MADISON, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS)— The Madison Police and Fire Commission is asking for public input as they start to look at applications for the city’s next police chief.
Madison has been without a permanent police chief for almost a year now. Former chief Mike Koval retired at the end of September 2019.
However, the conversation around policing has dramatically changed since that time. Now, there’s more focus on fair policing than ever before.
The Police & Fire Commission has been seeking the community’s help, asking residents what they want to see in the city’s next top cop.
They’re holding virtual listening sessions so people can weigh in. One of those sessions was Saturday afternoon.
Only a few residents were at that virtual meeting, but hundreds of others have been sending emails, voicemails, and even snail mail to the commission. Police & Fire Commission President Nia Trammell said she’s happy so many people have responded to their call for input.
“I also would like a police chief that can help shape a culture of care, concern, and protection for all of Madison, and all Madison people,” said one resident Saturday. “For me, a concern is that the new police chief is open to feedback and criticism without taking it as an attack on either themselves or the MPD.”
“I’d also be really interested in seeing someone who is really committed to transparency and active engagement with our community, in a way that’s not combative,” another resident said. “I think access to data and information related to police conduct throughout the year is really important.”
As many in Madison start to rethink what they want the police department to look like, most of the residents who joined the call stressed that they want a chief with an open mind, who’s ready to listen to the community.
“I think it’s really important for us to hire someone who’s really open-minded to what a police force could look like,” said one resident. “And open-minded to giving up some power to other agencies, other ways of dealing with crisis.”
Trammell said she knows no matter who they choose, they will have a huge impact on the city and its people.
“Our hope is that we’ll have a police leader who will be a transformational figure, and who will work with the community,” Trammell said.
The application period for police chief candidates ends September 14. Then, the commission will start to review candidates.
There’s one more listening session at 5 p.m. Thursday, September 17. Residents can also send in comments, and complete a survey about their priorities for the next chief. For more information, click here.