Explore every episode of the podcast The Madison Police Department Podcast

Community Engagement Specialist Alex Rickets discusses the importance of engaging youth in our community and highlights the MPD's involvement in the Late Night Basketball program through the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County.

Chief Barnes sits down with former MPD Leaders, Chief David Cooper (1972-1993) and Chief Noble Wray (2004-2014), to discuss their experiences leading the Madison Police Department in years past. They reminisce on how MPD has changed to reflect the Madison community and their ever-evolving response to new community needs.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode, learn how our officers help those living with mental health concerns. We talk about everything from our training to the CARES program to ways your family can safely communicate during a stressful situation.

In our inaugural Episode, entitled "Where I'm From" Henry Sanders, from Madison 365 will assume hosting duties. This episode explores a few moments in the life and career of Chief Barnes which greatly influenced his professional leadership style and philosophy around policing, as well as, MPD's vision for public safety here in Madison.

In our inaugural Episode, entitled "Where I'm From" Henry Sanders, from Madison 365 will assume hosting duties. This episode explores a few moments in the life and career of Chief Barnes which greatly influenced his professional leadership style and philosophy around policing, as well as, MPD's vision for public safety here in Madison.

In this previously recorded first episode of Chief's Corner, Chief Barnes sits down with Public Information Officer Tyler Grigg to share recent updates on his focus for community engagement, crime prevention and officer wellness. Did you know nearly 85% of MPD is now vaccinated? Chief Barnes says that the community groups he's met with are excited to "get to know our officers again" after a year without any face-to-face interaction. And as a North Carolina native, he also reveals who he rooted for in the Badger's first round NCAA March Madness matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels. "Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility and we can make our community better, but only together." - Chief Shon Barnes

Listen in as we mark a moment of transition for the Madison community and the MPD.  After a year-long hiring process, Chief Shon Barnes becomes the 30th chief of police for the city of Madison.  In this podcast, Chief Barnes sits down with Public Information Officer Tyler Grigg for the first time to have a candid conversation about his goals for the Department and the community. 

Following a nationwide search, the Madison Police Department found the best candidate to take over the public information office close to home. Really close to home. Tyler Grigg is currently a police officer with the MPD, and in a sense, has been a PIO in training for many years. On the podcast, current PIO Joel DeSpain and Acting Chief Vic Wahl introduce us to Grigg, as Grigg prepares to turn in his badge, and DeSpain readies for retirement. Chief Wahl is also gearing up to step aside as the Department’s chief. He initially thought he’d hold the title only a few months. Now 16 months later, he reflects on what it has been like leading the MPD through an unprecedented year.

After more than 13 years, and four police chiefs, MPD PIO Joel DeSpain has decided to call it a career at the end of the year. In the podcast, Chief Victor Wahl turns the tables, acting DeSpain about the trials and tribulations of dispensing information. DeSpain, a former journalist, talks about the transition from reporter to news source, and how both of his chosen professions have drastically changed.

The MPD will be getting a new police chief, possibly by the end of the year, and the selection process turns out to be very unique in Wisconsin. On the podcast, Acting Chief Victor Wahl provides insight into how state leaders have tried to keep politics out police chief picks. He also lets us know where the process stands right now, and what qualities the new chief should possess to be successful in Madison.

The Madison Police Department, for decades, has been looked at as one of the best in the country with highly-trained officers committed to community-based and problem-solving policing. However, in the face of very tight budgets, and calls by some to defund the police, the future of policing Madison style is in limbo. In this podcast Chief Vic Wahl talks about potential cuts, what MPD units might be impacted, and what this all could mean for public safety.

The MPD is one of the first departments in the country to ask for an outside group to examine and review its response to recent protests. The MPD has come under scrutiny from critics about its handling of this year’s ongoing civil unrest. Chief Vic Wahl has now asked the University of Pennsylvania Law School's Quattrone Center, which works on initiatives to improve the criminal justice system, to study the MPD’s handling of protests. In this podcast, Chief Wahl talks about his view of the protests and the hopes he has for upcoming review.

Presidential candidates, homicides, protests, will all impact the MPD’s bottom-line this year. As they do so at a time when money is needed for more police officers, if the MPD is to provide the same level of service expected by Madison community. It is very hard to budget for what you do not know, and many might be surprised at some of the non-discretionary items already contained in the $82 million budget. MPD Finance Manager Teague Mawer provides insight into what’s behind the numbers. We also hear from Acting Chief Vic Wahl about financial challenges ahead, particularly with the pending annexation of the Town of Madison, and the increasing need for a new North District station.

At a time when those applying to be police officers is on the decline nationally, the MPD is bucking the trend. Numbers of applicants are up this year, with many indicating they are applying nowhere else. Some got in the MPD pipeline as teenage explorers, others as college interns. In this podcast Capt. Lori Chalecki, a former explorer and intern herself, talks about the department’s new Public Safety Cadet program, and how it is now helping bolster the MPD ranks. Acting Chief Vic Wahl, a former MPD intern, and MPD Public Information Officer Joel DeSpain, who coordinates the MPD’s internship program, join the conversation about what’s going right in recruitment.

When two Madison Police officers showed up in her hospital room, a woman who had just overdosed on heroin, thought she was likely going to jail. Instead, the officers offered her an opportunity that helped change her life. Now Shawn Sveum hopes to help to others who are struggling by appearing on this podcast and candidly talking about her difficult path to a healthy and happy life. It all started when those officers in the hospital told her about MPD’s Madison Addiction Recovery Initiative, or MARI. Joining Sveum on the podcast is MARI coordinator, Officer Bernie Albright, who provides exciting news about the program’s future.

It is one of the most prolific crime problems plaguing the greater Madison area, and finding ways to deter young burglars and car thieves has proven elusive. In this podcast a veteran officer Scott Favour, who is assigned to the MPD’s Criminal Intelligence Section, provides insight into the young people who are fueling the disturbing trend, as well as useful prevention tips. Acting Chief Vic Wahl also joins host Joel DeSpain for a candid discussion on a crime spree impacting the lives of many community members.

In terms of cracking cases - from misdemeanors to homicides - it is an incredibly valuable tool, one that has taken on even greater importance in the past decade, particularly when it comes to the plethora of data and clues often contained in cellphones. On the podcast, Madison Police Department Digital Forensics Investigator Justin Adsit takes us on a deep dive into a world of crime fighting few get to hear about, until now.

Wisconsin’s Adult Crossing Guard Recognition Week In the dead of winter, they are bundled up, standing on busy streets shepherding some of our most valued community members: our children. This week is Adult Crossing Guard Recognition Week in Wisconsin. On the podcast, Madison Police Department crossing guard supervisors Patti Knoche and Virginia Kravik talk about the many ways we can say thanks to those who have chosen a sometimes dangerous job. They also provide tips for parents on how best to talk with sons and daughters about the best ways to stay safe going to and from school.

In the final Madison Police Department podcast of 2019, Acting Chief Vic Wahl joins Public Information Officer Joel DeSpain for a frank and honest discussion about current staffing levels at the MPD. Chief Wahl provides insights about how a patrol officer shortage could impact some of the Department’s core values: community-based policing, problem-oriented policing, and trust-based policing. There are a number of models used to determine police staffing levels, and Chief Wahl believes some are badly flawed. He explains why in this podcast.

There are new parking orders in place for this winter, and rules could be changing even more dramatically in the future. Madison is a beautiful city, situated between lakes, but the geography produces parking challenges that are very unique, particularly when snow flies. In this podcast, City of Madison Parking Supervisor Stefanie Niesen joins Acting Chief Vic Wahl, and Public Information Officer Joel DeSpain, for an educational discussion about keeping streets and lakes clean, while also providing tips about avoiding tickets this winter.

Officer Ken Mulry would have already retired had it not been for an opportunity to jump in the saddle. Now he’s still enjoying the ride, protecting and serving the Madison community. After a fledgling start, Madison’s Mounted Unit is now a vital part of the Department: six horses strong, and fully supported by the non-profit “Friends of the Madison Mounted Horst Patrol.” Riders are improving community relations, finding lost people, and helping manage large crowds. Just don’t try petting a horse at bar time. That’s a big no, no. Officer Mulry explains why as he takes us behind the Mounted Unit badge in this podcast.

Sometimes it’s hard to find statistics to support some of the most important police work taking place in Madison. When a dedicated and caring gang officer helps turn a life around, and that teen goes on – not to commit more crimes – but become a valued community member, that is not recorded in any official stats. Yet, it is happening, and veteran Gang Unit Officer Lester Moore knows just how great success feels. He also knows the agony of losing someone you tried so hard to help. A candid conversation about the state of Madison’s gang culture is the focus of our latest podcast.

He spent 35 years helping the MPD move forward as a national model of community-based, problem-solving policing. Along the way, Chief Mike Koval either recruited or hired the majority of the dedicated men and women who proudly help keep Madison safe today. In this podcast, Interim Police Chief Vic Wahl reflects on Koval’s legacy and how his recent retirement impacts the organization. Chief Wahl also talks about his vision for moving the MPD forward as Madison’s Police and Fire Commission lays out a plan to hire the next chief. It’s a rather unique process for our country, and you’ll also hear how it works in this podcast.

In this podcast listeners are getting a peak behind the multiple curtains that make up the MPD’s Property Rooms. Currently specially trained guardians are overseeing some 125,000 pieces of property and evidence, and they are quickly running out of space. Property Supervisor Lorie Anderson joins Chief Koval and Joel DeSpain for a colorful look at the tasks her team faces.

The MPD is finding new and exciting ways to connect with the city’s young people, breaking down barriers with police through youth academies and other programming. Officers are also providing many who stray from the justice the opportunity to participate in restorative justice processes. Helping lead the charge on both fronts is CORE - our Community Outreach and Resource Education unit. In this podcast CORE team leader Sgt. Meg Hamilton talks about how her unit is helping change attitudes and lives.

It is a specially-trained team whose members pride themselves on being able to resolve high-risk calls without injury to suspects, citizens or police officers. In this podcast, SWAT Captain Jason Freedman talks about the types of calls that necessitate a SWAT response, and how his team takes the time after each to explain to witnesses why SWAT was dispatched into their neighborhood.

In our back to school special we talk about the safety of children getting to and from school, everything from prevention to enforcement. Crossing Guard Supervisor Patti Knoche, Parking Enforcement Supervisor Stefanie Niesen, and Motor Unit Officers Richard Wipperfurth and Michael Beatty all join us for this important information.

The MPD is having success in rounding up violent criminals and bringing them to justice, and one of the reasons for it is VCU. The Violent Crime Unit was established by Chief Koval several years ago. Results were so good, VCU has now grown into two teams. On the podcast, leaders of both - Det. Sgt. Diane Nachtigal and Det. Sgt. John Messer - talk about how they are now working with the community-based Focused Interruption Coalition to glean needed information to solve crimes.

The MPD is in the process of hiring a new class of recruits, and despite national trends, the number of applicants applying is going up. In this podcast, Sgt. Kipp Hartman, who heads-up recruiting efforts, talks about how his team is having great success finding quality candidates. Hartman also provides some unique insight into what the MPD is seeking in recruits, and what you can do to increase your odds of landing a job, should you decide to apply.

The Madison Police Department is blessed to have a top-notch non-profit organization – Capital K9’s – supporting our K9 Unit – now eight dogs strong! In addition, many animal-loving community members have made very generous donations for the purchase of our beloved K9’s. The most recent addition to the unit is Archie, who is now into his first summer tracking and detecting. In this podcast, Officer Emily House, Archie’s partner, joins Chief Koval to talk about all that our specially trained dogs are doing to keep the Madison community safe.

Now in it's 8th year, CampHERO teaches girls courage, character, and confidence, as well as the protective services of EMS, Fire, and Police. Girl Scout and Captain Jennifer Krueger Favour joins us to talk about this fantastic program. It fills up every summer, so here's what you need to know to come this time next year! Hint: You don't have to be a girl scout!

Parking Enforcement Officer is apparently a coveted position! Stefanie Nieson joins us to talk about the unit and some of the most common reasons people get tickets.

Specially trained officers and embedded mental health professionals are keeping more people out of the criminal justice system and getting them connected to resources for the help they need. In the process they are peacefully resolving situations, saving lives, helping families, and building stronger bonds with those they serve. In this podcast Mental Health Team Sgt. Sarah Shimko and Mental Health Officer Andrew Muir talk about the rising need for their specialized services.

Madison Police officers will be building stronger bonds with area young people this summer through youth academies, soccer programs and other activities designed to build leaders while breaking down barriers between youth and police. In this podcast Community Outreach Captain Matt Tye talks about MPD’s efforts to partner with outside agencies to find solutions to social and community issues impacting young people. Capt. Tye also examines how his team is helping children make better decisions through restorative justice efforts.

MPD’s training team is gearing up for some real challenges as at least 50 new police recruits will soon be sworn in to protect and serve the Madison community. This will be the largest recruit class in MPD history. On this podcast, Capt. Jen Krueger Favour, who leads the academy, talks about the enormous class size: why so many are needed, and why an ample number of top-notch candidates applied despite a national narrative that is not always favorable to the profession.

The MPD has been leading the nation in teaching officers about implicit biases since 2011. Now the Departments’ subject matter experts are taking these educational efforts out into the community. Their workshops are creating stronger neighborhoods where residents trust one another and don’t build barriers because of differences. In the second of our two-part podcast on this important topic, Officers Natalie Deibel and Officer Lore Vang talk about how their backgrounds in educating college students is helping bring home community-building messages.

It is something the MPD took a national lead on years ago. Now a group of Madison Police officers, all subject matter experts in implicit bias training, have formed a team and are leading efforts to educate many, both inside and outside of the MPD, on how to recognize unconscious biases. The goal is to have more compassionate officers and community members. In this podcast two from the team, Officer Natalie Deibel and Officer Lore Vang, talk about how their work is changing lives and policing for the better.

At a time in America where some in the Latino community are feeling somewhat uneasy, here in Madison all are finding they have good friends in the law enforcement community. In this podcast, members of the our Amigos en Azul team talk about a plethora of community engagements they are making to ensure all in the Latino community feel welcomed and protected. Sgt. Harrison Zanders and Officer Gracia Rodriguez join Chief Koval to talk about the importance of the unit in terms of public safety and quality of life.

MPD’s adult crossing guard program Some have been honored for saving children’s lives, others have escorted the same students from kindergarten through high school graduation, and are revered and loved by countless families. In this podcast, MPD’s crossing guard supervisors Patti Knoche and Virginia Kravik join the podcast to talk about holding drivers accountable and the training it takes to become a member of their close-knit team.

Community engagement is a top priority for MPD officers. In this podcast North District Neighborhood Resource Officer David Dexheimer talks about the very successful Coffee with a Cop program, as well as other ways he and others are building stronger partnerships between the community and the police department.

In this podcast we venture into a sometimes secret area of the MPD: Professional Standards and Internal Affairs. While members of the public can file complaints against officers, it is also the case that a large share of investigations are launched without a complaint, on a pro-active basis. Lt. Tim Radke joins Chief Koval on the podcast to shed light on the unit he leads.

There is no doubt about it, says MPD Captain Brian Chaney Austin, MPD’s innovative Peer Support Program has definitely saved officers lives, and assisted many in coping with stresses and health-related issues that often come with seeing things that can be sad and horrible. In this podcast Capt. Chaney Austin joins Chief Koval in talking about how crucial officer to officer support is in keeping the men and women of the MPD on the job and functioning at a high level.

It’s a throwback really, to the way life used to be: neighbor helping neighbor, knowing those who live on your block, pitching in when anyone needed assistance. The MPD is helping restore that strong sense of community through the Good Neighbor Project, an outgrowth of what was once community crime watch programs.  In this podcast Crime Prevention Officer Tyler Grigg and Midvale Heights Good Neighbor Project leader Wendy Reichel talk about the upcoming Good Neighbor Night, which will be open to all who want to get involved in projects in their neighborhoods. Good Neighbor Night will be February 18th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at High Point Church, 7702 Old Sauk Rd.

If you see looks of worry on faces of Madison firefighters, it is for good reason! The “Mad City Police” hockey team is sporting a winning confidence this season in the run-up to the annual charity classic: “Battle of the Badges.” In this podcast Officer Scott Beckfield talks about how MPD skaters have been training hard for the January 26th family event at Hartmeyer Ice Arena. The game – which features a family skate - is actually all about having fun with 100% of proceeds going to Safe Communities of Madison-Dane County. Money will go to the non-profits opiate intervention and recovery programs. No matter who wins on the 26th, helping those addicted to drugs like heroin is a cause close to the hearts of police officers and firefighters. All are on the frontlines, the first responders who’re trying to save lives of those who’ve overdosed.

Madison’s Special Events Team (SET) is regarded as one of the best crowd management police units in the nation. Now SET is setting a new standard in protecting people through a specially trained medic platoon. On this podcast Officer Lars Bland, who was a nurse before coming to the MPD, talks about the importance of having police medics in crowds of people.

The police union and MPD management forge strong bonds and a common vision They both want body worn cameras and more prosecutors for the District Attorney’s office. At the Madison Police Department there is a somewhat unique relationship between command staff and the MPPOA – the Madison Professional Police Officers Association. In this podcast, Officer Dan Frei, the MPPOA’s president sits down with Chief Koval to talk about why things work so well here when others often have serious issues between union and management.

MPD’s Special Investigations Unit recognized as leader in focused deterrence A special team at the MPD looks to identify Madison’s most prolific repeat violent offenders with hopes of turning lives of crime around. The Special Investigations Unit is now seven years old and a national model in focused deterrence. Many offenders are taking the hand up, becoming good members of the community, others have found themselves swiftly back behind bars. In this podcast SIU coordinator, Officer Bernie Albright, talks about SIU detectives being life coaches and mentors to their clients. 

It is a subject many in policing have historically not wanted to talk about: suicides among first responders. Officers often see, hear, smell and sometimes even taste things that can be awful and horrendous. Over time this can take a toll. Fortunately through peer support and a wonderful City of Madison Employee Assistance Program (EAP) officers are getting support and help. On this podcast EAP administrator Tresa Martinez joins the podcast for a candid conversation on a difficult topic.

Veteran MPD detective provides an insiders perspective What we see on TV crime shows is far from reality. On the podcast veteran detective Justine Harris talks about what really takes place when she is communicating with someone in crisis: many times in danger of harming themselves or others. Det. Harris is with the MPD’s Violent Crime Unit, but is also one of several specially trained employees who are called out to try to peacefully resolve volatile situations.

Department of Corrections joins forces with MPD If you are wanting to find out about sex offenders living in your neighborhood, it is as easy as accessing the internet and going to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry. On the other end, the person in charge of keeping track of Dane County sex offenders (there are over 1000) is Gabrielle Kaiser. On the podcast she talks about how crucial MPD officers are in helping her monitor the whereabouts of those on the registry, particularly those who are homeless and living in downtown Madison.