 |
|
| Mike Koval, City of Madison Police Department’s Chief of Police |
MADISON — Mike Koval, with one year as the City of Madison Police Department’s (MPD) Chief of Police under his belt, spoke to a rapt audience of the St. Thomas More Society recently. His topic was “Law Enforcement and the Law.”
With a quick sense of humor and an openness about his Catholic faith, he gave a synopsis of how the police force ensures that citizen rights under the Constitution are protected.
His humor was evident, letting the audience know that the Madison police force has “14 recovering J.D.’s,” people who have received their law degrees.
Importance of faith
Relating the importance of his faith, he said his role model was Fr. Theodore (Ted) Hesburgh, who had three priorities: God, country, and Notre Dame.
Chief Koval modifies that to be faith, family, and his Madison Police Department family.
John 2:5 is an important verse for him, where Mary, attending the wedding at Cana, directs servants and points to her Son and says, “Do whatever he tells you.” Koval will reflect often on this verse and believes it is part of his management style.
‘Overpolicing’?
One of the issues that has surfaced during Chief Koval’s tenure is the notion that some of Madison’s neighborhoods are being “overpoliced” which then contributes to the racial disparities evidenced in the criminal justice system.
Chief Koval shared data that reflects a different conclusion. Among 17 to 25 year-old persons of color, none of these neighborhoods are among the top 25 addresses for contacts leading to citation or arrest (the major malls, the bus hubs, and the high schools rank among the top 10 addresses).
Partnership with community
Chief Koval wants his department to work in partnership with community stakeholders in achieving greater legal literacy.
Once citizens have a better understanding of their rights, including a working knowledge of what the police powers and limitations are, the barriers that exist by a lack of knowledge or due to urban myths can be mitigated.
Koval created a mental health officer unit to provide a more comprehensive pre-emptive and collaborative response to those dealing with mental health crises.
If left to dreaming, Koval would love to see a model similar to that of San Antonio, where officers have a central place to bring people who have drug or alcohol problems or mental health issues. The people can receive a continuum of services more quickly and the police officer can be back protecting the city.
Re-booting police image
His final point was that in a post-911 world, people have a sense of insecurity and fear, allowing perceptions of the police to be viewed as “warriors” rather than protectors.
Chief Koval wants to re-boot that image, demonstrating MPD’s need (and desire) to be cast as “guardians,” there to protect and serve the most vulnerable in our midst.
Next meeting
The next St. Thomas More Society meeting will be Friday, June 5, at 12 noon at St. Patrick Church, 404 E. Main St., Madison.
This will be an Ethics Continuing Legal Education meeting entitled, “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Remembering Your Ethical Duties in Situations with Family and Friends.”
There is a special offer to introduce colleagues and friends to the value of the St. Thomas More Society. Each member will be able to bring one guest for a total cost of just $10, including lunch and beverage.
Reservations are due by Wednesday, June 3. Send your name and your guest’s name and contact information, along with your check for $10, to Deb O’Brien at DeWitt Ross and Stevens, S.C., 2 East Mifflin St., #600, Madison, WI 53703.
Non-members are welcome with a fee of $15. Law students are welcome at no charge.
Susanna Herro is president of the St. Thomas More Society in the Diocese of Madison.