Chief Koval's Podcast

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.

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.