The Madison Police Department Podcast

A prominent defense attorney provides keen insights following Mollie Van Wagner’s death Following the recent heroin overdose death of his beloved daughter Mollie, prominent defense attorney Chris Van Wagner joins the podcast to talk about what families need to understand about addiction. Mollie, a Madison native, died at the age of 29, after being saved two times previously by Madison Police who administered Narcan following past overdoses. Diminishing the stigma surrounding heroin addiction, and getting more help for people like Mollie is now pushing her dad forward, as he explains in this emotional podcast.

A candid and inspiring conversation with Educational Resource Officer Zulma Franco A small, but very vocal group of people are trying to get police officers out of Madison’s high schools. Yet, if they took the time to get to know Officer Zulma Franco – and the Department’s other Educational Resource Officers – they might find much of their opposition is misplaced. In this podcast, Officer Franco, East High School’s ERO, talks about her relationship with students, staff, and parents. And, how she uses her personal story to inspire hope. Pregnant at age 13. Living in a gang infested neighborhood. She never got the chance to go to high school. Until now.

The Honor Guard is a dedicated group of volunteer officers who serve as formal representatives of the MPD at funerals, special events and other functions. Honor Guard representatives adhere to formal etiquette and wear ceremonial police uniforms. Members attend specialized trainings to hone skills in funeral protocol, rifle and flag team assignments as well as guard/usher duties. The Honor Guard remains a cherished tradition at the MPD, and in this podcast, team leader, Capt. Jen Krueger Favour, talks about the emotional toll some events can have on unit members.

A few spots remain in upcoming program The Community Academy is a free program designed to give the public a working knowledge and understanding of the values, goals, and operations of the City of Madison Police Department. Consisting of nine sessions of three house each, the Academy is held at the MPD’s state-of-the-art Training Center. In this podcast, Officer Tyler Grigg, who helps run the Academy, talks about how it helps forge stronger relationships between officers and community members.

Lt. Brian Chaney Austin, a member of MPD Pride, joins the podcast for a candid talk on how the Madison Police Department’s authorization to march in the recent Pride Parade was revoked. Lt. Chaney Austin says this was personally hurtful for many members of MPD Pride, but he and others in the unit now view the rebuff as a real opportunity to educate and forge better relationships between police and the LGBTQ community.

A challenging environment for the MPD Central District Captain Jason Freedman joins the podcast to walk listeners through the unique challenges of trying to maintain order in Wisconsin’s highest pedestrian traffic area: Upper State Street. A prized portion of the downtown entertainment district, the area is key to tourism, business and government vitality, but it is also home to panhandlers, drug dealers and other lawbreakers. Capt. Freedman talks about new strategies for maintaining decorum amongst a very diverse set of shareholders.

MPD’s Summer Youth Academies The MPD is working hard at breaking down barriers between young people and police by improving trust with middle school students. This summer officers of the Community Outreach and Resource Education (CORE) Team will be holding the Black Youth Academy and a Latino Youth Academy. In this podcast CORE Officer Deon Johnson talks about how his team is helping change lives and perceptions even among some who started out with very unfavorable opinions of police. He expects some attending this summer’s academies to very likely go on to join the Madison Police Department.

Amigos en Azul is one of the most well-known programs in the Madison Police Department. Officer Ricardo Franco joins us to talk about how he came to be part of this program. He tells us all about the upcoming Soccer program, including how participants can earn a trip to Chicago!

Gun violence is far too prevalent across our city. Secondary trauma affects people that we may never come in contact with and has them asking, "Is Madison still safe?" Officers David Dexheimer and Alex Nieves Reyes talk to us today about how they are working with kids and community partners to deal with the psychological and behavioral manifestations of this trauma.

Parking Enforcement Officers are not always the most liked city employees, but veteran Don Zwettler still loves the job after nearly four decades working Madison’s downtown. Zwettler joins the podcast to talk about the uniqueness of parking in a city built on an isthmus. He also regales listeners with favorite stories from the streets.

The number of critical incidents to which officers are responding is trending dramatically upwards this year. Helping them cope with baby deaths, teen suicides, gunshot victims and other serious calls is Tresa Martinez. She is the Administrator of Madison's Employee Assistance Program, and works hands-on with first responders as they try to manage stress. Martinez joins the podcast to talk about just how important her team is right now, and why other departments across the country should be looking to have similar assistance in place.

MPD subject matter expert sounds an alarm In this podcast Madison Police Traffic Specialist Deanna Reilly - a respected subject matter expert on the topic of impaired driving - talks about the alarming number of cases where marijuana using motorists are getting behind the wheel, creating danger on our roadways. Reilly looks to Colorado and Washington State to show how pot legalization can be tied to tragic consequences. Chief Koval is on record favoring legalizing marijuana. It all makes for an engaging podcast as he and Officer Reilly respectfully faceoff on the subject.

The intriguing journey of a new MPD recruit Officer Chelsea Wetjen grew up on an Iowa farm, studied animal husbandry in college and worked for a yogurt company upon graduation. She found her way to law school, the Dane County District Attorney’s office, and is now getting ready to fly solo as a brand new MPD officer. Her story is unique, but not unusual when you look at the diverse backgrounds of those who have felt the calling to serve the Madison community. Find out why a candid conversation with recruit officer Wetjen makes Chief Koval well up with pride. It’s all on this podcast.

The days of missile throwing, turning over squad cars, and demanding an end to war are but a memory, yet that which started during the Vietnam War continues on. Students and other merrymakers will soon be gathering on Mifflin St. for what has become a rite of passage in Madison each spring. The MPD has been working with residents in the run-up to the party on expectations and what will be tolerated by officers. In years past, the festivities have come in May, but this year the Mifflin party is slated for April 28th. Lt. Brian Austin, from the MPD’s Central District, joins Chief Koval in this podcast to talk all things “Miffland.”

There was a time when the MPD responded to protests with nightsticks and riot gear. Now the department is recognized nationally for how its Special Event Team keeps rallies, marches, and large gatherings peaceful. In this podcast, SET leader Capt. Tom Snyder joins Chief Koval to talk about the training and the mindset that has produced phenomenal success.