:46 p.m. Officers received a request to check the welfare of a subject at her residence. The subject (65-year-old female) was located deceased. Medical Examiner's office responded. The decedent had previous health concerns. Nothing suspicious identified.
WEST: Check Person – 4:34 p.m. Officers contacted a subject who made suicidal statements. Journey Mental Health consulted. Resources provided to the subject. No legal action deemed necessary by officers at this time.
EAST: Recovered/Stolen Vehicle – 10:40 p.m. A vehicle was reported stolen. The vehicle was located/recovered. Two suspects (36-year-old male and 48-year-old male) were arrested/charged with operating a motor vehicle without consent and probation violations.
CENTRAL: Assist Law Enforcement – 11:28 p.m. Officers responded to assist DCSO with a boat that was on fire. Individuals on the boat were able to escape and swim to shore. No injuries reported.
EAST: Domestic Disturbance – 11:59 p.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a 21-year-old male suspect. The suspect was arrested/charged with domestic battery, disorderly conduct and intimidation of a victim.
06/29
EAST: Mental Health Conveyance – 12:48 a.m. Officers received a request to check the welfare of a subject banging on the caller's door. The subject was located and taken into protective custody. The subject was conveyed to a local hospital for an evaluation. Journey Mental Health consulted. Emergency detention being sought. Final outcome pending.
EAST: Disturbance – 12:56 a.m. Officers responded to N. Marquette St for a report of a subject with a gun. Disturbance involving multiple individuals located. A 25-year-old male suspect was arrested/charged with disorderly conduct. A 21-year-old male suspect was arrested/charged with battery. A 17-year-old male suspect was arrested/charged with resisting. No weapon located. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
SOUTH: Domestic Disturbance – 1:37 a.m. Officers responded to a disturbance involving a 19-year-old female suspect. The suspect was arrested/charged with domestic battery, domestic disorderly conduct and domestic criminal damage to property.