I think that officer safety is not only an emotional argument but also a logical and practical concern, especially for a small team. Proactive policing allows officers to address potential threats before they escalate into more dangerous incidents, thereby reducing risks. By engaging in proactive measures, officers prevent crimes, deter criminal behavior, and manage situations more effectively, ultimately enhancing safety. Proactive policing also has the potential to improve long-term social outcomes through early crime intervention, opportunities for rehabilitation, and prevention of recidivism. By providing alternative pathways that dissuade a continuation of dangerous behavior, proactive intervention can create opportunities for young people [...]

Yes, contracting with the Dane County Sheriff’s department has been explored. I do not recommend this course of action however due to several factors. Reimbursement to the County would likely result in a greater financial cost to the village than hiring our own officers. Additionally, community integration, policy differences, control and accountability, and potential dependency issues are significant concerns I have. I think that hiring additional full-time officers within our department is more beneficial for maintaining effective, community-focused policing. It ensures that officers are familiar with the specific needs and nuances of our community and can provide tailored and effective responses. [...]

Coordination with the north and central precincts is managed through multiple channels, including dispatch, direct radio contact, instant messaging, and established personal relationships. These relationships promote efficient communication and quick coordination for incidents that travel between jurisdictions.

The relationship with MPD and other surrounding agencies has been maintained and strengthened for many years through personal relationships, meetings, collaborative initiatives, and working groups. Regular communication through dispatch, direct radio contact, and instant messaging, as well as personal relationships between officers and supervisors, further enhance these partnerships. These efforts not only improve operational coordination but also build trust and cooperation between agencies. By actively engaging with neighboring agencies and participating in joint initiatives, we ensure that our mutual aid relationships are effective in enhancing public safety.

Yes, mutual aid agreements benefit Maple Bluff significantly, especially in terms of support received from the Madison Police Department (MPD). Although I do not have data on mutual aid provided by MPD, Maple Bluff averages about 400 mutual aid calls per year with MPD most frequently receiving our assistance. The mutual aid relationship with MPD is particularly valuable to our small team due to the resources, expertise, and specialized units that enhance what we get from their support.

The Village of Maple Bluff faces evolving public safety challenges that lead me, as Chief of Police, to recommend the addition of two full-time police officers. The rationale for this increase is grounded in several key factors: 1.     Increased Risk Environment: The current staffing model leaves officers working alone for 67% of their shifts, a practice that significantly increases risks, particularly in a growing metropolitan area. The increasing contacts with repeat offenders and more complex interactions due to surrounding growth has heightened these risks. Two additional officers will allow for safer, more effective policing by providing backup and reducing the vulnerability of [...]

Generally, officers will ride in separate vehicles to maximize patrol coverage and response times. Separate vehicles increase visibility within the community and allow officers to respond to incidents more swiftly from different locations, reducing overall response times. This also affords officers more options in responding to simultaneous calls or dividing labor to more effectively manage incidents. The primary risk of separate vehicles is the potential for officers to face higher-risk situations alone before backup arrives. Officers riding together ensure immediate backup and may be preferred in circumstances of elevated risk, such as presence of protest activity or threat intelligence. However, given [...]

While the department has historically provided quality services, the risk environment has evolved since the last staffing adjustment. The growing frequency of interactions with more dangerous offenders and complexity from urban growth in surrounding areas have increased the demands on our police force. Officers now face more difficult situations with seasoned criminals and repeat offenders, necessitating enhanced coverage and safety measures. The addition of two officers is a proactive measure to adapt to changing circumstances, address emerging challenges effectively, reduce the likelihood of tragic outcomes, and continue to provide the high-quality services residents expect.

Mutual aid agreements are valuable but have limitations that make them less reliable for immediate response needs. During peak times or simultaneous incidents in nearby jurisdictions, mutual aid officers may not always be immediately available, leading to delays in response times. These delays can compromise both officer and public safety, highlighting the importance of having adequate staffing within our own department to ensure immediate backup. Additionally, mutual aid officers may not be as familiar with the specific needs and nuances of our community as our own officers. This familiarity is crucial for providing tailored and effective responses to incidents. While mutual [...]