The Madison Police Department Podcast

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.