Progress on Key Public Safety Measures

We gathered recently to give the community an update about the State of Public Safety in Madison and how our efforts are making a difference. As a city, we're taking a holistic approach to community safety and using data-informed and evidenced-based solutions that focus not only on enforcement, but also on intervention and prevention. These include initiatives like stratified policing, Vision Zero, CARES, and the Violence Prevention Coalition.

With the lowest robbery rates in over a decade and significant drops in burglaries, the numbers are telling us that our community is safer, and our strategies are working. Shots fired have decreased 19% since last year, and more importantly, the number of people struck by gunfire has decreased 35%. 

Tragically, we did see an increase in homicides (from 6 to 10), largely driven by domestic violence and interpersonal conflict. One homicide in our community is one too many, so we have more work to do to prevent domestic violence and help people manage conflict in non-violent ways. We must also continue our work to eliminate traffic crashes that lead to fatalities or serious injuries. 

Rest assured we remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing these issues head-on, leveraging inclusive and innovative approaches to create a safer and more vibrant Madison for all. Collaboration between the Madison Police Department, Public Health Madison and Dane County, other City departments and community organizations will continue to be the foundation of our approach to public safety and violence prevention. You can be a part of the solution too by locking your home and car doors, properly storing your firearms, and reporting warning signs of domestic violence in our community - everyone has a stake and a say in keeping our city safe.  Help us build a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.