The Madison Police Department Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Pending budget cuts and public safety Oct 19, 2020

Show notes

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.

Civil Unrest Investigation Oct 08, 2020

Show notes

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.

All about the Money Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

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.

MPD Cadets Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

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.

A MARI Success Story Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

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.

Teen Car Theives: A Disturbing Trend Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

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.

The ever changing and challenging world of digital forensics Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

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.

Saying thanks to some important guardians Jan 06, 2020

Show notes

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.

Quality of Madison policing at a crossroads? Dec 23, 2019

Show notes

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.

Winter Parking Dec 09, 2019

Show notes

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.