Feds turn MPD down as staffing shortages loom

Recently the MPD learned it would not be getting any federal grant money to hire additional police officers in 2018. The bad news comes at a time when the Department is in a serious need of bolstering the patrol services ranks. The new Midtown Police District will be up and running this year, and the city’s annexation of the Town of Madison is looming, both of which will necessitate additional staffing. In this podcast Chief Mike Koval talks about next steps, why he thinks the feds might be kinder a year from now, and why he remains hopeful that city leaders will come through with funds to hire at least a few new officers next year.