Justice and Policing Task Force
Our purpose is to understand and remedy disparities in policing and responsiveness at the beginning stages of the criminal legal process
This task force is in the process of transitioning from the former public safety task force
pending approval by the MOSES Leadership Board
Please contact Doug Maynard if you are interested in exploring the work of this group
Our Goals
Out intended actions are to
- Collect both quantitative and qualitative data that, for educational purposes, informatively describe well-known disparities at early stages of the process: police stops, police reports, arrests, charging decisions
- Engage respectfully the police themselves and their internal monitoring systems regarding disparities
- Reduce the overall reliance on armed law enforcement officers for maintaining public safety for both juveniles and adults
- Attend and participate in the Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) for Madison
- Engage with the police and/or the Madison Police and Fire Commission with regard to current issues, such as hiring and leadership, body-worn cameras, and training
- Educate and draw from local member congregations and community organizations on these issues
Our People
More About Us: Background of the Former Public Safety Task Force (PSTF)
PSTF History
The Public Safety Task Force began in early Fall 2020. We define Public Safety as:
Protection of all community members from dangers to their lives, homes, physical security, and mental health. “We’re all safer when the larger community is fairer and safer.”
We are all responsible for public safety. Certain people are entrusted to be agents of public safety including but not limited to:
- traditional first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs)
- other professionals (mental health workers, AODA counselors, peer support specialists, medical providers, social workers, teachers and other school personnel, etc.)
- lawmakers, as they develop policy and systems
- community volunteers– including neighborhood associations, “violence interrupters,” restorative justice programs, churches, literacy and mentoring programs, community resource centers, promoters of economic opportunity and racial justice
- artists and cultural workers whose work is in the public sphere
These people are commissioned to protect and support all members of society, especially those who are vulnerable or less powerful.
PSTF Accomplishments
Met with representatives of Madison and Monona Police Departments including: Madison Police Chief Barnes, Monona Police Chief Chaney, and Madison Assistant Chief Patterson. Meeting focused on clarification of standard operating procedures pertaining to use or force and de-escalation and on understanding of current training practices.
Evaluated several models for addressing public safety based on work in California and at the national level to assess applicability in Madison and Dane County. These included California Blueprint for Shared Safety and Campaign Zero’s Eight Can’t Wait Campaign.
PSTF issue under consideration: De-escalation Training Reform
Wisconsin State statutes and funding mandate annual training, which limits local discretion to provide de-escalation training. To impact reforms in Madison and elsewhere in Dane County, we need to consider how to effectively impact these statewide constraints. The Public Safety Task Force has been considering whether this issue can feasibly be undertaken, based on the challenge of impacting statewide constraints. Considerations include development of a collaborative issue and action with WISDOM, the statewide organization associated with MOSES.