By Gabriella Bachara
Jan 12, 2021 4:04 PM
MADISON, Wis.– Cities, including Madison, are taking close looks at their police department budgets, but Madison Police Department viewed a six-figure item as a must have in 2021.
MPD is partnering with a local psychotherapy practice to support the emotional well-being of their employees. All employees, both civilian and sworn, are required to take one mental health day this year and spend one hour of that day getting a wellness check.
“Sometimes there’s a stigma that might be associated with reaching out for help or asking for support,” Interim Chief Vic Wahl said. “We want to remove that and basically say everybody is doing that.”
News
Can people bring guns to the Capitol for an armed protest? MPD, Capitol police state the rules around this
January 13, 2021 11:22 AM Jamie Perez
Updated:
MADISON, Wis.– As police agencies prepare for potential armed protests in the coming days, they shared what the laws are when it comes to bringing guns to the State Capitol.
According to Capitol Police, an individual may carry a concealed weapon in any space within the State Capitol, unless that person is prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon such as a convicted felon. Firearms are not allowed in the offices of the Wisconsin State Capitol police or in the Supreme Court. Legislative officers throughout the Capitol can choose whether to post a sign on their door to signify that firearms are not allowed in their offices.
In the 15 months since former Madison police chief Mike Koval abruptly retired, the city implemented new civilian review mechanisms, a pandemic changed how police officers do their jobs and protesters filled downtown streets to protest police brutality.
Now a new police chief, Shon Barnes, is expected to enter the scene. He will be tasked with leading a department and city through these challenges, pending completion of a pre-employment background check. Barnes, currently the director of training and professional development for Chicago s police oversight group, accepted the offer that was extended from the Police and Fire Commission last week.
Shon Barnes
Dec 21, 2020
MADISON (WKOW) Dr. Shon Barnes has accepted an offer from the Police and Fire Commission to become the city of Madison s next police chief.
The mayor s office, citing city of Madison Human Resources Director Harper Donahue, confirmed that Barnes accepted the job in text messages to 27 News Monday.
Barnes is expected to start his first day with the Madison Police Department on Feb. 1.
Madison s Police and Fire Commissionvoted to offer Barnes the jobon Friday by a vote of three to two. Following a rigorous, comprehensive process and after thorough deliberations, the PFC has selected Dr. Shon F. Barnes to be our Chief of Police, the commission said in a statement. As is standard practice, the PFC will now be issuing a Conditional Offer of Appointment.
Dec 19, 2020
MADISON (WKOW) Madison s Police and Fire Commission have decided to offer the job of chief of police to Dr. Shon F. Barnes.
By a vote of three to two, the commissioners voted to offer Barnes the job at its Friday afternoon meeting. Following a rigorous, comprehensive process and after thorough deliberations, the PFC has selected Dr. Shon F. Barnes to be our Chief of Police, the commission said in a statement. As is standard practice, the PFC will now be issuing a Conditional Offer of Appointment.
Barnes is currently the Director of Training and Professional Development for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability in Chicago, Illinois.