Triangle Community Ministry and residents of the Brittingham Apartments gathered today for their annual picnic — and we were happy to be there in support. Sunshine, a breeze off the bay keeping things comfortable, and the sounds of Madison New Horizons Band filling the air with the kinds of songs you know all the words to even if you don't know why.

The spread was everything a summer picnic should be, with plenty of good company. Even a pair of sandhill cranes couldn't resist — they wandered over to check out the spread and ended up staying for the music. Can't blame them.

Triangle Community Ministry volunteers turned out in force, and our Community Policing Advisory Board members showed up ready to serve: Johnny V. and and Kim and Patty Richman from East, Mrunalini K. from West, Will G. from South, and Elana L. and Steve Hoffenberg from Midtown.

Triangle Community Ministry and residents of the Brittingham Apartments gathered today for their annual picnic — and we were happy to be there in support.

Triangle Community Ministry volunteers turned out in force, and our Community Policing Advisory Board members showed up ready to serve: Johnny V. and and Kim and Patty Richman from East, Mrunalini K. from West, Will G. from South, and Elana L. and Steve Hoffenberg from Midtown.

Last night's Madison Police Department Midtown District Town Hall brought a great mix of residents, city alders, and MPD staff. Community members came ready to talk about real concerns: pedestrian and cyclist crosswalk safety , fireworks, mental health, and more.

Thanks to Midtown District leadership, officers, the CORE team, and Community Policing Advisors Elana Lagrone, Steve Hoffenberg, Kim Richman, and others for making the evening possible and keeping the dialogue going.

Monday night's Madison Police Department Central District Town Hall drew a great crowd — and even better conversation. Community members brought real questions and a range of perspectives on issues hitting close to home: concerns about the unhoused, mental health, traffic, and quality of life issues on the isthmus and beyond.

It was especially encouraging to see not just residents but also community and business leaders from the City of Madison, Wisconsin Government, Downtown Madison, Inc., and others showing up and engaging.

Thanks to Central District leadership, detectives, neighborhood officers, and Community Policing Advisors Paul Q. and CeCe P. for being part of the conversation.

A strong turnout at last night’s Madison Police Department South District Town Hall led to thoughtful discussion and questions from the community. Topics included traffic safety on South Park Street, children’s safety, neighborhood concerns, and ongoing cases. Appreciate the engagement from residents, South District leadership, detectives, neighborhood officers, and Community Policing Advisors Will G., D'Neece H., and Shar-Ron B.

Huge thanks to our MPCF Community Policing Advisory Board members who came out from across the city today to support Safe Communities and the African American Health Network of Dane County during their Drug Take Back Day!

Advisors helped collect unused medications at three sites throughout Madison — making it easy for folks to drive up and safely dispose of what they no longer need. Gun locks, Narcan, medicine lock boxes, and fentanyl test strips were also available to anyone who stopped by.

Missed it? No worries — safe medication disposal is available year-round. Visit safecommunities.org for MedDrop locations near you.

In recognition of Black History Month, community members gathered Thursday evening in the Atrium at Public Health Madison & Dane County for a substantive and forward-looking dialogue on leadership, service, and perspective.

The Madison Police Department’s South District Community Policing Advisory Board convened a distinguished panel of Black law enforcement officers — current and retired — to reflect on their professional journeys across Wisconsin and how their perspectives evolved over years of service.

Moderated by CPAB Advisor Shar-Ron Buie and organized in collaboration with MOSES, Madison JusticeTeam, and the Black Men Coalition, the evening brought together civic leaders and community members alike.

East CPAB Advisor Amee Lapke organized a winter clothing drive for residents of the Harmony and Meadowlands apartments, partnering with the North Star Neighborhood Association, fellow Advisors Kathy Jackson and Kim Richman, and MPD’s East Captain Marshall and Lieutenant Alan. They collected collecting approximately $500 in winter gear and $200 in food donations that were given to the River Food Pantry to help stock their new location.

Two Madison Police Department districts, one shared goal: making the season a little easier and brighter for local families.

On the North Side, officers and Community Policing Advisory Board member "Eve the Elf" spent time with kids and families at Lake View Elementary School shopping and wrapping gifts, with generous support from Toys for Tots.

On the South Side, the Madison Public Library hosted a toy giveaway where officers and CPAB member/Teen Librarian Will helped families choose gifts for kids, siblings, and grandkids. Thank you to Blain's Farm & Fleet and the Empty Stocking Club for making it possible.

A few hours, a lot of care, and moments that mattered.

A spaghetti dinner, a pickup game of football, and a lot of neighbors crossing paths and connecting. Thanks to Mentoring Positives, Inc., Project Babies, and Madison Police Department's East District for hosting an evening that turned a familiar space into a shared table.

Chilly Monday morning? Perfect excuse for lattes, laughs, hugs, and great conversation at Rasta Barista . Got to hang out with neighbors, Madison Police Department South District Captain Harrison Zanders, South District officers, and members of his Community Policing Advisory Board.

The kind of lingering that only happens when the coffee and the company are both awesome.

Yep, there were group photos. More than one. Coffee With a Cop was a wonderful way to kick off the day and spread some peace and holiday cheer!

When it’s 2 degrees outside, you bring the holiday cheer inside.

Huge thanks to the Elvehjem Neighborhood Association for organizing and hosting tonight’s Holiday in the Park—quickly and wisely relocated indoors—and to Twisted Grounds for opening their doors and making room for a wonderfully cozy night on Madison’s East Side.

Families braved the cold to gather with neighbors, enjoy cocoa, coffee, and an impressively stocked s’mores spread, and say hello to Santa himself . It was warm, intimate, and exactly the kind of community moment winter calls for.

The season of giving is here, and the Madison Police Department/MCPF family kicked it off with a favorite tradition: sharing Thanksgiving meal kits with neighbors who could use a little extra support. 🥧 🧡 With groceries gathered early at Metcalfe's Market, officers and volunteers – including West district and East district Community Policing Advisory Board members – packed up turkeys and holiday staples and set out across the city to deliver some seasonal cheer. ☺️

Big news worth cheering about! 🎉 MPD South District CPAB member Shar-Ron Buie was honored by MOSES on Saturday at their 2025 Transformation Celebration gala for his inspiring leadership and transformation. His story is one of grit, purpose, and community impact.

Smiles, hugs, and plenty of candy filled the afternoon at Trunk or Treat in the Bayview neighborhood! Kids came together with Madison Police Department's Midtown district and Community Policing Advisory Board to celebrate Halloween in a fun, safe, and festive way — and we loved being part of it! 🎃🍬🍫

Despite the chilly drizzle, Midtown’s Trunk or Treat at Marlborough Park on October 25 brought all the cozy fall vibes! 🎃🍂

Families gathered under the park shelter for chili, kringle, and pumpkin-carving fun, while kids made the rounds for candy at Halloween-themed squad cars. Officers, neighbors, and our Community Policing Advisory Board members Steve and Chris all bundled up to help make the afternoon welcoming and memorable.

Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped create a little October magic in the neighborhood! 👻✨

What a spooktacular Monday evening near Penn Park! Kids from the neighborhood came dressed to impress — superheroes, ghosts, and ghouls galore — and went home with plenty of treats thanks to Madison Police Department South District officers, Captain Harrison Zanders, Chief John Patterson, Advisors from the South District’s Community Policing Advisory Board, and 1 Pyramid at a Time. 🎃👻

It was a frightfully fun way to celebrate Halloween and connect with our community! Happy Halloween from all of us at the Madison Community Policing Foundation! 🕸️

🥕🍏 A little gray in the sky couldn’t dull the color and warmth at today’s fresh produce giveaway in Madison’s South District!

Neighbors stopped by to pick out crisp apples, acorn squash, carrots, and more — courtesy of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin in partnership with SSM Health.

Members of Madison Police Department South District and the South Community Policing Advisory Board were on hand to lend a hand and share smiles. During the event, officers even helped a community member rehome their dog — another example of neighbors helping neighbors in action. 💚

It’s always great to see our community come together to support one another — no matter the weather!

What an inspiring day for community policing in Madison!

MCPF board members and CPAB members were honored to celebrate the swearing-in of John Patterson as Madison's new Chief of Police in the Black Business Hub on S. Park St.

Chief Patterson has long believed in the power of partnership between police and community — in fact, he pioneered the CPAB model in 2017 while serving as South District Captain. It was only fitting that he returned to this community to take his oath as Chief.

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Officers, Commanders, and Community Policing Advisory Board members (D'Neece, Will, and Mary) from Madison Police Department's South district joined with neighbors at El Pollo Rumbero on Thursday in celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth.

We are so lucky for our Hispanic and Latino residents, families, businesses, nonprofits, and first responders who bring such rich and varied history, culture, contributions, and vibrancy to our southside neighborhoods in the City of Madison, Wisconsin.