East CPAB, South CPAB, Midtown CPAB Liz Merfeld East CPAB, South CPAB, Midtown CPAB Liz Merfeld

Advisors prep, serve, and clean up at Triangle Community Ministry summer picnic

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.

Read More
East CPAB, South CPAB, West CPAB, Midtown CPAB Liz Merfeld East CPAB, South CPAB, West CPAB, Midtown CPAB Liz Merfeld

Detectives and Advisors throughout Madison team up to serve at Triangle Community Ministry Monday Meal

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.

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Pedestrian safety a top focus of community members at South District Town Hall

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.

Read More

Advisors join Safe Communities’ Drug Take Back Day

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.

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Black History Month Community Conversation

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.

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Double Donation Day at the Great Dane

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.

Read More
South CPAB, North CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB, North CPAB Liz Merfeld

No Empty Stockings on Our Watch!

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.

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Coffee With a Cop in the South District

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!

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Holiday in the Park Finds Warmth Indoors in East District

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.

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Trunk or Treat fun in the South District!

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! 🕸️

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Fresh Produce Giveaway

🥕🍏 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!

Read More

Congratulations, Chief John Patterson!

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.

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

¡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.

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Black Community Recovery Rally

Neighborhood Officer Mitchell Favor, MCPF Board Member (and MPD's first African American female officer) Pia Kinney-James, Community Policing Advisory Board Member D’Neece Hettrick, and the Madison Police Department South District joined with neighbors over the weekend to elevate and celebrate Black voices in recovery — stories of resilience, healing, and service.

The Black Community Recovery Rally was hosted by the African American Opioid Coalition Dane County, A Safe Communities Project. "It was AWESOME!," said Hettrick, who has personal connections to community members who have thankfully recovered from addiction. "I did not want to leave."

Read More

National Night Out 2025

Community Policing Advisory Board members and MCPF board members had so much fun at #NationalNightOut with community members and friends from Madison Police Department, Amigos En Azul, Black Officer Coalition, and lots of other area first responders keeping our communities safe and strong!

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

11th Annual Unity Picnic

The Madison Police Department's South District and their Community Policing Advisory Board enjoyed meeting neighbors at the 11th Annual Unity Picnic on July 26 at the Urban League’s Black Business Hub on South Park St.). This family-friendly event with:

  • Delicious Food & Refreshments

  • Kids’ Corner with Fun Activities

  • Live Music & Entertainment

  • Community Resources

  • And Much More!

Read More
South CPAB Liz Merfeld South CPAB Liz Merfeld

Madison’s 23rd Annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebration

We celebrated freedom, culture, and Black resilience at Madison’s 23rd annual Juneteenth Parade to Penn Park, where Madison Police Department's South district officers and Community Policing Advisory Board members served up hot dogs with a heaping side of smiles and neighborly love.

Thanks to Advisors D'Neece and Will (repping Madison Public Library) for showing up for your community like you always do.

💙

Read More