A New Vision for MPD’s Future

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.