The Madison Police Department Podcast

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.